Kaiping, (Hoiping) in the Greater Bay Area of Guangdong Province is famous as a hometown of many overseas Chinese and for its "diaolou", or defensive watchtowers. Two of our Life Members, Rocky Dang and Peter Stuckey have a project in the heart of the "diaolou" areas known as the Tangkou Community Project (www.tangkoucommunityproject.com) and are inviting us to join them there on an introductory weekend over Easter.
The Project provides a platform for visitors to explore and discover aspects of the extraordinary regional history, the unique architecture, the vibrant community and the ways of typical rural life in southern China. It is a revitalisation project with accommodation, restaurants, a farm where rice and many kinds of vegetables and fruit are grown and visitors are encouraged to get as hands-on as they wish, an open kitchen, a cycling centre, coffee shop, a garden courtyard and seminar facilities. We also have our own private access to an old mansion which still has many features just as when the owners left it many years ago.
We will be catching a coach from Central leaving at 9:40 am on the Friday morning. The coach takes around 4 hours all the way, via the Shenzhen Bay Immigration Check point. Upon arrival we will have a full program of activities, including visits to local mansions and diaolous (fortress towers funded by Overseas Chinese) built around a century ago. We will explore areas of interest including typical Lingnan diaolou villages. Explanation will be given of the importance of the overseas Chinese experience in this area and of the Tangkou Community Project. During the weekend we will include visits to the Li Gardens and the Zili UNESCO World heritage site. Some activities will involve cycling but alternative activities will be provided in case some participants do not wish to cycle. We will walk around the farm to learn more about rice growing and local produce and can have the opportunity to pick our own vegetables to share and take home. During the trip we will also enjoy some local gourmet meals and delicacies, especially with locally grown, fresh green ingredients. We will return by coach to Hong Kong on the Monday afternoon, arriving in the early evening.
Tour Price:
Four days / Three nights on a twin sharing basis: HK$3,000
Three days / Two nights on a twin sharing basis: HK$2,500
If you prefer to stay in a pleasant shared dormitory, without en suite, a discount of HK$500 can apply.
Single supplement of HK$500 applies.
Non-members surcharge: HKD$300
Tour Price Included:
Coach tickets, transport, en suite accommodation, all meals, entrance fees, guiding and bicycles.
Tour Price Excluded:
Insurance, visa fees, self-ordered drinks.
You will need to have a permit for crossing the border into Mainland China, either a visa or a return permit which you need to arrange yourself.
You must also arrange your own insurance.
For enquiries:
Please send your expression of interest, or commitment, as soon as possible or forward any query you may have to: Peter Stuckey at peterstuckey@yahoo.com.hk
About China Visa for your reference:
The official website for China Visa applications is: http://www.visaforchina.cn
Those who are reluctant to use the online facility for China Visa application may wish to check out Shoestring Travel at Flat 4, 4/Floor, Alpha House, 27-33 Nathan Road, Tsimshatsui.
Registration and payment:
Please email membership@royalasiaticsociety.org.hk in advance, copied to peterstuckey@yahoo.com.hk to register your attendance.
The details of the payment methods will be emailed to those people who email us for booking. Upon receipt of payment, your registration will be confirmed by email.
Registration deadline 12pm noon 15 March 2024