An ariel view of Jiangmen, Guangdong. /CFP
An ariel view of Jiangmen, Guangdong. /CFP
During the recently concluded May Day holiday, many well-known tourist destinations in China were inundated with visitors. Owing to the popularity of the TV drama "The Knockout," the small city of Jiangmen in Guangdong was among them.
The show focuses on the 20-year struggle between a detective and a criminal gang, with the fictional city of "Jinghai" being filmed in Jiangmen. As a result of the drama's popularity, many fans have traveled to the city to see it for themselves.
According to data released by local authorities, Jiangmen welcomed 765,200 visitors during the first two days of the May Day holiday, with revenue amounting to 439 million yuan. (about $63 million U.S. dollars) This marks increases of 173.01% and 184.29%, respectively, compared to the previous year, and growth of 34.25% and 26.03% from 2019.
People walk along Sanshisanxu street in Jiangmen, Guangdong. /CFP
People walk along Sanshisanxu street in Jiangmen, Guangdong. /CFP
The drama features many scenes filmed in Sanshisanxu Street, where fans now flock to take photos.
The name of the street derives from the 33 steps located there, making it the most recognizable attraction in Jiangmen. It comprises historic lanes such as Xuting, Beijie, and Changdi, and boasts a history of over 600 years.
A diverse range of shops that have stood the test of time line both sides of the street, representing the birthplace of Jiangmen's economic and cultural development.
Kaiping Diaolou is another popular destination in Jiangmen that should not be missed. /CFP
Kaiping Diaolou is another popular destination in Jiangmen that should not be missed. /CFP
Kaiping Diaolou is another popular destination in Jiangmen that should not be missed. The name signifies architectural structures with both local Chinese and Western characteristics that serve the purposes of defense and housing, making them unique and fascinating to explore.
The multi-story towers of Kaiping Diaolou are taller than ordinary homes, providing residents with a strategic vantage point to defend themselves more effectively in the event of an attack. The walls of these buildings are thicker and stronger than those of ordinary homes, and the windows are smaller with iron grilles and shutters, and exterior iron plate doors and windows.
In 2007, "Kaiping Diaolou and Villages" was included in UNESCO's World Cultural Heritage project and was officially listed as the UN agency's 35th World Heritage site in China.