This episode of “Ancient Charm of China” takes you to an old town on the western edge of the Pearl River Delta in south China's Guangdong Province, one that turns the clock back over 300 years.

In the city of Kaiping lies a National Historic and Cultural Town of China called Chikan that was built along the Tanjiang River in 1649. Its location by the riverside made it a maritime hub, a center for emigration and a bustling market town.

What impresses visitors first is its unique architectural style. Diaolou, the multi-floored defensive village houses, demonstrates the fusion of Chinese and Western architectural styles.

Once an emigration center, Chikan was frequently visited by overseas Chinese, or huaqiao in Mandarin, which explains the incorporation of European architectural styles.

Built during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) in response to local banditry, the buildings still retain a harmonious relationship with the surrounding landscape. 

Chikan was originally run by two rival clans, the Situ and the Guan, who, respectively, resided in the lower and upper reaches of the Tanjiang River. 

Their competition can be seen from the two renowned libraries in the town, one called Situ's Library, the other, Guan's Library, both funded by overseas Chinese in the 1920s and incorporated Western features including a large clock.

As the historic town encounters the problem of aging, the local government launched a renovation project in 2017. It is expected to attract an increasing number of tourists after remodeling.

Some of the local dishes include tofu jiao, a typical local snack made of tofu that is crispy on the outside and tender in the inside, and is a must-try dish. Additionally, claypot rice is favored by local people and tourists. 

(Cover image by Sa Ren, video edited by Li Yahui)