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Zilicun

Zilicun, also called Zili, is a village where diaolou towers stand among rice fields, ponds and homes. The setting reveals the links between architecture, defence and the productive landscape.

Zilicun
Photo by fuzheado Source: Wikimedia Commons Licence: CC BY 4.0
The place

What makes it special

  • See the towers in relation to rice fields, ponds and homes.
  • Look for narrow openings and features used for lookout.
  • Take time to experience the village landscape rather than focusing only on tower photographs.
Zilicun
Photo by fuzheado Source: Openverse Licence: CC BY 4.0
Travel atlas

Articles in Zilicun

Guides to this place

1 article

Zilicun

journal.travel Editorial

Guides to this place

1 related guides

Diaolou tower beside rice fields and a pond in Zili, Kaiping

Choosing Which Villages and Diaolou Towers to Visit in Kaiping

Kaiping’s diaolou are not isolated scenery: they are fortified homes, farming villages and a material record of migration. Choosing the right cluster matters more than trying to squeeze them all into a few hours.

Read guide →
Information in context

Sources and references

This profile summarises our destination guides. Their research sources and the geographical reference are listed below.

Profile updated: 27/09/2026