( CNN ) -- They 're tall , they 're historic and they 're one of the most significant collections of freestanding treasures of ancient China . No , they 're not the Terracotta Warriors of Xi'an . They 're the `` diaolou '' of Kaiping , more than 1,800 centuries-old watchtowers that dot the rice fields around the city of Kaiping in the Guangdong Province . Despite the city 's gorgeous landscape and a UNESCO World Heritage Site listing , Kaiping sees relatively few visitors each year -- for China , anyway . Last year 's record 600,000 visitors was disappointing for local officials , who lament that Kaiping is more deserving of visitors than more well known cities in China , which can hit that number in a week . China 's official desire to raise Kaiping 's profile is understandable -- the city offers a rare and tranquil travel experience that doubles as a history lesson on unique Chinese architecture . Fusion architecture . The multistory watchtowers were built in the beginning of the Ming Dynasty ( 1368-1644 ) as a defensive response to incessant bandit raids . Heavy flooding in the area also played into the need for towers and three types of diaolou emerged over the centuries ; defensive , residential and communal . `` Most diaolou were designed with reinforced structures , thick walls and small windows , '' explains Liwen Huang , marketing manager for the Tourism Administration of Kaiping Travel Resource Development Center . At the beginning of the 20th century , Kaiping became a major source of overseas emigres . Many Kaiping natives eventually returned to the homes with newly acquired wealth , and built diaolou with Western touches incorporated into the architecture . Residential diaolou became a way for owners ' to display their wealth via flamboyant designs . Along with the ancient diaolou 's historic significance , the unique fusion of Chinese and Western architecture was a major factor in UNESCO 's 2007 decision to confer World Heritage Site designation upon the structures . China 's ancient donut-like homes : Where to see the tulou . Baroque , Roman and Gothic influences are clearly visible in many of the watchtowers . `` Chinese who went overseas brought these exotic elements back home , as they found Western architecture splendid while they were abroad , '' says Huang . In some cases , local builders worked from images on postcards that were sent from abroad , creating unique designs . Li Garden . The best example of a luxurious diaolou can be found at Li Garden , in the Beiyi Xiang district . Built in 1936 by wealthy Chinese emigrant businessman Weili Xie ( he had four wives and more than 20 children ) , the 11,000-square-meter complex is composed of one diaolou , six villas , two gardens , waterways and bridges . The luxurious interior was built with materials imported from overseas . Quanzhou : China 's forgotten historic port . The complex was equipped with then-modern Western elements , such as flushing toilets , sinks , marble tile and fireplaces -- this at a time when most Chinese were living in tiny cottages with outdoor toilets . The garden has 20-meter steel pillars , a huge golden pavilion shaped like a birdcage and a green pond for turtles . Each window was built with at least four panes of glass to protect against firearms . What to eat while in town . Sweets are a specialty of Kaiping street stalls . Grass jelly : Made of mesona chinensis , a Chinese herb , grass jelly is one of Kaiping 's most popular summer snacks . The jelly tastes best when served with shaved ice , syrup , honey or condensed milk . The sweetness balances the mild bitterness of the herb . Tofu pudding : A popular local dessert , tofu pudding has a delicate , creamy texture . Locals add a little sugar to make it more flavorful . Maltose sticks : A short wooden stick is used to stir , then mount melted maltose -- turning it into a delicious golden , sticky snack . How to get there . Fly to Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport , take a taxi to Tianhe Coach Terminal Station , which should cost about RMB120 ( $ 20 ) ; buses depart from Tianhe Coach Terminal Station to Kaiping from 7:30 a.m. to 7:15 p.m. ; tickets cost RMB38 ( $ 6 ) .
The watchtowers in Kaiping , China , were originally built for defense against bandit raids . Score: 6 In the early 20th century , wealthy emigrants returned to Kaiping and built more towers with Western influences .