The history of Kaiping Diaolou The rise of Kaiping Diaolou is closely related to Kaiping's geographical environment and past social security. Kaiping is low-lying with dense river networks. In the past, the water conservancy was in disrepair for a long time, and every time there was a typhoon and rainstorm, there was always the worry of being flooded. In addition, the territory under its jurisdiction used to be the remote border of Xinhui, Taishan, Enping and Xinxing counties, which has always been known as "caring for the four" and the social order is chaotic. Therefore, in the early Qing Dynasty, villagers built watchtowers to prevent floods and bandits. After the Opium War, the rule of the Qing government became more decadent. Because of the plan of Kaiping Diaolou, Kaiping people began to go abroad in large numbers to make a living. After a generation or even several generations of efforts, they gradually have some industries. By the time of the Republic of China, wars were more frequent and bandits were particularly rampant. Because of the blend of mountains and rivers, convenient land and water transportation in Kaiping, and the relatively comfortable life of overseas Chinese and returned overseas Chinese, bandits concentrated in Kaiping area to commit crimes. At that time, Shao Zhang, Zhu Bing, Hu Nan, Hou Wan, Tan Qin, Wu Jinfa, Zhang Zhan and Huang Bao were big bandits in the county. They plundered everywhere, causing countless tragedies. According to rough statistics, from 19 12 to 1930, about 7 1 occurred in Kaiping, killing more than 100 people, capturing more than 2 10 cows and plundering countless other properties. At that time, the county town of Cangcheng was captured three times, and even the county magistrate Zhu was captured. At the slightest sign of trouble, people gather up their gold and silver and hide everywhere, often with a few surprises at night and sleepless nights. When overseas Chinese return home, they often dare not stay at home, but go to market towns or relatives' homes, and often change their accommodation places, otherwise they will be in danger of losing their families. During the period from the first year of the Republic of China (19 12) to the fifteenth year of the Republic of China (1926), bandits robbed schools eight times and captured more than 0/00 teachers and students. Among them, in the eleventh year of the Republic of China (1922), when several bandits robbed Kaiping Middle School in Chikan area, they were illuminated by the searchlights of Yingcun watchtower, and four township groups intercepted them in time, intercepting the principal and students 17. This incident caused a sensation in the county, and overseas Chinese were surprised to hear the news. They think the watchtower has played a role in preventing bandits. So, they scrimped and saved, and sent money back to their hometown to build a watchtower. Later, some overseas Chinese built various towers when they returned home to build new houses for the safety of their families and the protection of their property. In this way, the number of towers has become a major feature of Kaiping, the hometown of overseas Chinese, reaching more than 3,000 at most, with 1833 existing. At present, Kaiping Diaolou World Cultural Heritage Project has been approved. This will bring booming tourism to Kaiping.