Over a century ago, returning overseas Chinese from Kaiping, Guangdong, brought their creativity to life by integrating ancient Greek arches, Roman columns, and even Byzantine domes into the designs of traditional Chinese Diaolou (defensive village houses). This architectural fusion turned the countryside into a “World Architecture Expo,” marking a unique chapter in the history of global migration. Originally built as shelters during times of war and unrest, these structures also reflect the deep nostalgia of Chinese people living far from their homeland. Today, over 1,800 Diaolou still stand in the countryside of Lingnan region, serving as enduring symbols of the early fusion of Eastern and Western cultures by the Chinese people.
