Tangkou is a fertile region with charming rice fields and a wide variety of agricultural produce. It is a hometown of many overseas Chinese famed for its "diaolou", or defensive watchtowers set in a beautiful natural environment. Rocky Dang and Peter Stuckey have a project in the heart of the "diaolou" areas known as the Tangkou Community Project (www.tangkoucommunityproject.com) and are inviting us to join them there on an introductory weekend.
The Project provides a platform for visitors to explore and discover aspects of the farming, the extraordinary regional history, the unique architecture, the vibrant community, the natural history and the ways of typical rural life in southern China. It is a revitalisation project with
accommodation, restaurants, a courtyard garden and a two hectare farm where rice and many kinds of vegetables, fruit and herbs are grown and visitors are encouraged to get as hands-on as they wish. We also have an open kitchen, a cycling centre, coffee shop and seminar
facilities. We have our own private access to an old mansion which still has many features just as they were when the owners left it many years ago.
We will be catching a coach from Central leaving at 9:40 am on the Friday morning. The coach takes around 4 hours all the way, via the Shenzhen Bay Immigration Check point.
Upon arrival we will have a full program of activities, including visits to local mansions and diaolous built around a century ago. During the weekend we will include visits to the Li Gardens and the Zili UNESCO World heritage site. We will explore areas of interest including typical Lingnan diaolou villages. Explanation will be given of the importance of the overseas Chinese experience in this area, of the Tangkou Community Project and of the nature encountered in the area.
Some activities will involve cycling but alternative activities will be provided in case some participants do not wish to cycle. We will walk around the farm to learn more about rice growing and local produce and have the opportunity to pick our own vegetables to share and
take home. During the trip we will also enjoy some local gourmet meals and delicacies, especially with locally grown, fresh green ingredients. We will return by coach to Hong Kong on the Monday afternoon, arriving in the early evening.
Tour Price:
Four days / Three nights on a twin sharing basis: HK$2,680
If you prefer to stay in a pleasant shared dormitory, without ensuite (but air conditioned with plenty of toilets and good 24 hours availability of hot showers), a discount of HK$680 per person can apply.
For single occupancy in a private room a supplement of HK$500 applies.
Tour Price Includes:
Return coach tickets, ensuite accommodation, all meals, entrance fees, activities including bicycles.
Tour Price Excludes:
Insurance, visa fees, self-ordered drinks.
You will need to have a permit for crossing the border into Mainland China, either a visa or a return permit which you need to arrange yourself.
You must also arrange your own insurances.
Earlybird commitment by 15 November 2024:
a one year membership of HK Natural History Society will be granted free of charge to new members, or for existing members their membership will be renewed free of charge for a further year.
Please register your interest and we will contact you to organise payment for the event. Deadline for Payment will be 6th December. Please only register if you intend to join the event, as we will need to book transport & accommodation.
