[Denglou of the Fang’s Family in Tangkou Town]

　　The most typical Diaolou belongs to the Fang’s clan. It was built in 1920, made of armored concrete. Located in an open area, this typical vigil tower was designed to watch neighborhood security. It was equipped with such defensive devices as electric generators for emergency, searchlights, and firearms.

　　Did you notice that we are back to Tangkou Town? Anything else to see in this town? Yes, a garden called Liyuan.

　　[Kaiping Liyuan]

　　Liyuan is located in Beiyi Village, Tangkou Town. This village is known as the hometown of many overseas Chinese. Completed in 1936, it is a stately home with a canal, two gardens and many other things. Liyuan takes in and displays the elements from both Chinese and western garden designs. The two Chinese Characters “Liyuan ” are there on the tall arched gate.

　　Liyuan is divided into three areas: villa area, big garden area and small garden area. Its main constructions include a torii with the two Chinese characters “Li Yuan”, a decorated archway with the four Chinese characters “Xiu Shen Li Ben”, four kiosks on the bridges, and two ancient roman-style structures (“bird’s nest” and “vine kiosk”). Couplets and calligraphy from famous people that we see here and there create traditional Chinese cultural milieu in Liyuan.

　　A canal was dug to bring together the aforementioned three areas. Long cloisters go along with the water. Spotted on the canal are small bridges, kiosks and pavilions. The design of the canal is the most eye-catching feature in Liyuan.

　　Walking along the cloister with colored paintings for 100 meters, we will come to Liyuan’s villa area. “Pan Li” and “Pan Wen” are the two most spectacular villas among the total of six.

　　From the design of the villas, we can see the combination of Chinese and western elements. The roof of the villa follows the architectural styles of Ancient Chinese palaces while its body adopts western architectural patterns. The stairs, floors, the decorations of the walls are not the exception. Telling examples are the western-style fireplaces, droplights, Italian ceramic tiles, Chinese-style mahogany furniture, folktale frescos and gilded woodcarvings.

　　Liyuan enjoys not only an exquisite art of architecture, but also rich traditional Chinese culture. The host of Liyuan held the philosophy of life that self-cultivation is the most important thing in one’s life. So when he placed emphasis on cultivating lofty virtues, he encouraged to have high quality leisure time.