Kaiping Tangkou: Peter Stuckey, Blue Paintings, and the Village That Refuses to Fade

So there I was, sitting in the Four Seasons Restaurant in Kaiping Tangkou (yes, that Four Seasons), when I bumped into Peter Stuckey. Now, Peter’s no ordinary retiree—he’s not out here sipping margaritas on a beach or playing bingo. Oh no. This guy spends his days volunteering at the Tangkou Community Project , jetting back and forth between Hong Kong and Kaiping Tangkou like some kind of cultural superhero.

As we chatted, I couldn’t help but feel a mix of awe and curiosity bubbling up inside me. Peter leaned in and said, “Kaiping Tangkou ? The Siyi region? It’s got a history you won’t find anywhere else in the world.” He went on about the diaolou —those fortress-like watchtowers—and the overseas Chinese culture that makes Kaiping Tangkou so unique. But then he sighed, shaking his head. “Problem is, some of these treasures are being torn down. Replaced with stuff that doesn’t belong here. It’s heartbreaking.”

And just like that, he whipped out a stack of notes thicker than my grandma’s recipe book. Turns out, Peter’s been researching everything from blue paintings (you know, those murals in old overseas Chinese homes) to the first batch of Qing dynasty-sponsored students sent abroad—one of whom, apparently, came from a nearby village in Kaiping Tangkou .

The Farm That’s Bringing History Back to Life

Peter told me all about the Tangkou Community Project , started by his buddy Rocky Deng. Rocky’s an overseas Chinese guy born in Vietnam, whose grandpa fled Guangdong during tough times. Fast forward a few decades, and now Rocky’s living in Hong Kong and pouring his heart into revitalizing Kaiping Tangkou .

The farm itself? Picture this: 30 mu (about 2 hectares) of land once left to rot, now buzzing with activity. There’s rice paddies, fruit trees, veggies, and even a flock of chickens running around like they own the place. They’ve got two expert farmers leading the charge, but visitors can jump in too—planting seeds, harvesting rice, or baking chickens in earthen ovens. Yeah, you heard me right. Earthen ovens. Apparently, it’s a tradition tied to Chinese New Year in Kaiping Tangkou , and let me tell you, roasted chicken never smelled so good.

Oh, and get this—they barely use any pesticides or fertilizers. Instead, they rely on good ol’ chicken poop and natural farming methods. “It’s about respecting the land,” Peter said, nodding sagely. “We want people to reconnect with their roots—not just eat healthier veggies.”

Then there’s the TK-Space , which is basically the beating heart of the whole operation in Kaiping Tangkou . Imagine four buildings transformed from forgotten factories into something magical:

• The Village Inn & Hostel : Once a watchmaking factory, now a cozy inn that sleeps up to 100 people. Dorm-style rooms for the backpackers, VIP suites for those who like their privacy, and public spaces perfect for chilling or hosting events.

• The Granary Restaurant : A former lampshade factory turned into a restaurant-bar-meeting-space hybrid. Think air-conditioned dining areas, open kitchens, and a library where you can sip coffee while pretending to read Tolstoy.

• The Pak Lo Mansion : Built in 1934 in fusion style, this place still has its original furniture and paintings. One painting shows villagers dreaming of America—airplanes, steamships, fancy villas. Talk about wanderlust frozen in time.

• The Stone Museum : Housed in a restored diaolou, this museum feels like stepping into an amazing banquet of stones. Each stone is set out like a dish, and you can geek out over local history as you wander through.

Why Kaiping Tangkou Is the Coolest Place You Haven’t Visited Yet

Here’s the thing about Kaiping Tangkou —it’s not just about preserving old buildings or growing organic veggies. It’s about creating a space where locals, overseas Chinese, and international visitors can come together. Where kids from Hong Kong can learn how to plant rice, and where elderly villagers can teach them tricks passed down through generations.

Take Yazhi , for example. She’s the manager of the TK-Farm’s seasonal kitchen and grew up in Kaiping Tangkou . Every summer during high school, she’d intern at TK-Space. After graduating university, she decided to stay. “There’s so much opportunity in rural areas now,” she told me. “I believe in Kaiping Tangkou ’s future.”

And Yazhi’s not alone. Since 2011, the project has attracted interns, volunteers, and entrepreneurs eager to contribute to the community. Whether it’s hosting cycling events, organizing heritage workshops, or throwing music festivals under the stars, Kaiping Tangkou is alive with energy, encouraging the younger generation either to stay or to return to this rural area.

A Little Bit of Magic in Every Corner

Walking around Kaiping Tangkou feels like stepping into a time machine. You’ve got the Guangdong Greenway hiking trail passing right through, connecting you to UNESCO World Heritage diaolous and lotus ponds. Then there’s the Stone Museum , where the stones are set out like an amazing banquet of food, and you can geek out over local history.

But what really struck me was the spirit of the place. It’s not just about nostalgia—it’s about progress. Sustainable farming? Check. Cultural exchange? Double check. Even the local grannies get involved, sharing recipes and stories over steaming bowls of soup.

As Peter put it, “This isn’t just a farm or a museum. It’s a bridge between the past and the future.” And honestly? I couldn’t agree more.

So What Are You Waiting For?

If you ever find yourself near Kaiping Tangkou , do yourself a favor and head straight there. Spend a day planting rice, roasting chickens, or wandering through the diaolous. Heck, bring the family—they’ll love it. Or don’t. Either way, you’ll leave with a belly full of fresh food, a head full of stories, and maybe even a little bit of inspiration.

Because if Peter and Rocky can breathe new life into a sleepy village in Kaiping Tangkou , imagine what you could do.

Want to learn more? Check out their website at tangkoucommunityproject.com for all the details on how to get involved, plan a visit, or support this incredible initiative.