A rain shower after Start of Autumn, one of the 24 Solar Terms, cleaned up Caobian Village in South District. Standing on Huali Street in the village, the blue-brick overseas Chinese houses look elegant and the watchtowers stand among quietly, with lush trees in the mountains surrounding. Caobian Village, a hometown of overseas Chinese and a popular destination among netizens, is well-preserved with its primitive appearance.

"Caobian Village is a remarkable place full of outstanding people. In the times of the ancient Chinese dynasties, two successful candidates and one champion scholar in the highest imperial examinations were born here, the most among any other ancient villages in Zhongshan." Wu Junwei, the first secretary of the CPC Beixi Community Committee, who was sent to Caobian Village last year, spends nearly all his time in the village, and he is very familiar with its history.

"The most prominent characteristic of Caobian Village should be the overseas Chinese elements. The village has a permanent residence of only about 500 people, but it is the hometown of over 3,000 people overseas. Caobian School that was endowed by overseas Chinese, the four big and four small watchtowers and many overseas Chinese houses all showcase the village's rich cultural background." Wu added.

Over the past hundred years, overseas Chinese have contributed to the infrastructure development in the village by funding the construction of bridges and road repair. There are many streets named after the donors, and the ideas regarding rural construction of overseas Chinese have also influenced the development of their hometown.

Caobian School still plays a part on its original site today.

There are many well-preserved watchtowers in Caobian Village.

An exhibition room of overseas Chinese culture is set up in Caobian Village.

This round-shaped blockhouse is a landmark building in Caobian Village.