Zhaoxing Dong Village - No.1 Dong Village in China

The Dong ethnic group is one of China's 56 officially recognized ethnic groups and Zhaoxing Dong Village is famous as the "First Village of Dong Culture". Covering an area of 180,000 square meters, the village is home to over 1,100 households and a population of more than 6,000 people (as of 2012). Its size and scale make it a central hub for Dong culture and heritage. Traditional way of life is well-maintained, including unique customs, festivals, and the renowned Grand Song of Dong people, a UNESCO-recognized intangible cultural heritage.

Zhaoxing Dong Village has gained significant recognition for its cultural and natural beauty. It was named one of "China's Six Most Beautiful Ancient Towns and Villages" by Chinese National Geography in 2005, and selected as one of the "World's 33 Most Alluring Travel Destinations" by National Geographic Traveler in collaboration with National Geographic in 2007. Nestled in a basin surrounded by mountains, the village is traversed by a small river. The traditional stilted houses are constructed entirely of fir wood and feature double-eaved roofs covered with blue tiles. These houses are densely yet harmoniously arranged, showcasing a simple and practical architectural style. The iconic Five Drum Towers and Wind and Rain Bridges highlight its cultural and architectural brilliance.

Five Drum Towers are the most iconic feature of Zhaoxing Dong Village, each representing a traditional virtue: Benevolence (Ren), Righteousness (Yi), Propriety (Li), Wisdom (Zhi), and Trustworthiness (Xin). These towers are architectural masterpieces, built without nails, and have even been recorded in the Guinness World Records. The tiled roofs are adorned with intricate carvings or paintings of landscapes, birds, dragons, phoenixes, flowers, and human figures, all vividly brought to life. At the top of each drum tower hangs a long, narrow-waisted drum made of cowhide, from which the "drum tower" derives its name. In the past, when the village faced threats such as bandit raids or fires, a designated person would climb the tower to beat the drum as a warning. Today, the drum tower serves as the heart of the community, hosting significant life events such as ancestral worship ceremonies, village meetings, weddings, funerals, and welcoming or bidding farewell to guests. They symbolize the heart of Dong communal life and cultural identity.

Wind and Rain Bridges

Wind and Rain Bridge, also known as the Flower Bridge, stands as one of the most distinctive architectural marvels of the Dong culture. This ancient bridge is adorned with intricately painted and sculpted pillars, beams, and eaves, creating a vibrant and artistic structure. The corridor of the bridge is lined with long benches on both sides, offering a peaceful spot for people to rest and enjoy the surroundings. It is also a popular meeting place for young couples and a venue for antiphonal singing, a traditional Dong musical practice. Sitting on the bridge and listening to the soothing sounds of the flowing water, one can fully immerse in the tranquil atmosphere of the Dong village.

Grand Song of Dong People (侗族大歌)

Grand Song of Dong People is a traditional musical form popular in the Dong communities. In December 2009, Grand Song of Dong People was inscribed as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. This unique musical style is characterized by its polyphonic, unaccompanied, and conductor-less nature, showcasing the natural harmony of human voices. The structure of the Grand Song is both intricate and exquisite, featuring rhyming lyrics and melodious tunes. The lyrics often employ metaphorical and allegorical techniques, conveying profound meanings.

Spot 1 Village West Gate: Stand in the center of the terraced fields and take a stunning close-up with the mysterious gate of Zhaoxing Dong Village. The scene is especially enchanting at night when the lights illuminate the village;

Spot 2 Observation Deck: Before entering the village, take a moment to notice the signboard behind you - it leads to an observation deck facing the village gate. From here, you can enjoy a breathtaking bird's-eye view of the entire Dong Village. This spot offers a panoramic perspective of the terraced fields, the village, its streets, and the iconic drum towers.

Spot 3 The Five Drum Towers: Stand on the flower bridge with a drum tower as your backdrop, or wander through the narrow alleys and capture a photo with the drum towers in the frame.

Distance from Zhaoxing Dongzhai: about 11 km, 20 minutes' driving

Known for its stunning terraced fields, traditional Dong wooden stilt houses, and rich cultural heritage, Tang'an Dong Village is often regarded as a hidden gem and a living museum of Dong culture.

This village is nestled amidst rolling hills on three sides, with one side opening up to vast expanses of terraced fields, offering breathtaking panoramic views. At the heart of the village stands the Drum Tower. The Drum Tower, along with the Opera Tower and the Singing Ground, forms a trinity that embodies the unique cultural identity of Dong villages. The village is a maze of interconnected pathways, all paved with bluestone slabs. Additional structures such as granaries, water mills, fish ponds, and sacrificial ponds further highlight the village's distinctive cultural heritage.

Zhaoxing Dong Village is located in Liping County, Guizhou Province and near the border of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. It is approximately 212 kilometers from Kaili City and 295 kilometers from Guiyang, the capital of Guizhou Province.

How to Get to Zhaoxing Dong Village

By High-Speed Train plus taxi or bus: The closest high-speed railway station is Congjiang Railway Station (about 4km away). High speed trains are well connected with Guiyang (1.5-2hrs), Guilin (about 1hr), Yangshuo (1-1.5hrs), Guangzhou (3.5-4 hrs), Chengdu (about 5hrs), Chongqing (3.5-4hrs) and more destinations. After your arrival, you can take a taxi for about 10 minutes or a local bus for about 30 minutes to reach the village.

By Air plus taxi: The nearest airport is Qiandongnan Liping Airport, located about 60 kilometers away. It is not a popular choice for most travelers due to its limited flight options. From the airport, you can take a taxi for about 1 hours to Zhaoxing Dong Village.

By Car: Renting a car is another option catering for a flexible schedule in Guizhou and nearby destinations. If you want a comfortable, convenient, and hassle-free travel experience, China Discovery private transfer is highly recommended. We China Discovery offer licensed private cars and experienced drivers to ensure your journey seamless and enjoyable. Please feel free to contact us!

Liping County offers accommodation options primarily concentrating in the county center and major scenic areas like Zhaoxing Dong Village. Staying inside Zhaoxing Dong Village is highly recommended for tourists, as it provides a wide range of hotels, guesthouses, and traditional inns, exceeding the options available in surrounding areas. Additionally, staying within the village is convenient for exploring, especially during beautifully lit evenings.

There are not five-star hotels but a few high-end boutique hotels that offer comfortable stays. Traditional guesthouses and homestays are the most popular accommodation options. The village is roughly divided into three main areas, including area near the west gate, main street area, and east gate near the path to Tang’an Dong Village. The west gate area is highly recommended for its tranquil atmosphere, convenience, and breathtaking views. The main street is the bustling heart of the village, lined with restaurants, barbecue stalls, and bars. Some guesthouses near the east gate area can offer stunning views of the terraced fields. However, it is slightly farther from the village center.

Guizhou, a province renowned for its stunning karst landscapes and vibrant ethnic minority cultures, is best explored through a well-planned 5-7 days itinerary with 2-4 key destinations.

Most travelers will spend 1 day to visit drum towers, flower bridges, stilted houses and enjoy Grand Song of Dong people in Zhaoxing Dong Village. If you want an in-depth exploration of Guizhou’s rich ethnic minority cultures, you can combine more destinations in the Qiandongnan region for 3-4 days. Explore the charming towns of Kaili, Congjiang, and Rongjiang, where you’ll find traditional villages of the Miao and Dong people.

Recommended Guizhou Tour Packages with Ethnic Villages:

☛ 5 Days Southeast Guizhou Ethnic Tour with Amazing Cultural & Hiking Experience
☛ 5 Days Guizhou Miao & Dong Minority Tour

Many travelers begin their Guizhou adventure in Guiyang, the provincial capital, where you will learn about Guizhou’s history and culture by visiting landmarks like Jiaxiu Pavilion, Qingyan Ancient Town, and more for 1-2 days.

Recommended Guizhou Tour Packages with Historical Sites:

☛ 7 Days Best of Guizhou Tour with Nature & Culture Highlights
☛ 6 Days Classic Guizhou Tour to Huangguoshu & Authentic Southeast Guizhou

If you want to immerse in Guizhou’s natural landscapes, particularly its karst formations, you can spend 1-2 days heading to Huangguoshu Waterfall in Anshun, Seven Small Arches Scenic Area in Libo, or Wanfenglin (Ten Thousand Peaks Forest) in Xingyi. Don’t miss Mount Fanjing, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its peculiar mushroom-like rock pillars.

Recommended Guizhou Tour Packages Featured Natural Wonders:

☛ 6 Days Guizhou Natural Wonders Exploration from Guiyang
☛ 5 Days Guiyang Fanjingshan Tour with Huangguoshu Waterfall