Nestled among the mountains of Liping County, Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, Zhaoxing Dong Village in Guizhou is hailed as one of China’s six most beautiful rural ancient towns by Chinese National Geography. As the largest Dong village in China, it boasts the title “No.1 Dong Village” with no excessive commercial hustle—only blue-brick and black-tiled wooden buildings, winding streams, scattered drum towers, and millennia-old Dong culture. Whether you love cultural exploration, natural scenery, or primitive folk experiences, it offers a unique journey to unwind amid green mountains and clear waters.
Transportation Guide: Convenient Routes to the Village
Getting to Zhaoxing Dong Village is hassle-free, whether by public transport or self-driving. From Guiyang, the provincial capital, the recommended option is high-speed rail: depart from Guiyang North Railway Station to Congjiang Railway Station (1.5 hours, around 100 RMB). After exiting the station, turn right to take the scenic area direct shuttle bus (10 RMB per person, 15 minutes to the entrance), avoiding transfers. For self-driving, navigate directly to Zhaoxing Dong Village Tourist Center, park in the parking lot, and switch to the scenic sightseeing bus (round-trip ticket about 20 RMB, valid for multiple rides).
Inside the village, the area is compact, making walking the best way to explore. Wander through stone lanes and Wind and Rain Bridges to discover surprises everywhere. If you lack stamina, rent an electric scooter (around 30 RMB per day) for easy travel. Note that the village has many stone paths—wear comfortable flat shoes instead of high heels for a better experience.
Zhaoxing Dong Village
Core Attractions: Architectural Wonders of Drum Towers and Wind and Rain Bridges
The most iconic landmarks of Zhaoxing are the five drum towers named after the Confucian virtues: Ren (Benevolence), Yi (Righteousness), Li (Propriety), Zhi (Wisdom), and Xin (Faith). Corresponding to the five clan settlements in the village, they were listed in the Guinness World Records in 2001 as a unique cultural symbol. The Dong people have a saying: “Build the drum tower first, then the village.” More than a showcase of exquisite Dong architecture, the drum tower is the cultural heart—hosting collective discussions, guest receptions, and festival celebrations.
Arranged from the village entrance to the foot, the five drum towers vary in style yet blend harmoniously: Ren Group Drum Tower (7 stories), Yi and Xin Group Drum Towers (11 stories each), Li Group Drum Tower (9 stories), and Zhi Group Drum Tower (13 stories). Except for the palace-style roof of Zhi Group Drum Tower, the others have pyramid-shaped roofs. A local legend says Zhaoxing’s terrain resembles a sailing ship—Zhi Group Drum Tower is the canopy, and the other four are masts. Ren Tower is “light” and Xin Tower is “heavy” to keep the ship sailing smoothly. Crafted with mortise and tenon structure (column-and-tie and beam-lifting techniques) without a single nail, the drum towers feature layered eaves adorned with traditional cultural paintings, showcasing meticulous craftsmanship in every detail.
Complementing the drum towers are the crisscrossing Wind and Rain Bridges—together with the Dong Grand Chorus, they are known as the “Three Treasures of the Dong People.” More than just crossings over streams, these bridges are places for villagers to relax, cool off, and chat. Adorned with traditional Dong patterns, their corridors display corn, red peppers, and other crops, brimming with rural charm. At dusk, the setting sun casts light on the bridges, their reflections dancing in the clear streams, forming a stunning landscape with the wooden buildings—perfect for photography.
Folk Experiences: Immerse in Dong Culture
A trip to Zhaoxing is incomplete without experiencing local folk activities. The unmissable highlight is the Dong Grand Chorus, a World Intangible Cultural Heritage. This a cappella, conductor-less polyphonic singing—clear and melodious like celestial music—celebrates mountains, rivers, and folk customs, embodying the Dong people’s love for life.
Performances are usually held under drum towers or special venues. Opt for shows organized by local villagers: though the venues are simple, they offer authentic experiences (tickets 80-100 RMB, with discounts via homestay owners). Another sacred event is the Sama Festival, the oldest and most solemn sacrifice of the Dong people. “Sama” means “Grandmother” in Dong, the tribe’s protective deity. During the Dong New Year, villagers dress in traditional costumes and parade under the leadership of elders to pray for peace and a bumper harvest—don’t miss it if you visit during the festival.
Other experiences include renting Dong ethnic costumes (30-50 RMB for half a day, including hairstyle and simple accessories) to pose amid drum towers and bridges, or trying tie-dye production (50-100 RMB). Guided by local artisans, you can create unique souvenirs from white cloth to finished products, gaining a strong sense of achievement.
Nearby Must-Visit: Tang’an Terraces – Nature and Humanity in Harmony
After exploring Zhaoxing, don’t miss Tang’an Terraces, 2 kilometers from the village. A masterpiece of the Dong ancestors’ harmonious coexistence with nature, it’s a paradise for hikers. There are two ways to get there: hike the ancient trail (6 km round trip, 2.5 hours one way) to pass villages, streams, and rice fields; or take a bus (20 RMB round trip, 20 minutes) and walk 15 minutes to the viewing platform if you’re short on energy.
Tang’an Terraces shine in every season: spring brings mist-shrouded poetic scenery; early summer sees terraces filled with water, reflecting sky and clouds like mirrors; autumn showcases golden rice waves swaying in the wind. From the top viewing platform, you can overlook the terraces and Tang’an Dong Village, with wooden buildings nested in green mountains—a primitive pastoral painting. After the tour, savor authentic sour soup fish at local farmhouses to refresh yourself.
Zhaoxing Dong Village
Food and Accommodation: Taste and Rest in the Village
Zhaoxing’s cuisine is full of local flavors. The must-try is sour soup fish: fresh rice field fish boiled in special sour soup, spicy and appetizing. Old restaurants near drum towers offer authentic taste at reasonable prices. Other delicacies include grilled pork skewers, glutinous rice wrapped with roasted pork (a popular breakfast, filling with pork, pickled vegetables, and peanuts), and oil tea (a savory Dong drink made from tea leaves, glutinous rice, and peanuts—an acquired taste that grows on you).
Accommodation options are abundant. For convenience and liveliness, choose homestays near the main street—some rooms face drum towers, offering night views of lit towers. For tranquility, opt for riverside or mountain homestays (note more insect sounds but a peaceful environment). Prices fluctuate by season: 150-300 RMB on weekdays, doubling during holidays—book in advance. Check fire-fighting facilities (critical for wooden buildings) and prepare mosquito coils and moisture-proof supplies as rooms may be damp.
Practical Tips for a Guizhou Smooth Journey
The entrance ticket is 80-100 RMB, valid for 3 days with multiple entries—book online in advance to avoid sold-out tickets during peak seasons. The best travel times are spring (April-May, terraces filled with water) and autumn (September-October, golden rice fields), with comfortable weather and stunning scenery. Weekdays offer cheaper accommodation and quieter surroundings for a better experience.
The Dong people are friendly, but respect local customs: take a sip of gate-blocking wine (explain politely if you can’t drink); avoid loud noise in drum towers (public spaces); ask permission before photographing villagers or children. When buying souvenirs, avoid street vendors—purchase silver jewelry and other items at the tourist center or old craft shops for quality assurance. Some stalls or elders may only accept cash, so carry some for convenience.
The Beauty of Dong Village and a Worry-Free Trip
The charm of Zhaoxing Dong Village lies in the eaves of drum towers, the melody of folk songs, the waves of terraces, and the simple smiles of locals. Here, time slows down, allowing you to embrace the millennia-old Dong culture. For a hassle-free trip, choose China Dragon Travel—its rich local routes and attentive service let you fully immerse in Zhaoxing’s landscapes and culture, creating an unforgettable journey in Qiandongnan.
