Zhaoxing Dong Village

Known as the biggest and oldest Dong village in China, Zhaoxing Dong Village is located in Liping county of the Qiandongnan Miao and Dong autonomous prefecture, southeastern Guizhou. In 2005, it was ranked one of China's six most beautiful villages and towns by Chinese National Geography. It holds over 1,000 households and nearly 6,000 inhabitants. A small river runs through the village, which lies in a basin amidst the green mountains with terraced fields creeping upwards along the slopes. The Dong people inhabit timber-made houses built row upon row on the hillside.

The village is a wonderland for Dong festivals, songs and dancing. The most famous event is the Grand Song, a unique polyphonic folk music tradition that has been passed down from generation to generation for over 2,500 years. Visitors can also have the opportunity to enjoy the hospitability of the Dong people.

The village is also well-known for its five beautiful drum towers, five wind-and-rain (flower) bridges and five theater stages, all scattered across the five villages. A drum tower is a multi-storied pagoda-like wooden structure built without the use of any nails. As a symbol of a Dong village, it is usually the tallest building. It is used as a venue to host special events and ceremonies.

Tips

Best time to go: All year

Admission: 70 yuan ($11.44)/person

How to get there: Take a bus from Liping county to Zhaoxing.