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Zhaoxing Dong Village (肇兴侗寨) Facts
Location: Liping County, Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, Guizhou Province, China
Entrance Fee: ¥80 per person, valid for three days
Ethnic Group: Dong ethnic minority
Size: One of the largest Dong villages in China, with over 1,000 households
Main Features:
- Five Drum Towers – each representing a different Dong clan
- Grand Dong Song – UNESCO-recognized polyphonic singing tradition
- Wind and Rain Bridges – covered wooden bridges that serve as gathering spots
- Stilted Wooden Houses – traditional Dong-style architecture built without nails
Zhaoxing Dong Village (肇兴侗寨) nestles in a mountain basin where two streams converge into a gentle river flowing through the village. It offers a tranquil retreat into the cultural heart of southwest China—ideal for travelers seeking authentic ethnic traditions, soulful folk music, and serene rural landscapes.
Five Drum Towers (鼓楼) - Landmark of Zhaoxing Dong Village
What is Dong Drum Tower?
A Dong Drum Tower (侗族鼓楼) is the iconic wooden structure found in Dong ethnic villages in southern China, especially in Guizhou, Guangxi, and Hunan. It serves as the spiritual and social heart of the village—used for ceremonies, festivals, meetings, rest, and even performances.
It’s typically built without nails, using interlocking wooden beams, and features tiered roofs, a central drum, and elaborate carvings. Each tower is built with an even number of symmetrical sides and an odd number of tiers, with each level’s eaves gracefully projecting outward in layers of flying cornices.
What Makes Zhaoxing Drum Towers Special?
Zhaoxing is home to five such drum towers. Each tower also embodies one of the five Confucian virtues—benevolence, righteousness, courtesy, wisdom, and trust—infusing the village’s architecture with deep cultural meaning.
These five towers, along with five wind-and-rain bridges (风雨桥) and five opera stages, vary in height, size, and design. Together, they earned Zhaoxing a place in the Guinness World Records and the title “Hometown of Drum Tower Culture and Art.”
Here is the detailed information about the Five Drum Towers:
| Drum Tower | Built | Height | Structure | Highlights | Symbolism |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ren (Benevolence) | 19th century | 18.47 m | 7-tiered, 8-sided spire | Represents the ship’s bow, leading the Dong village forward | Leadership, direction |
| Yi (Righteousness) | 18th century | 23.36 m | 11-tiered, 8-sided spire | One of the village’s two "main masts," with detailed eave carvings | Strength, village unity |
| Li (Courtesy) | 17th century | 21.37 m | 13-tiered, 8-sided spire | Features carvings of Dong love legend Zhulang & Niangmei (珠郎娘美) on second tier | Love, tradition, happiness |
| Zhi (Wisdom) | Unknown | 14.9 m | 9-tiered, hip roof | Carvings of lions, phoenixes, and "dragons chasing a pearl" | Wisdom, protection |
| Xin (Trust) | 18th century | 24.37 m | 11-tiered, 8-sided spire | Tallest tower, with “Five Dragons Flying” on top and vivid animal carvings | Integrity, completion (ship’s tail) |
Grand Dong Song (大歌) - UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage
What Are the Grand Dong Songs?
The Grand Dong Songs (侗族大歌, Dòngzú dàgē) is known as the "Sound of Nature". It’s a unique form of polyphonic choral singing performed by the Dong ethnic minority in China. Recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, these songs are:
- Sung a cappella, with no instruments
- Passed down orally from generation to generation
- Multi-part harmony with rich vocal layering—singers weave melodies together like threads in a tapestry
- Themes include nature, love, ethics, history, and Dong legends
Highlights of the Grand Dong Songs in Zhaoxing
Zhaoxing Dong Village is the best place in China to experience Grand Dong Songs. Here is what you can expect in Zhaoxing:
| Highlight | Details |
|---|---|
| Live Performances | Villagers—often dressed in Dong costumes—perform in village squares or opera stages |
| Traditional Knowledge Keepers | Performed by elders and younger villagers alike, preserving ancient tradition |
| Authentic Setting | Performed in drum towers or local stages, surrounded by traditional Dong architecture |
| No Microphones or Instruments | Songs rely on natural acoustics and vocal harmony |
| Emotion and Connection | The songs are deeply emotional, sometimes joyous, sometimes nostalgic |
Grand Dong Song performances can be found in many areas of Zhaoxing Dong Village. In the evening, bonfire parties—usually with an entrance fee—are held in the five drum tower areas, featuring 1 to 2 hours of Dong song performances.
During the day, there are often free welcome performances at scheduled times in the village entrance square.
In addition, some restaurants, cafés, and folk museums also host smaller-scale Dong song performances to attract visitors.
Note: The Grand Dong Songs were also featured in the soundtrack of Ne Zha 2 (2025), the highest-grossing animated film in China that year.
Other Things to Do in Zhaoxing Dong Village
1. Hike to Tang’an Dong Village
Start from Zhaoxing and follow an 8-km scenic trail through rice terraces to reach Tang’an Dong Village, often called a "living museum" of Dong culture.
This peaceful hike offers fresh air, beautiful terrace views, and a look into real rural life. Stay for a stunning terrace sunset (if weather allows), then return to Zhaoxing by a 20-minute car ride.
2. Sample Local Dong Cuisine
Wander through Zhaoxing’s alleyways and you’ll find plenty of family-run restaurants offering authentic Dong food:
Sour Soup Fish: A Dong staple, often paired with fish or beef—flavorful and refreshing.
Sticky Rice with Barbecue: Steaming sticky rice wrapped around spicy grilled pork—an aromatic street food delight.
Grilled Pork Skewers: You’ll smell them all along the main street. The pork comes from locally raised pigs, grilled with signature spices for a rich local flavor.
3. Experience Dong Batik and Tie-Dye
Many small shops in the village sell tie-dyed and batik clothes, bags, and souvenirs. Some also offer hands-on workshops. Local artisans will teach you about the history of dyeing in Zhaoxing and guide you to create your own piece—a handmade scarf or bag to take home.
4. Enjoy Panoramic View on the Observation Deck
A hillside viewing platform on the west side of the village entrance offers amazing views. From here, enjoy the panorama of drum towers nestled in the valley, framed by layered terraces. Stay until nightfall to see the village light up magically.
5. Join Local Unique Festivals
Zhaoxing celebrates several lively festivals:
- Grain Rain Festival (April 20): Locals make black sticky rice, smear their faces with ash, and toss bamboo baskets at each other for fun. Expect singing, Lusheng dancing, and long-table feasts.
- Liuyueliu Festival (六月六around July): Married daughters return to their hometown dressed in festival outfits, bringing Zongzi (粽子) and Duck (鸭子) for ancestral offerings—it’s like a mini-Dragon Boat Festival.
- Dong Song Festival (November): A big harvest celebration featuring grand performances of the famous Dong songs. Everyone dresses up and sings together in fields and under drum towers.
- Dong New Year (around December): The grandest Dong celebration with parades, sticky rice pounding, feasts, and rituals like ancestor worship and carrying the "official figure."
6. Wear Dong Costumes
Try on beautifully embroidered traditional Dong clothes—perfect for photos and getting into the festive spirit, especially during holidays or cultural events.
How to Explore Zhaoxing Dong Village? (Map & Route)
Zhaoxing Dong Village is best explored together with nearby Tang’an Dong Village and its scenic rice terraces. A half day to one full day is usually enough to take in the highlights. Follow our simple map and suggested route to enjoy a smooth and memorable visit.
As shown on the map, Zhaoxing stretches lengthwise from west to east. A stream and the main 1.5-kilometer-long pedestrian street run through the entire village. The iconic five Drum Towers : Ren (Benevolence), Yi (Righteousness), Li (Courtesy), Zhi (Wisdom), and Xin (Trust), are dotted along both sides of the stream.
The village entrance is on the west end, just past a small terraced field that climbs the hillside. About halfway up the hill, you’ll find a panoramic observation deck that offers fantastic views of both the rice terraces and the village below.
Tang’an Dong Village is located about 8 km to the east, nestled higher in the mountains. You can either hike there along a scenic 2–3 hour trail lined with terraced fields, or take a 20-minute shuttle bus up a winding mountain road.
Recommended Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in the late afternoon. Head straight to the observation deck for a sweeping view of the village and surrounding rice fields. Then stroll through the village for a couple of hours, enjoy a local dinner, and end the night with a lively performance of the Grand Dong Songs.
Day 2: In the early morning light, make your way to Tang’an Dong Village. Board a shuttle bus on the east side of the village for a 20-minute drive up into the hills. Once there, take in the peaceful atmosphere and panoramic views of the Tang’an rice terraces — a perfect rural escape.
How to Get to Zhaoxing Dong Village?
Zhaoxing Dong Village is located in southeastern Guizhou, near the border with Guangxi. It’s remote but now quite accessible thanks to the high-speed train and improved roads.
By High-Speed Train (Most Recommended)
Congjiang Railway Station (从江站) is the closest station, just 7 kilometers from Zhaoxing Dong Village. From Congjiang Station, you can take a local taxi or shuttle bus to the village entrance in just 20 minutes.
You can take a high-speed train from the following cities:
Guiyang (1.5 h), Guilin (50 min), Guangzhou (4 h), Chengdu (5-6 h), Chongqing (4 h)
Tip: Need help booking tickets? Asia Odyssey Travel can arrange them for you!
By Road
If you prefer to travel by road, it’s also possible to drive from Guiyang, a roughly 4-hour trip covering about 300 kilometers.
This route offers the flexibility to visit several fascinating spots along the way, including Shiqiao Village (famous for traditional paper-making), Matang Gejia Village, the iconic Xijiang Miao Village, and other charming Dong and Miao communities like Langde, Basha, Zhanli, and Dali.
Traveling from Guilin by road is also a great option. The journey takes about 3 hours, covering 200 kilometers of scenic countryside.
By Air (Not Very Convenient)
The nearest airport is Qiandongnan Liping Airport (HZH), but flights are very limited—only connecting to a few cities like Hangzhou and Chongqing.
We recommend flying into one of the larger airports:
- Guiyang Longdongbao International Airport (KWE)
- Guilin Liangjiang International Airport (KWL)
Then, take a high-speed train to Congjiang Station and transfer to Zhaoxing.
Best Time to Visit Zhaoxing Dong Village
The ideal time to visit Zhaoxing Dong Village is from April to June and September to November.
From April to June, the rice terraces are filled with water, creating beautiful mirror-like reflections—perfect for hiking and photography. Don’t miss the Grain Rain Festival on April 20, a lively celebration full of traditional Dong customs.
In September and October, the golden rice fields stretch across the hills, offering some of the most peaceful and scenic walks of the year. Come November, the Dong Song Festival fills the village with music and joy, making it one of the most heartwarming times to visit.
Summer can be hot, but the lush green terraces are full of life and worth seeing. In winter, temperatures drop and the fields lie quiet, but the Dong New Year in December is a unique and festive experience if you don’t mind the cold.
Where to Stay in Zhaoxing Dong Village?
Zhaoxing Dong Village offers a wide range of accommodation, from charming guesthouses to boutique wooden lodges built in traditional Dong architectural style. Most are run by friendly locals, offering you a warm and authentic village experience. Many guesthouses offer rooms with balcony views of the village or rice terraces, and some even have traditional Dong-style decor.
There are three main areas where you can choose to stay:
- West Entrance Area (near the village gate): This is the most recommended zone. It’s quieter, and if you stay on a higher floor, you can enjoy panoramic views of the entire village.
- Central Main Street: This area is convenient for shopping, dining, and catching cultural performances. However, it's a bit livelier and can be noisy, especially near bars and restaurants.
- East End of the Village: Located on slightly higher ground, this area also offers wide views and more peace and quiet. Some rooms overlook the terraced fields. It’s more secluded, but that means a longer walk and possibly some uphill climbing.
Nearby Attractions to Combine with Zhaoxing Dong Village
If you’re already visiting Zhaoxing Dong Village, you’re in the perfect spot to explore more of Guizhou’s rich ethnic culture and stunning landscapes.
Basha Miao Village (岜沙苗寨): About 1 hour from Zhaoxing, this Miao village is famous for its gun-wielding culture, traditional hairstyles, and unique customs you won’t see elsewhere.
Zhanli & Dali Dong Villages (占里侗寨,大利侗寨): Hidden gems less visited by tourists. Zhanli is known for its “fertility secrets,” while Dali boasts beautiful drum towers and serene countryside vibes.
Jiabang Rice Terraces (加榜梯田): About 3–4 hours away, these spectacular, layered terraces are a hidden treasure. Best visited April–June (water-filled) or September–October (golden harvest).
Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village (西江千户苗寨): The largest Miao village in China, Xijiang is known for its sweeping hillside wooden houses, grand performances, and vibrant night views. It’s a bit farther but can be part of a longer Guizhou itinerary.
Extend Your Zhaoxing Dong Village Adventure in Guizhou
Zhaoxing Dong Village is just a small part of the various Guizhou. Try to spare some days to the following destinations:
Huangguoshu Waterfall (1–2 days)
One of the largest waterfalls in Asia, Huangguoshu is a spectacular sight with powerful cascades and lush scenery. You can even walk behind the falls through a hidden cave path for a close-up view.
Libo Zhangjiang Scenic Area (1–2 days)
Known as “China’s Little Jiuzhaigou,” Libo is a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with karst landscapes, turquoise rivers, and dense forests—perfect for nature lovers and photographers.
Fanjingshan (1–2 days)
A sacred Buddhist mountain and UNESCO site, Fanjingshan is famous for its bizarre rock formations and sea-of-cloud views. Climbing to the summit temples offers a spiritual and unforgettable experience.
Here is an outline of the suggesting itinerary:
- Day 1: Arrive in Guiyang
- Day 2: Guiyang to Huangguoshu Waterfall (黄果树瀑布) (2 hours), stay in Anshun for overnight.
- Day 3: Drive from Anshun to Libo (4 hours). Visit the Xiaoqikong Scenic Area (小七孔).
- Day 4: Libo to Jiabang Rice Terraces (加榜梯田) (4 hours). Stay in Jiabang for overnight
- Day 5: Drive from Jiabang to Zhaoxing (3 hours), visiting the Zhanli Dong Village and Basha Miao Village along the way. Stay overnight in Zhaoxing Dong Village.
- Day 6: Drive from Zhaoxing to Kaili, visiting Langde Miao Village(朗德苗上寨) and Matang Gejia Village (麻塘亻革家寨) along the way.
- Day 7: Drive back to Guiyang and departure.
Explore Zhaoxing Dong Village with Asia Odyssey Travel
Step into the heart of Dong culture with Asia Odyssey Travel as your guide. With our thoughtfully designed Guizhou tour packages, you'll walk ancient cobblestone paths, taste authentic Dong cuisine, and experience traditional music and festivals up close.
Whether it’s hiking to the tranquil Tang’an Village, trying your hand at indigo dyeing, or watching a vibrant bonfire performance at night, we help you discover the charm of Zhaoxing beyond the guidebooks.
Let Asia Odyssey Travel take care of the details—so you can slow down and truly connect with the people, the landscape, and the spirit of this extraordinary place.
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