Zhaoxing Dong Village (肇兴侗寨), located in Liping County of Qiandongnan, Guizhou, is China’s largest Dong ethnic minority village, often called the “No. 1 Dong Village” . With over 4,000 villagers in 800+ households, it’s nestled in a valley surrounded by mountains and a stream.
This living community retains its traditional stilt wooden houses, wind‑and‑rain bridges, and a cluster of five majestic drum towers.
Learn more about Guizhou Province:
History & Culture of Zhaoxing Dong Village
Founded around 1160 during the Southern Song Dynasty, according to oral tradition.
Zhaoxing has been officially recognized for its cultural importance: Named a 4A tourist site and one of China’s “most beautiful rural towns”.
In 2001, its drum towers were entered into the Guinness World Records.
The village is a hub of Dong intangible cultural heritage. Five drum towers representing the clans and their values (Ren, Yi, Li, Zhi, Xin) serve as gathering places for drum calls, folk performances, chess, and conversation.
Dong grand song (polyphonic chorus) and opera troupes keep musical traditions alive, especially during festivals.
What to see in Zhaoxing
Five Drum Towers & Flower (Rain‑and‑Wind) Bridges: Each of the towers has its own accompanying bridge, acting as cultural centers in the heart of village life.
Classic Dong Architecture: Stilt-built wooden homes, temples, clan halls, and communal squares blend harmony with nature.
Live Cultural Performances: Enjoy Dong choir singing, opera, and traditional festivals at scheduled events or informal gatherings.
Local Crafts & Cuisine. Traditional crafts: embroidery, batik, silverwork. Sample dishes: sour soup fish, rice tofu, oil‑tea, and local specialties like the unique “niu nie” hotpot.
Scenic Hikes to Tang’an Village: A peaceful trek through rice terraces leads to the nearby Dong village of Tang’an — often quieter and equally picturesque.
How to visit Zhaoxing Dong Village
By High-Speed Train: Take the Guiyang–Congjiang high-speed rail to Congjiang Station, then a 10‑minute shuttle bus to Zhaoxing.
Book your trip to Zhaoxing Village:
- Book your entrance ticket here: village timeslot
- Zhaoxing Dong Village + Tang’an Terraced Fields one-day tour
By Bus:
From Liping: 9 buses/day (~07:20–16:45), ~45 min, 21–22 CNY
From Congjiang: 2 buses/day (~7:30 and 13:00), ~20 min, 15 CNY.
By Car/Driver: Guāizhōu provincial roads or expressways via Congjiang → Liping → Zhaoxing.
Tickets
- Village entrance: ¥80
- Shuttle bus in village: ¥20 roundtrip.
- Discounts: Locals, students, seniors, children often eligible.
Best time to visit
- March–October: Festivals are active, weather mild
- Early morning/late afternoon: Best for photos and quiet atmosphere
Why visit Zhaoxing?
Authentic Dong culture: Architecture, music, cuisine, and community life fully preserved.
Visually stunning and the best photography: Wooden stilt homes and lush surroundings create a cinematic scene.
Cultural immersion: Feel the rhythmic drum beats, vibrant songs, and friendliness of the villagers.
Economic revitalization: Tourism supports over 2,000 locals, with thriving guesthouses, homestays, and craft workshops.
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