Zhaoxing Dong Village
Zhaoxing Dong Village
Historical Overview
Origins: Founded during the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644), Zhaoxing thrived as a center of Dong culture, preserving its language, music, and architecture.
Cultural Revival: In the 20th century, the village gained recognition for its intangible heritage, including the Grand Song of the Dong people (a UNESCO-listed polyphonic choral tradition).
Modern Tourism: Since the 2000s, Zhaoxing has embraced sustainable tourism, hosting Festivals like the Sama Festival (a harvest celebration) and attracting visitors seeking authentic cultural experiences.
Structural Layout
The village’s layout reflects Dong cosmology, with five Drum Towers (symbolizing harmony) and winding alleys connecting stilted wooden houses.
Drum Towers: Each of the five towers (Renshou, YiXiang, Zhenlong, Renhe, and Fulong) serves as a community gathering space, featuring intricate carvings and symbolic designs.
Stilted Houses: Traditional Dong dwellings, known as Diaojiaolou, are built on stilts to protect against floods and wild animals.
Wind and Rain Bridges: These covered bridges (e.g., Chengyang Bridge) double as social hubs and shelters for travelers.
Major Attractions
Drum Tower Complex: Explore the Renshou Drum Tower (the tallest at 25 meters) and learn about Dong governance systems.
Dong Grand Song Performances: Witness a cappella choral concerts led by village elders, showcasing 2,500-year-old musical traditions.
Lusheng Festival Museum: Discover the lusheng (bamboo flute) and its role in Dong rituals and courtship.
Handicraft Workshops: Try indigo dyeing, embroidery, or silversmithing with local artisans.
Cultural Experiences
Festivals: Join the Sama Festival (August/September) for rice wine, long-table banquets, and traditional dances.
Homestays: Stay in a Diaojiaolou with a Dong family, savoring home-cooked meals like suan tangyu (sour fish soup).
Agricultural Traditions: Participate in rice planting or harvesting, observing terraced fields irrigated by ancient systems.
Suggested Itineraries
Half-Day Tour
Morning: Visit the Renshou Drum Tower → Lusheng Museum → Wind and Rain Bridge.
Afternoon: Watch a Grand Song performance → Explore handicraft workshops.
Full-Day Tour
Morning: Drum Tower complex → Homestay breakfast → Terraced field walk.
Afternoon: Sama Festival preparations (if in season) → Long-table banquet.
Evening: Nightscape photography of illuminated drum towers.
Ticket Purchase & Logistics
Entry Fees: Free access to the village; some workshops/performances may charge ¥20–50.
Guided Tours: ¥100–200 for 2-hour English/Chinese tours (includes cultural insights).
By Bus: From Kaili (2 hours) or Congjiang (30 minutes).
By Train: High-speed rail to Congjiang Station, then a 15-minute taxi ride.
Best Time & Tips
Avoid Crowds: Visit weekdays or during low season (November–March).
Festivals: Plan trips around Sama (August/September) or Lusheng (November) for immersive experiences.
Essentials:
Respect local customs (remove shoes in homes).
Bring cash for small purchases (few vendors accept cards).
Photography: Ask permission before taking portraits.
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What Our Clients Say?
Based on 10,000+ traveler reviews
Daniel Dorothea
Canada
Reviewed on April 29,2025
Shopping on Nanjing Road in Shanghai was just amazing! It's truly the "First Commercial Street of China", where tradition and modernity blend perfectly. You can find awesome souvenirs and experience the trendy vibes in cool stores. The neon lights at night are just spectacular, shining bright like Times Square in New York. The food here is incredible too. I had a feast for my taste buds. Shanghai, I'll definitely be back!
Destination(s):
Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2024
Elvis Eva
Canada
Reviewed on June 20,2025
As a solo traveler from Canada, I was nervous about navigating China alone—but this 11-day tour was PERFECT! From hiking the Great Wall at sunrise (Day 3) to gasping at the Terracotta Army (Day 5), every day delivered ‘pinch-me’ moments. The real showstopper? Zhangjiajie’s Avatar Mountains (Day 7)! Our guide made the stone pillars come alive with stories.
Massive thanks for handling all logistics—bullet train tickets, entry passes, car! And the 4-star hotels surprised me.
Destination(s):
Beijing Xian Zhangjiajie Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
June 02,2025
Simon
America
Reviewed on May 29,2025
Our 2-day Zhangjiajie tour was beyond spectacular! As someone who’s visited Beijing and Shanghai for work, this trip revealed China’s wild, magical heart. Day 1 in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park felt like stepping onto Pandora—I’m a huge Avatar fan, and Yuanjiajie’s floating peaks left me breathless. The misty pillars and lush valleys like pure movie magic!
Then came Fenghuang Ancient Town, we eat dinner beside the thundering waterfall. It seems Unreal! The night views of stilt houses glowing over the river were straight from a fairy tale.
For fellow Avatar lovers and adventure seekers: Don’t miss this bucket-list experience! 10/10 would return.
A Well-Traveled Film Buff, May 2025
Destination(s):
Zhangjiajie
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2025
