Zhaoxing - the largest Dong Village in Guizhou

Zhaoxing, in east Guizhou province is one of those little towns you should visit. The best way to travel to the little town, if you ask me, is by bicycle. Cycling to Zhaoxing is an experience in it self.

Zhaoxing town on a rainy day

What is so special about Zhaoxing? Apart of just coming here and experience some rural China, there are the local Dong minority, the Drum Towers and the Wind and Rain Bridges (there are about 50 in the area of Zhaoxing and Sanjiang (where you find the most beautiful)

The Dong Minority

The Dong form one of the 56 ethnic groups officially recognized in China. They are famous for their carpentry skills and unique architecture (drum towers and "wind and rain bridge". Many of the people are also farmers. Their cuisine prominently features pickled foods and sticky rice.

The Dong live mostly in Guizhou, Hunan, and Guangxi. Although they speak Mandarin they have their own language is a Tai-Kadai (or Zhuang-Dong) language.

Entrance ticket for Zhaoxing

Zhaoxing

Zhaoxing is a little town north west of Guilin, in east Guizhou. It is laid out in a hilly landscape where most people are farmers. Although there are many Dong villages, few are as impressive or reasonable easy to access as Zhaoxing.

The town is still mostly traditional build. There are a few more modern buildings but most is still typical Dong styled architecture.

The heart of the town is, as usual the market area. Markets are usually held in the mornings. But it is not the market you would want to see although it is a great place to watch people.

Zhaoxing is primarily famous for it's 5 Drum Towers, 5 performance stages and 5 Wind and Rain Bridges.

The Dong Towers are traditionally used for performances and announcements, even today they are in use.

Getting there and away

There are no direct buses from either Guilin or Guiyang. You can take a bus to Sanjiang and from there a bus to Zhaoxing. The journey takes 4 to 5 hours if the road is in decent condition.

From Guiyang the best option is to take a bus to Rongjiang but you may want to start the journey in Kaili as Kaili has some Miao villages in the area to visit.

A very good way to explore this part of Guizhou is by bicycle. I know, not everyone will enjoy a long bikeride but it is a great way. To make a long story short, cycling from Guilin, takes at least 3 days: day 1: Guilin - Longsheng, day 2: Longsheng - Sanjiang and day 3: Sanjiang to Zhaoxing.

Just before entering Zhaoxing village

On the way from Sanjiang to Zhaoxing you will pass many Dong villages and see more drum towers plus a lot of the beautiful typical rice fields on ther hill slopes. As the road follows mostly the river it is a pleasant ride though the road is not in the best condition. However, it is harder in a bus then on the bicycle as you can avoid the potholes in the road easy.

Accommodation

There are a few hotels in Zhaoxing town center. There's little need to book in advance as the hotels always have a room available.

Activities

Zhaoxing is mostly visited to experience the village itself, see something of rural China but there are several trekkings to other villages possible. Your hotel can recommend a guide. Should you decide to use our guide Jessie, she will organize a guide for you.

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