Introducing Zhaoxing Dong Village
Zhaoxing Dong Village has a beautiful environment, nestled between mountains and rivers. Located in Liping County, Guizhou Province, it is one of the largest Dong villages in Qiandongnan. It perfectly combines commercial development with the original ecology. The stilt houses are scattered around and the people are simple. You can see centenarians in their 80s and 90s everywhere. You can smell the wisps of smoke and feel the rare slow life.
Zhaoxing Dong Village is most famous for its drum towers, a unique sight among Dong villages nationwide, earning it a Guinness World Record and earning it the title of "Hometown of Drum Tower Culture and Art." The ingenious layout of the towers, with flower bridges, drum towers, streams, and stilt houses interspersed throughout, is a truly captivating experience.
Climate and best time to travel
Best in Spring and Autumn
Recommended number of days and locations for visiting
Recommended play time: 1 day
Tickets
100 yuan/person
Attraction opening hours
All day
Most Popular FAQs for Zhaoxing Dong Village
What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?
Zhaoxing is the largest Dong ethnic village in China (among the “No.1 Dong Villages”). It preserves traditional Dong culture, drum towers, wind-and-rain bridges, stilted wooden houses, and folk traditions such as polyphonic singing. It has deep roots and is considered a key site to experience Dong heritage.
Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?
- Zhaoxing Dong Village is in Zhaoxing Town, Liping County, Qiandongnan Miao & Dong Autonomous Prefecture, Guizhou Province.
- You can reach it via high-speed train to Congjiang Station, then by bus or minivan to Zhaoxing Village.
- From Liping County, there are frequent buses to Zhaoxing (takes about 45 minutes).
- Walking is how you explore the village and nearby parts; some parts (viewpoints, terraces) require hiking.
What are the opening hours and best times to visit?
- The core scenic area and major attractions generally operate from ~8:00 AM to ~18:00; village itself accessible longer.
- Best seasons: spring (March-May) for blossoms, water reflections; autumn (September-November) for harvest, clear weather.
- Avoid the height of summer rain if possible; winter is quieter but cooler.
What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?
Entrance to Zhaoxing Dong Village Scenic Area is CNY 80 per person. There is also a shuttle service inside (often for around CNY 20 round-trip). Locals or certain ID holders may have discounts. Tickets can be bought at the entrance or via travel platforms.
Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?
Not strictly mandatory except in peak tourist seasons or during festivals. Booking several days ahead is recommended in those times to avoid long waits.
How much time is needed to fully explore it?
To see the main village, bridges, drum towers, and do a short hike or two, allow 1-2 days. If you're more relaxed and want deeper cultural immersion, 2 days and 1 night is ideal.
What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?
- The Five Drum Towers and Drum Tower Complex.
- Main Wind-and-Rain Bridges.
- Viewing platform (e.g. above Middle School) for panoramic views over stilt houses & village layout.
- Tang’an Rice Terraces for scenic field hikes.
- Handicraft workshops: indigo/wax dye, brocade, embroidery.
- Night/Evening cultural performances: Grand Song, bonfire shows.
Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?
Guided tours are available, mostly in Mandarin. Some services may offer English; check with your guesthouse or travel operator ahead. Audio guides are not commonly noted.
What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?
- From the hill overlooking the village (such as above Zhaoxing Middle School), especially at sunrise or later morning.
- Wind-and-Rain Bridges and their reflections over water.
- Around the Drum Towers during golden hour—sunset or early evening lighting.
- Terraced fields in Tang’an, especially when filled with water or colors.
What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?
Day 1: Arrive, settle in village, explore main street, Drum Towers, Wind and Rain Bridge; evening performance. Day 2: Hike to viewing platforms, visit Tang’an Rice Terraces, craft workshops, relax.
Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?
There are nightly performances (Dong Grand Songs / bonfire gatherings). The bridges and some structures are lit in evening. No regular “light show” as in big cities, but cultural atmosphere is strong after sunset.
Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?
Weekends, public holidays, and during festivals are crowded. To avoid crowds, visit on weekdays, early mornings, or off-peak seasons (spring before bloom peaks, late autumn).
What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?
- Basic facilities in the village: rest-rooms, guesthouses, small restaurants and snack stalls.
- Viewing platforms, benches, paths.
- Some souvenir shops, workshops for crafts.
Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?
- Many paths in the village are walkable; stilt houses are accessible externally; gentle slopes manageable.
- Steep or uneven terrain, stairs or bridges might be challenging for those with mobility impairments. Some accommodations may not have elevators.
Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?
Cash is important especially for small vendors. Many shops accept mobile payments like WeChat Pay / Alipay in tourist zones. ATMs may be scarce in the small villages, so bring cash.
What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?
Local Dong-style restaurants and guesthouse eateries in Zhaoxing serve traditional dishes, street vendors offer snacks. Some cafés and tea houses in the village center.
Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?
Vegetarian options are available (vegetable, tofu etc.). Vegan or halal may be rare; best to ask locally and specify. (No strong source.)
What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?
- Stilt-house guesthouses in Zhaoxing, many basic homestays. Standard rooms around CNY 50-200 depending on view.
- Some boutique or viewpoint homestays for more scenic views; being central gives convenience.
What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?
- Tang’an Dong Village and its rice terraces.
- Other Dong or Miao villages in Liping County, cultural museums in Congjiang/Liping.
- Scenic drives among the countryside, river valleys around Zhaoxing.
Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?
Souvenirs include Dong brocade (textiles), embroidery, indigo-dyed cloth, batik, natural products, local snacks.
What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?
- Return via bus or minivan to Congjiang, Liping, or proceed to other nearby villages.
- You can combine with travel to other Dong/Miao villages in Qiandongnan Prefecture.
