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Chejiang Sanbao Dong Village in Guizhou offers a deep dive into Dong culture and traditions. Recommended activities include exploring traditional wooden houses, watching local folk performances, and hiking around the scenic mountain landscapes. Visitors can also visit the Sanbao Drum Tower and try local cuisine, such as sour fish soup and rice noodles. The area is great for photography, especially with its picturesque architecture and rural landscape.
Sanbao Dong Village, located in the dam area of Chejiang Township, Rongjiang County, encompasses ten villages and nine hamlets, including Chezhai and Enrongbao. The village is primarily inhabited by the Dong ethnic group, with Han and other ethnic minorities also living there. The village is composed of three or four villages of varying sizes, divided into Upper, Middle, and Lower Baozhai, collectively known as the " Sanbao Dong Village . "
The Dong village preserves the traditional life of the Dong people, with every household farming and spinning. Zhaitou Village houses the oldest temple dedicated to the Dong ancestors, the " Satang " (Satang Temple). When distinguished guests enter the village, the hospitable Dong people offer them a " road-blocking wine " ceremony. A young woman in white Dong clothing, holding a wine cup and gently opening her red lips, sings a toasting song. The fragrant rice wine, mingling with the sweet and sticky singing, flows seamlessly into your heart. The Dong village is like a melodious song, captivating and captivating.
Upon entering the village, you'll find a cluster of ancient banyan trees along the Duliu River. These trees were likely planted during the Qianlong reign of the Qing Dynasty, making them over 300 years old. There are over 30 of these towering trees, each 20 meters tall and over 6 meters in girth . Their interconnected roots and intertwined branches create a rare cluster.
Suitable for all seasons
Recommended play time: 2-4 hours
free
8:30-18:00 , last admission 18:00
Chejiang Sanbao Dong Village is home to the Dong ethnic group and is significant for its preservation of Dong architecture, music, and traditions. The village is known for its wooden stilt houses, intricate wooden carvings, and traditional drum towers. It also serves as a cultural center for the Dong people, who are known for their distinctive polyphonic choral singing.
Chejiang Sanbao Dong Village is located in Southeast Guizhou. The nearest city with transport links is Guiyang, from where you can take a long-distance bus or hire a taxi to reach the village. There are no metro stations in the area, so private transport or buses are the main options to reach the village.
There are no strict opening hours for the village itself as it is a local settlement, but visiting the main attractions like the Drum Tower is recommended between 9 AM and 5 PM. The best time to visit is during the spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November) when the weather is mild and the surrounding countryside is beautiful. The Dong New Year (usually in December or January) is also a special time to experience local festivals.
Entrance to Chejiang Sanbao Dong Village is generally free, but certain attractions, like the Drum Tower or cultural performances, may charge a small fee. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance of these sites on-site. It is advisable to book any guided tours in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Booking tickets in advance is not usually required for the village, but for specific attractions or performances, it's recommended to book 1-2 days in advance, especially during busy periods like national holidays.
To fully explore Chejiang Sanbao Dong Village and its surroundings, plan for a day trip. This allows time to explore the village, visit the Drum Tower, and enjoy the local cuisine. If you want to visit nearby scenic areas, an additional day might be required.
The must-see highlights include the Sanbao Drum Tower, which is central to Dong culture, the traditional wooden houses with their unique architecture, and the local markets. The surrounding mountain landscapes and the traditional Dong village life are also significant attractions.
Guided tours are available in the village, with most guides speaking Mandarin. Some tours may offer English-speaking guides, but it's advisable to confirm in advance. Audio guides are not typically available in the village.
The best viewpoints for photography are the traditional Drum Tower, offering panoramic views of the village and the surrounding landscape. The wooden houses with their intricate carvings and the lush countryside provide great backdrops for photos. Sunrise and sunset are particularly beautiful times for capturing the village's beauty.
A recommended itinerary starts with visiting the Sanbao Drum Tower, followed by a walk through the village to explore the traditional wooden houses. You can then visit the local market and try some traditional Dong food before concluding with a hike around the nearby mountains or scenic spots.
Night visits or light shows are not typically available in Chejiang Sanbao Dong Village. However, you can experience the village's evening atmosphere, where local communities gather and sometimes perform traditional music or dances.
The village is not usually very crowded, especially during the off-peak seasons. The least crowded times to visit are weekdays outside of major holidays. Avoid weekends and Chinese New Year, as these times see higher tourist activity.
The village has basic facilities, including toilets and food stalls where you can sample local dishes. There are also rest areas, and small shops where you can buy souvenirs like Dong textiles, crafts, and local snacks.
Chejiang Sanbao Dong Village is relatively accessible for children and elderly visitors, but the terrain can be challenging, especially in the surrounding mountains. Some of the older wooden houses and narrow pathways may not be very wheelchair-friendly, so it's best to check ahead if you're traveling with mobility concerns.
Cash is commonly used in Chejiang Sanbao Dong Village, particularly for small purchases at local shops and food stalls. Mobile payments such as Alipay and WeChat Pay are accepted in some areas, but it's always a good idea to carry some cash for smaller transactions.
There are a few local restaurants serving traditional Dong food like sour fish soup, rice noodles, and various meat dishes. Small cafes in the village serve local tea and snacks, but the range of dining options is limited compared to urban areas.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available, though the local cuisine is often meat-based. Halal food is not common in this region, as it predominantly caters to the Dong and Han Chinese populations.
There are a few guesthouses and small hotels near Chejiang Sanbao Dong Village, offering basic accommodations. For more options, you can stay in the nearby city of Kaili, where there are more hotels and transportation links.
Nearby attractions include the Miao villages in the region, famous for their unique culture and festivals. The Kaili Museum and the Shidong Miao Village are also great places to visit for a full day trip to explore the cultural diversity of Southeast Guizhou.
Yes, there are souvenir shops selling traditional Dong handicrafts such as embroidered textiles, silver jewelry, bamboo products, and colorful clothing. Local snacks and teas are also popular souvenirs.
After visiting the village, the best way to continue your trip is by taking a bus or taxi back to Kaili. From Kaili, you can catch a bus or train to other parts of Guizhou or surrounding provinces. Private car hire is also an option if you're looking for flexibility in your travel schedule.
