Live Your Best Lives
Yintan Dong Village is a magical and poetic village of the pure Dong ethnic group, nestled among verdant hills and towering ancient trees. Its unique and pristine ethnic customs include the practice of carrying officials on a golden path and the practice of "La Han" and "La Mian" (Dong language for young men and women) swinging on swings beneath yew trees to express their affection.
Sitting on a bench in the drum tower, one can quietly observe the village elders resting and weaving, the village women pounding rice and spinning, the village girls washing yarn and beating cloth, and the children playing and having fun. The scene is a leisurely and pleasant one, a perfect place to "daze" and "be in a trance." Nestled deep in the mountains, Yintan is known as the home where the weary soul rests.
It belongs to the mid-subtropical warm type;
cool in summer
free
All day
Yintan Dong Village is a historic Dong ethnic minority village in Guizhou Province. It is significant for preserving traditional Dong culture, architecture, and music, offering insight into the ethnic heritage of Southeast Guizhou.
The village is located in southeastern Guizhou. Visitors typically reach it by bus or private car from nearby towns or cities such as Kaili or Leishan. Walking within the village is the best way to explore its narrow lanes and wooden bridges.
The village is generally open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Spring and autumn are ideal for visiting due to comfortable weather and scenic views of rice terraces and rivers.
Entrance fees are modest, often around 30–50 CNY per person, and tickets are usually purchased at the village entrance. Some tours may allow online booking in advance.
Advance booking is generally not required for individual visitors. For group tours or during peak festival times, booking a few days in advance is recommended.
Spending half a day to one full day is sufficient to explore the village, watch performances, and enjoy the surrounding scenery.
Guided tours may be available in Chinese. Private guides can sometimes provide English explanations, but audio guides are rare.
Start with a walk through the main village area, visit key stilt houses, cross wooden bridges, enjoy performances at the village square, and finish with a stroll through nearby rice terraces.
Night visits are limited. Special cultural festivals may include evening performances, but daily light shows are generally not available.
The village is moderately visited, with more tourists on weekends or during festivals. Weekdays are the least crowded.
Basic facilities are available, including public toilets, small restaurants, rest areas, and souvenir shops near the main village area.
Some areas have uneven terrain and steps. Elderly or disabled visitors may find certain parts challenging. Children can explore most areas safely under supervision.
Cash is commonly used, though larger shops and some restaurants may accept mobile payments like WeChat Pay or Alipay. Credit cards are less common.
Local eateries serve traditional Dong cuisine such as sticky rice, sour soup, and grilled meats. Small cafes may offer tea or snacks.
Vegetarian options are limited but available at some local eateries. Halal options are rare.
Nearby towns offer guesthouses and small hotels. Options within the village are mostly homestays providing an authentic experience.
Souvenirs include traditional Dong embroidery, silver jewelry, handcrafts, and locally made textiles.
Visitors can take buses or taxis to nearby towns like Kaili or Leishan. Private cars or arranged tour vehicles are convenient for accessing multiple villages in the region.
