September's Must-Visit: Hidden Time Sanctuary in Qiandongnan

【Zhaoxing Dong Village and Tang'an Rice Terraces】A Hidden Time Sanctuary in Qiandongnan, 99% of People Miss the Morning Sea of Clouds

When the first rays of sunlight pierce through the clouds, the rice terraces spiral like golden fingerprints between heaven and earth—this was the breathtaking scene I witnessed from the Tang'an observation deck. Most tourists crowd around the main village of Zhaoxing to photograph the drum towers, unaware that just a 20-minute hike can lead them to this ethereal paradise.

🌾 Detailed Experience Route

Start at 6 AM from Zhaoxing Dong Village and hike along the stone-paved path to Tang'an Rice Terraces (about 40 minutes). The valley, shrouded in mist before sunrise, resembles an ink painting. Wear non-slip shoes and bring a flashlight. Along the way, you'll pass through primitive Dong villages and may encounter early-rising villagers carrying bamboo baskets across the rice field ridges—this vibrant cultural interaction is something group tours can never offer.

📸 Top Photography Spots

1. The abandoned pavilion to the right of Tang'an observation deck (requires climbing over a low stone railing), where you can capture both the curves of the terraces and the rooftops of the village.

2. The rice field boardwalk outside Zhaoxing village gate, where the drum towers reflect in the water at sunset.

3. Hidden activity: Spend 20 yuan to learn Dong cloth dyeing from villagers, and take home a unique travel souvenir.

🍲 Culinary Memories

Don't miss the breakfast combo of sour fish soup and sticky rice! Highly recommend "Liao Fatty's Restaurant" deep in the village. The owner steams sticky rice in wooden barrels infused with the aroma of maple leaves, paired with freshly caught rice field fish for a tangy and appetizing meal.

💡 In-Depth Insights

The true charm of Dong villages lies not in the iconic drum towers but in the moments when elders gather under the flower bridge in the afternoon to sing Dong folk songs. Stay overnight in a local guesthouse; listening to the chirping of insects and gazing at the starry sky at night is the ultimate escape from urban life.

Post by DAOHE | Sep 17, 2025