Dali Dong Village | A Great Destination for Solo Travel in China!

|A Great Destination for Solo Travel in China! Dali Dong Village | A Great Destination for Solo Travel in China!
How should I describe my days in the village?
It was like a warm dream in a secluded ancient village. I was amazed that there is still a village where people don't lock their doors at night, and the most simple folk customs and peace are preserved.
Unique Dong Style
I stayed here for a few days and met almost everyone in the village. I arrived just in time for a wedding, and the homestay owner invited me to join the celebration. I gave a small gift and enjoyed two authentic Dong banquets.
- Ancient Village Style
The village has more than 300 households, and all the buildings are wooden. The houses are scattered in the mountains, and the iconic Dong drum tower, ancient well (the water is sweet), granary, and terraces are all preserved. The village is not over-commercialized, and there is only one Trip Moment here!
The owner said that the elderly here are called "village elders," and they participate in decision-making about whether to allow outside investment. They have resisted many unreasonable investments.
No "Left-behind Elderly"
The population structure here is also amazing, with a balanced distribution of all age groups. Young people choose to stay in their hometowns to start businesses, partly because of the poor job market outside and partly because of the opportunities brought by the Rongjiang Village Super League.
The elderly are cared for by the whole village, and the younger generation takes care of them. The elderly here are all artisans, and they gather to make handicrafts every day.
Simple Life Experience
The slow pace of life and the simple and enthusiastic people are the core of this place, which made me stay for a few more days.
I was woken up by birds, streams, and the sound of Dong cloth being pounded (a process of making Dong cloth) in the morning. A bowl of local rice noodles started a fresh day. You can wander around the village, chat with the grandmothers making handicrafts on the flower bridge, visit the homes of artisans to see weaving, indigo dyeing, and embroidery, or go to the mountains to pick vegetables and catch rice flower fish with the homestay owner. There is only one coffee shop and one bar in the village, both run by young people.
The meals in the village are very alcoholic, and people start drinking in the morning. The homestay owner shared his homemade rice wine with me at every meal.
This is a great place for solo travel, and after a few days, the whole village will be your friends. Tips:
Transportation: Take a high-speed train to Rongjiang and then a taxi to the village.
Accommodation: There are many homestays in the village, ranging from mid-range to high-end.
Best Travel Time: Avoid holidays to experience the village at its best.