Zhaoxing is Chinas largest Dong village, nestled in the mountains of eastern Guizhou. Its five drum towers (gulou) and covered wind-and-rain bridges stand as living testimony to Dong architecture and culture. The village remains home to several hundred families who continue to practice polyphonic singing, embroidery and terraced rice farming.

Quick facts at a glance

• Entrance: paid village entrance fee (rates subject to verification on-site)
• Suggested duration: a full day, ideally an overnight stay to enjoy the evening singing performances
• Dress code: no specific clothing restrictions; wear comfortable shoes for the paved alleyways
• Access: bus from Liping (nearest town with a train station); winding mountain road
• Accessibility: paved, sloped alleyways; wheelchair access is difficult

What to see

The village is organized around five districts, each with its own octagonal wooden drum tower. These towers, built without a single nail, serve as community gathering places. The covered bridges span the central stream and feature benches where residents meet. Dark wooden stilted houses line the riverbanks.

History and context

The Dong (Kam) people settled in these Guizhou valleys several centuries ago. Zhaoxing is mentioned in local chronicles dating back to the Ming dynasty. The community has preserved its language (without traditional writing), its polyphonic Dage singing — listed as UNESCO intangible cultural heritage — and its wooden construction techniques passed down through generations.

Highlights of a visit

The five drum towers

Each tower belongs to a clan and bears a distinct name. Their tiered silhouette, covered with gray tiles, dominates the roofscape of the houses. In the evenings, residents gather to play cards, chat or rehearse songs.

Dong polyphonic singing

The Dage choirs are performed without a conductor or instruments. Groups of women or men sing in natural harmony. On certain evenings, performances are organized for visitors in the central square.

Terraced rice fields

The hills surrounding Zhaoxing are sculpted with terraced rice paddies. In spring, the flooded plots mirror the sky; in autumn, golden ears of rice contrast with the green forests. A trail climbs from the village to the heights for an overview.

Dong craftsmanship

Dong women weave and embroider indigo-dyed fabrics. Several family workshops sell clothing, bags and silver jewelry. Indigo is cultivated locally and the cloth is stone-beaten to give it its characteristic luster.

Photography tips

Morning light, before 9 a.m., bathes the tile roofs and valley mist in a soft glow. The covered bridges frame tunnel-like views toward the stilted houses. For the rice fields, head to the heights in late afternoon. Always ask residents for permission before photographing them.

Location and access

Zhaoxing is located in Liping County, Qiandongnan Prefecture, in eastern Guizhou. The town of Liping is the main entry point: it has a high-speed rail station connected to Guiyang and Guilin. Local buses or shared taxis connect Liping to Zhaoxing. The bus journey takes about two hours on a mountain road. English-speaking guided tours are rare; a local Chinese-speaking guide can be arranged through agencies in Liping or Kaili.

Nearby attractions

• Tang'an — smaller, less-visited Dong village renowned for its terraced rice fields.
• Liping — prefecture town with a lively market and departure point for exploring the Dong region.
• Congjiang — another Dong-Miao town on the Duliu River, with a weekly ethnic market.
• Kaili — capital of Qiandongnan Prefecture, logistical hub with a minorities museum and Miao silver market.