Zhaoxing Dong Village: the Best Recommended Dong Village in Guizhou

With so many Dong villages in Guizhou, why do we particularly recommend Zhaoxing? Here are the reasons:

• As the largest Dong ethnic village in China, Zhaoxing boasts the most dense and spectacular collection of drum towers. It is like an open-air architectural museum.
• It offers well-developed tourist facilities. Allow you to immerse yourself deeply in the culture comfortably, without worrying about basic needs like transportation, food, or accommodation.

This guide will help you efficiently plan your tour, explore the best routes, discover authentic Dong cuisine, and experience the most genuine Dong customs.

How to Visit the Zhaoxing Dong Village?

Zhaoxing Dong Village

Zhaoxing Dong Village stretches east-west in a long, narrow layout with a river running through its center and buildings tiered along both slopes.

The village is divided into four main areas:

• The main street connecting five drum towers and the wind-and-rain bridges linking both riverbanks
• The stone-paved alleys branching off from the main street
• The viewing platforms at the village entrance and exit (essential for panoramic views)
• Tang'an Terraced Fields behind Zhaoxing, known as its "back garden"

Since cultural performances are usually held in the evening, we recommend staying overnight in the Dong Village:

Day 1: Explore the Dong Traditions and Architecture

Dong Architecture

Morning: Leisurely stroll along the main street and systematically visit the five landmark drum towers and wind-and-rain bridges.

Noon: Head to an authentic local restaurant to taste delicious regional cuisine and take a break.

Beyond Guizhou classics like sour soup fish and sour soup beef, Zhaoxing's must-try dishes include:

• Crispy Roast Suckling Pig: with crackling skin and tender, non-greasy meat. Easy to find both at restaurants and street stalls.
• Glutinous Rice Wrap with Meat: a handheld snack of steamed glutinous rice wrapped with preserved meat and pickled vegetables.

Recommended specialty restaurants like Dongniang Home Cuisine (侗娘私房菜) and Liao Pangzi（廖胖子） are centrally located. Their second or third-floor window seats offer direct views of the drum towers and streets. It is perfect for enjoying authentic food while taking in the Dong Village nightscape during dinner.

Afternoon: Visit the main viewing platform to photograph the full village vista, then witness the spectacular night view at dusk.

Evening: Attend the free Dong Grand Choir performance at 20:00 (approx. 1 hour), followed by a night walk to experience the village's tranquil, romantic atmosphere after dark.

Day 2: Dong Terraced Field Hike + Batik Workshop

Dong Terraced Field

Morning: Take a 10-minute drive to Tang'an Dong Village Terraces for a 1-2 hour hiking tour. The trail consists mainly of downhill and flat sections with very few uphill climbs. Most people can comfortably complete it.

Afternoon: Experience Dong batik or tie-dye crafting (2-3 hours) and create your own unique Dong-style souvenir.

Is It Necessary to Visit Other Villages After Zhaoxing Dong Village?

Dong Village

In Guizhou, I highly recommend visiting at least three ethnic villages: Zhaoxing Dong Village, Xijiang Miao Village, and Rongjiang. Each offers a unique window into the rich cultural tapestry of the region.

Among these, Zhaoxing Dong Village and Xijiang Miao Village stand out as the largest, most activity-rich, and best-equipped for traveling.

Visiting these villages will give you distinctly different experiences：

• In Dong villages, the highlights are the magnificent drum tower complexes and the mesmerizing Dong Grand Choir performances. Here you could immerse yourself in pastoral tranquility by strolling through terraced fields or trying your hand at local batik.
• In Miao villages, you'll be captivated by the exquisite silver jewelry and the spectacular stilted house clusters. By day, you could admire Miao dances performed in stunning silver attire and join lively long-table banquets with toast ceremonies. By night, behold the breathtaking view of thousands of lights illuminating the valley.
• Rongjiang has gained nationwide fame for its viral "Village Super League" football tournament. During halftime, the field comes alive as Miao and Dong communities burst into vibrant performances. The "Village Super League" usually kicks off in mid-October and runs through the following June, with matches held in the evenings and on weekends. If your visit falls within this period, don't miss the chance to join this electrifying local spectacle.

How to Combine Zhaoxing Village with Other Guizhou Destinations?

Zhaoxing Dong Village is conveniently located near Xijiang Miao Village in Kaili and Rongjiang county. It is ideal to combine these destinations into one trip:

From Guiyang, take a 2-hour's drive to Kaili's Miao Village first for 1-2 days. After that, take a 2-hour drive to the Dong Village. Then you can travel about 1.5 hours to Rongjiang to experience the one-of-a-kind rural football event: the Guizhou "Village Super" league.

Here is a sample itinerary:

Day 1-2: Guiyang City Attractions and Huangguoshu Waterfall

Huangguoshu Waterfall

In Guiyang, you can spend one day exploring city attractions like Jiaxiu Tower and Qingyan Ancient Town. On the other day, take a day trip to the magnificent Huangguoshu Waterfall, returning to Guiyang in the evening.

Day 3-4: Xijiang Miao Village Exploration

Xijiang Miao Village

Travel from Guiyang to Xijiang Miao Village in Kaili. Spend the following time discovering the village's highlights. Read more about How to visit Xijiang Miao Village.

Day 5-6: In-depth Dong Village Experience + Grand Choir Performance

Zhaoxing Dong village

Discover magnificent drum tower complexes and wind-and-rain bridges in Dong villages,. Listen to the enchanting polyphonic Grand Choirs of the Dong people, and enjoy the breathtaking natural scenery of the terraced fields surrounding these ancient settlements.

Day 7: Rongjiang Day Trip + Evening Village Super League

Rongjiang Guizhou Village Super League

Spend the day exploring Rongjiang and attend the "Village Super" football match in the evening.

After finishing your trip in Rongjiang, you can take the high-speed train to Guilin (approx. 1 hour), Guiyang (approx. 2 hours), or Kunming (approx. 5 hours).

Interested in a Guizhou itinerary that includes Zhaoxing Dong Village? Click our: 6-Day Minority Adventure.

Where to Stay for Best Convenience

Zhaoxing Accommodations

Accommodations in Zhaoxing Dong Village are mainly concentrated in three areas. For optimal transportation, dining convenience, and atmosphere, we most recommend the Main Street area:

• Main Street & Core Scenic Zone (recommended): The liveliest and most convenient area in the village. With dense guesthouse options, you'll find restaurants, shops, and bars right downstairs. Recommended stays include Zhaoxing Inn and The Guge Fairyland Resort.
• Village Edge & Countryside-Adjacent Areas: Located behind the main street, just a few minutes' walk to the core zone. These lodgings often feature balconies facing rice paddies or mountain views, allowing you to enjoy pastoral scenery.
• Mid-Mountain Areas at Higher Elevation: Require a short climb (about 5 minutes) up stone steps, but offer expansive views overlooking parts of the village rooftops and distant mountains.

Best Time to Visit Zhaoxing Dong Village

Dong New Year celebrations

For optimal weather, we recommend visiting during the spring or autumn months (March to May, September to November). During these seasons, temperatures range from 10°C to 22°C, offering comfortable conditions for exploring the village and hiking through the terraced fields.

It's best to avoid national holidays such as Labor Day (May 1st) and National Day (October 1st), when large crowds can significantly impact the travel experience.

If you wish to experience the village's festive atmosphere, consider planning your trip around the Dong New Year (e.g., December 9–19, 2026). During this time, you can enjoy grand Lusheng performances, traditional celebrations, and cultural song and dance events.

Explore Guizhou with China Highlights

Still hesitating over which Dong village to choose? Or unsure how to experience the most authentic Dong culture? Leave the planning to us—our local expert guides and drivers will handle all the details, so you can focus on simply enjoying the journey. 

You can customize your tour to Zhaoxing Dong Village with us, and here are some ideas to manage your tour:

• 6-Day Minority Adventure: Start from Guiyang, visit interesting minority villages near Kaili, arrive at and explore Zhaoxing, return to Guiyang, and leave.
• 8-Day Guilin and Guizhou Relaxation Tour: Visit Guilin and Yangshuo, and then travel northwest to Zhaoxing. Continue traveling north to Kaili and leave from Guiyang.

All itineraries above can be customized. Check more Guizhou tours for inspiration or try to create your own tour.