Zhaoxing Dong Village has a group of Dong village drum towers that have been recorded in the Guinness Book of Records, with different characteristics of drum towers. Zhaoxing, originally named "Zhaodong", is a narrow valley that runs east-west. Two small streams converge to form a small river that passes through the village. There are six wind and rain bridges spanning the river, and the wind and rain bridges are named after the long corridor style bridge houses built on them to shield from wind and rain.
There are five drum towers in Zhaoxing Dong Village, distributed among the five groups in the village, namely "Ren Tuan Drum Tower", "Yi Tuan Drum Tower", "Li Tuan Drum Tower", "Zhi Tuan Drum Tower", and "Xin Tuan Drum Tower". Therefore, it is known as the hometown of drum tower culture and art. The Drum Tower is a symbol of the Dong village, which looks like a pagoda from the outside, with a majestic momentum that is very eye-catching even before entering the village. There is usually a drum hanging on the Drum Tower. In the past, when the village encountered foreign invasion, fire or discussion, they would climb up to the tower to beat the drum and gather the villagers, hence the name Drum Tower. The Drum Tower is the venue for gatherings, discussions, agreements, and problem-solving in the village, as well as a place for the villagers to rest and engage in activities after work and meals. Grand festival events such as the Spring Festival, Tiangong Festival on June 6th of the lunar calendar, and Lusheng Festival on August 15th are held at the Drum Tower.
The Rentuan Drum Tower is a relatively short drum tower in the village, with the Wind and Rain Bridge next to it and the stage behind it. It is a place where the Zhaoxing Drum Tower, stage, and Wind and Rain Bridge can all be displayed on the same platform. There is also a stage behind the Yituan Drum Tower, and in front of the stage is a large platform. This platform is an open space in Zhaoxing University, so many performances of Dong songs will be held here. Behind the Rituan Drum Tower is a Sa Sui Altar. Climbing up to the sun drying valley next to the Sa Sui Altar, you will see the Drum Tower from another angle. The Zhituan Drum Tower is a Xieshan style drum tower in Zhaoxing. Walking down the river is the Xintuan Drum Tower, which is close to the main street.
The houses in the village are stilted buildings in the form of dry railings. They are arranged in rows and are all made of fir. The gable roof is covered with small green tiles, which is simple and practical. The highest point where you can see the panoramic view of the entire village is the Zhaoxing Middle School observation site, where you can clearly see the entire Zhaoxing Dong village. Another location is the small hill opposite the newly built sixth Wind and Rain Bridge downstream of Mengmao Flower Bridge, where you can also see the panoramic view of Zhaoxing. In the evening, you can enjoy the town bar and outdoor performances here, and experience the Dong ethnic culture.
Zhaoxing has now undergone development and various service facilities are very complete. You don't have to worry about meals and accommodation, but it is recommended to book in advance during the peak tourist season. Starting from the cement bridge next to the Yituan Drum Tower and continuing to the Rentuan Drum Tower, this section is not only a key protected area in Zhaoxing, but also a beautiful hanging tower landscape and a shopping hub in Zhaoxing.
Travel Tips
Address: County Road 868, Zhaoxing Town, Liping County, Qiandongnan Prefecture
Telephone: 0855-6161216
Opening Hours: all day
Admission ticket: CNY 80