Dimen Dong Village (地扪侗寨), located in Liping County, is a captivating settlement with over 800 households, often referred to as “Qiansan Dimen (1300 Dimen)” in honor of its historical significance. It is the second largest Dong village in China and has preserved most of its traditions.
The origin of the name “Dimen” has been passed down through generations of the local elderly. According to their ancestral tales, when the ancestors of the Dong ethnic group settled here, the population thrived, eventually reaching 1300 households. Over time, the community dispersed into Maogong with 700 households, Ladong with 200 households, and Luoda with 100 households. Dimen is considered the root of the “Qiansan” region, and in the Dong language, the name symbolizes a place resembling a continuous spring, rich in heritage and deserving of reflection and nostalgia.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Customs of Dimen Dong Village
- Other Attractions in Liping County
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 1 day |
| Ticket Price | Free |
| Opening Hours | 24 hours a day throughout the year |
Location and Transportation
Dimen Dong Village is nestled in the northern part of Maogong Town, Liping County, Qiandongnan Prefecture, Guizhou Province, China. Situated approximately 46 kilometers away from the county seat, this enchanting village is a part of the picturesque landscape of Liping County, along with Zhaoxing Dong Village.
To reach Dimen Dong Village from Liping, there are three daily bus services available. The boarding point is at the entrance of Liping Bus Station. For specific details about the departure times, it is recommended to inquire directly at the bus station. Generally, buses depart between 1:30 PM and 2:00 PM in the afternoon.
Customs of Dimen Dong Village
Dimen is a place of tranquility, rarely visited by tourists, making it an ideal destination for those who appreciate serene surroundings. The village is predominantly inhabited by people with the surname Wu, and to this day, it follows a traditional clan-based governance structure with village elders managing local affairs. The current leaders include four male and two female elders for the overall Qiansan village, along with two elders for each specific sub-village. The elders are elected with no fixed term, generally aged 60 and above, respected for their local wisdom, dedication to community affairs, and the ability to preserve and pass on cultural traditions.
Several Dong ethnic villages, derived from Dimen, gather annually from the eleventh to the fifteenth day of the lunar calendar for a grand ancestral worship celebration. This event, known as the “Qiansan Reunion Festival,” has become a longstanding tradition, deeply rooted in the culture of the region.
The festival features various activities:
- Welcoming Guests: Youngsters play the lusheng (a traditional wind instrument), and adorned in festive attire, they sing welcoming songs to greet guests. Men, women, and children line the path to welcome guests, creating a lively atmosphere. This welcoming ceremony is considered one of the most elaborate customs of the Dong ethnic group.
- Choral Ancestral Worship: Elders conduct rituals to invite the “Sa” (ancestral grandmother) into the ceremonial hall. After offering incense to honor the ancestors, participants sing ancient Dong songs narrating the migration, proliferation, and survival of the Qiansan Dong ancestors. The harmonious and solemn singing creates a moving and spectacular scene.
- Singing in the Courtyard: Participants join hands to sing praise songs as they enter the courtyard. The songs include welcoming songs for the Sa, seasonal songs, plate songs, advice songs, and courtyard songs.
- Dong Opera Performance: Originating from Luodong Village, the ancestor of Dong opera, Wu Wencai, a descendant of Qiansan, is commemorated during the festival. Dong opera performances celebrate and memorialize his contributions.
- Bullfighting for Celebration: Villagers, accompanied by the sounds of lusheng and drums, carry colorful flags to the bullfighting arena to celebrate the festival. The bullfighting symbolizes the hope for a bountiful harvest and prosperity in livestock.
- Gathering and Socializing: People gather in various locations such as drum towers, flower bridges, and pavilions to share meals, reminisce, engage in heartfelt conversations, and enjoy drinks late into the night.
- Nighttime Courtyard Sessions: Groups of young girls invite guests to sing, express emotions, exchange gifts, and enjoy a late-night snack of chicken and duck porridge.
The “Qiansan Reunion Festival” in Dimen Dong Village is a vibrant and culturally rich celebration that brings together the community, fosters unity, and honors the deep-rooted traditions of the Dong ethnic group.
