Sanbao Dong Village (三宝侗寨), also known as “Qianhu Dong Village,” is one of the most densely populated villages of the Dong ethnic minority in China. Comprising three villages – Zhanglu, Zhaitou, and Motang – it is home to over 800 households and more than 3,000 residents. Among them, Zhanglu Village holds significance as the birthplace of the standardized pronunciation of the Dong language.
The village boasts vast fertile fields with a myriad of crops, thriving on a sprawling dam. The crystal-clear Chejiang River flows through, its bottom visible, resembling a mirror. Along the riverbanks stand rows of tall banyan trees, creating a picturesque scene. One notable landmark is the Chezhai Drum Tower, a unique structure from the Qing Dynasty, engraved with historical imprints of Dong-Han linguistic exchange.
Apart from that, the village is also home to the majestic Sanbao Drum Tower, constructed in the early 21st century, which proudly holds a place in the Guinness World Records for its grandeur. Sanbao Dong Village encapsulates the rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and architectural marvels that make it a captivating destination within the tapestry of China’s ethnic diversity.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Highlights of Sanbao Dong Village
- Vlog about Sanbao Dong Village
- Other Attractions in Rongjiang County
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | Half a day |
| Ticket Price | 10 RMB |
| Opening Hours | 8.30 – 18.;00 |
Location and Transportation
Sanbao Dong Village is situated in the dam area of Chejiang Township, Rongjiang County, Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, in the province of Guizhou, China. Located just 5 kilometers away from the county town, it stands as the nearest and largest concentration of the Dong ethnic minority in proximity to the county center.
To reach Sanbao Dong Village, you can take a bus from the Kaili Kaiyunsi Bus Station (Ximahe) bound for Rongjiang. Buses depart every 40 minutes, and the journey takes approximately 3 hours. Upon arriving at the Rongjiang Bus Station, you can then take Bus Route 5 (operating from 7:00 to 21:20 with a fare of 2 yuan) and alight at the Gurongqun Station. From there, you can easily reach Sanbao Dong Village.
Highlights of Sanbao Dong Village
Samma Shrine
Sanbao Dong Village is deeply rooted in the Dong ethnic tradition of worshiping the goddess Samma. Currently, there are 12 Samma shrines spread across ten villages in the dam area. These shrines are meticulously managed, with dedicated individuals conducting regular rituals, offering incense, tea, and prayers on the first and fifteenth days of each month. The grandest ceremonies take place annually during the first and second months, seeking Samma’s blessings for the well-being of the villagers, prosperity in agriculture and animal husbandry, favorable weather, and abundant harvests. The Samma Festival is particularly significant for the women of Sanbao Dong Village, marked by elaborate costumes, traditional dances, and vibrant festivities, making it a distinctive Dong ethnic celebration.
Chezhai Drum Tower
Situated at the northern end of Chezhai Dazhai, the Chezhai Drum Tower is located 2 kilometers from the county town. Originally built during the Jiaqing period, it was destroyed during the chaotic Xiantong era but reconstructed in the 17th year of the Guangxu reign. The design mimics the appearance of Han-style pavilions, referred to as “bai” in the Dong language. The activities held within, including gatherings, ceremonies, and entertainment, have retained their traditional essence while reflecting the cultural fusion of Dong and Han influences. The ground floor features a stage for Dong opera performances. Since the Daoguang era, the drum tower has housed schools, nurturing a generation of Dong intellectuals such as Yang Tingfang (jinshi) and Yang Zhitai (bagong).
Sanbao Drum Tower
Constructed in the autumn of 2001, the Sanbao Drum Tower stands at the ancient banyan tree cluster along the Chejiang River in Zhaitou, within a provincial-level scenic area. With a building area of 1,050 square meters, covering 225 square meters of land, and soaring to a height of 36.8 meters with 21 floors, it includes a gate and a long corridor. Upon completion, the Sanbao Drum Tower achieved recognition from the Guinness World Records for being the “tallest, largest, and having the most floors” in its category. This architectural marvel has become a symbol of pride for Sanbao Dong Village, showcasing a harmonious blend of traditional Dong culture and modern achievements.
