Zaidang Dong Village (宰荡侗寨) is a relatively undeveloped tourist spot, nestled in the northeastern part of Rongjiang County, Guizhou Province, China. The village, home to 265 households and a population of 1277 people, is exclusively inhabited by the Dong ethnic group. It is recognized as one of the six major branches of the Dong people in Rongjiang.
Zaidang Dong Village is renowned as the birthplace of the Dong ethnic group’s grand song tradition. Dong Grand Song is a unique form of polyphonic music, with lyrics primarily focusing on themes of love, praising the heroes of their own ethnicity, and depicting real-life and historical events.
The village boasts intriguing wedding customs, notably the “不落夫家” (“do not enter husband’s home”) tradition, and the “祭萨” festival, a celebration with traces of the matrilineal period in Dong ethnic history, passed down for centuries. Additionally, the Dong people in Zaidang celebrate the “洗牛节” (Washing Ox Festival) on the sixth day of the sixth lunar month, expressing gratitude to their plowing oxen.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Highlights of Zaidang Dong Village
- Vlog about Zaidang Dong Village
- Other Attractions in Rongjiang County
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | Half a day |
| Ticket Price | Free |
| Opening Hours | 24 hours a day throughout the year |
Location and Transportation
Zaidang Dong Village is situated in the northeastern part of Rongjiang County, within the Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture in Guizhou Province, China. It is located approximately 26 kilometers away from the county seat of Rongjiang.
To reach Zaidang Dong Village, travelers can take a minivan from Rongjiang, typically costing around 40 yuan per person (prices may vary). The minivan journey from Rongjiang will take you to Fengdeng Elementary School. Upon reaching the school, there are local children available to guide visitors to Zaidang. They may charge a fee ranging from 5 to 10 yuan.
Highlights of Zaidang Dong Village
Ganlan Houses
The architectural landscape of Zaidang Dong Village is characterized by the distinctive “干栏” (Ganlan) houses, reflecting the traditional Dong building style. These wooden structures stand approximately 6 meters high and 6 meters deep, typically consisting of three connected rooms, each about 3 meters wide, with overhanging eaves on both ends. The roofs are covered in green tiles, forming a flowing four-sided design. The ground floor often serves as a woodshed or livestock enclosure, while the second floor is reserved for living quarters.
Drum Tower
A prominent feature in the village is the Dong Drum Tower, constructed during the Qing Dynasty in the Qianlong period. This majestic structure stands at 12 meters high, featuring a unique single-eave hipped roof with a wooden tile structure. The ground floor houses a central circular hearth with a diameter of 1.8 meters, surrounded by benches. The octagonal spire at the top is adorned with a charming sculpture of a cormorant. The eaves are decorated with colorful illustrations of dragons, characters, and various animals.
Wind and Rain Bridge
Zaidang’s Wind and Rain Bridge is another spectacular sight. Originally built during the Qing Qianlong period (1736-1795), it underwent reconstruction in the 36th year of the Republic of China (1947). This bridge, spanning 17.4 meters in length and 3 meters in width, features a pavilion-style design with seven open bays. The bridge is adorned with a roof, covered in green tiles, and lined with benches along the railing. At the center of the long corridor stands a two-tiered pavilion with intricate carvings of flowers, birds, and other lively details.
