Cloud Wandering in Dong Village! Zhaoxing, Guizhou · An In-Depth Guide to a Real-Life Xianxia World

1. First Encounter with the Cloud Realm ・ Stepping into the Millennium-Old Dong Village Secret As the car passes the last mountain ridge, mist drifts over the rolling green hills like a light veil. Rows of stilted wooden houses cling to the mountainside, faintly visible in the sea of clouds — this is not a hidden village from a xianxia novel, but Zhaoxing Dong Village in Qiandongnan, Guizhou. As the largest Dong ethnic settlement in China, it is free from excessive commercialization, offering instead the triple fairyland scenery of "cloud sea surrounding the village, drum towers reflecting the moon, and flower bridges lying by the waves." Every step feels like entering an ancient yet ethereal xianxia painting. Walking along the stone path from the scenic area entrance, the first sight is the Wind and Rain Bridge over the Zhaoxing River. The wooden covered bridge is topped with green tiles, and the carved railings gleam warmly under the sunlight. The river flows gently beneath, while elderly Dong villagers sit on bamboo chairs by the bridge spinning yarn; the spinning wheel creaks softly, as if twisting time into long threads. Looking up, the distant Tang’an terraced fields layer upon layer in the mist, like a divine farmer’s paradise. Every snapshot here is a stunning xianxia scene ready to flood your social media. 2. Tracing the Immortal Footprints ・ Unlocking Dong Village Charm by Time Segment (Morning Mist: 6:00-9:00 Searching the Cloud Sea) Early morning in Zhaoxing Dong Village holds the most vibrant immortal aura. Before dawn, head along the Zhaoxing River toward the Tang’an terraced fields. The mountain mist is thick, and walking on the stone path feels like wandering in a mystical realm. Climb the Tang’an viewing platform as the east lightens to dawn’s first light. The cloud sea slowly rises from the valley, partially hiding the staggered stilt houses. Sunlight pierces through the clouds, casting golden rays, while steam rises from the terraced fields’ water, resembling a fairyland’s jade pool. For an immersive xianxia experience, rent a set of traditional Dong clothing. The indigo Dong cloth long skirt embroidered with exquisite patterns, paired with silver headpieces, standing by the cloud sea terraces, with the breeze lifting the skirt, looks like a fairy stepping out of an ancient text. At this moment, the village’s drum towers echo with the melodious Dong grand song. The singing pierces the mist and blends with birdsong, instantly making you forget worldly troubles and immerse in this fairy-like atmosphere. (Noon: 10:00-15:00 Cultural and Historical Exploration) By afternoon, the Dong village sheds the morning mist, revealing its rustic cultural heritage. Enter the village center’s five drum towers, each with unique architectural styles. The wooden structures are joined by mortise and tenon joints without a single nail, enduring centuries of weather. The largest, the Rentuan Drum Tower, is the most magnificent, with a gourd-shaped roof shining under the sun. The painted murals on the drum towers tell ancient Dong legends, as if narrating xianxia tales from a thousand years ago. Strolling through the alleys, you can see Dong artisans crafting silver jewelry in front of their homes. Molten silver cools in molds, then is hammered and carved into exquisite silver hairpins and necklaces, each piece embodying the craftsman’s dedication. Visitors can try making silver jewelry themselves, guided by artisans to create a personalized “xianxia accessory,” experiencing the charm of traditional craftsmanship. Also worth visiting is the Dong cloth workshop, where white cotton yarn is repeatedly dipped in indigo vats, gradually turning deep blue, witnessing a magical “immortal cultivation transformation.” (Night Scene: 18:30-21:00 Lanterns Illuminate the Immortal) As night falls, Zhaoxing Dong Village dons a dreamy “xianxia gala outfit.” Every household lights lanterns; red lanterns line the Zhaoxing River, reflecting in the water to form a dazzling sea of lights. The Wind and Rain Bridge’s lights slowly come on, warm yellow glow illuminating the wooden corridor, mingling with stars above, like the Milky Way in a fairyland. At 8:00 PM sharp, a spectacular Dong song and dance performance takes place in the village square. Dong girls and young men in traditional costumes dance to lively rhythms, their voices bright and melodious. The most breathtaking is the “Bonfire Party.” When the blazing bonfire is lit, villagers and tourists join hands in a circle, singing and dancing joyfully to the music. The firelight reflects on everyone’s smiling faces, like a lively “xianxia festival.” After the party, stroll along the Zhaoxing River; the evening breeze stirs ripples on the water, and the drum towers’ silhouettes fade in and out of the night, peaceful and beautiful. 3. Immortal Flavors ・ Dong Ethnic Specialty Food List Must-Try Signatures - Sour Soup Fish: Order a serving of sour soup fish at a “Dong Family Restaurant” in the village. Fresh carp raised in rice paddies is paired with homemade red sour soup, rich and tangy, with tender fish meat. Accompanied by a bowl of Dong sticky rice, the sour and spicy flavors whet the appetite. All this for about 50 RMB per person. - Roasted Fragrant Pig: Local small fragrant pigs are roasted until the skin is crispy and the meat tender, sprinkled with chili powder and cumin, releasing an irresistible aroma. The restaurant cuts the roasted pig into small pieces wrapped in lettuce leaves, refreshing and delicious—a must-try Dong specialty. - Oil Tea: In the morning at a village breakfast shop, be sure to drink a bowl of Dong oil tea. Tea leaves, glutinous rice, ginger, and other ingredients are stir-fried then boiled with water, mixed with peanuts and puffed rice. The taste is rich, warming the stomach and refreshing the mind. Only 3 RMB a bowl to start your day full of energy. Hidden Eats Staying in a Dong village homestay, you can book a “He Long Banquet” in advance. A long table is filled with various Dong dishes: sour soup fish, cured meat, pickled fish, wild vegetables, and more. Everyone sits together, eating and drinking while enjoying Dong grand song performances, experiencing authentic Dong hospitality. Also worth trying is the village’s “Gray Alkali Cake,” made from alkali water filtered through rice straw ash and glutinous rice. It has a chewy texture, can be pan-fried or stir-fried, and is served with chili dipping sauce for a unique flavor. 4. Accommodation and Travel Tips ・ Practical Guide Transportation Guide - High-speed rail directly reaches Congjiang Station. From there, take the scenic area shuttle bus (10 RMB/person, 20 minutes) to Zhaoxing Dong Village. For self-driving, navigate to “Zhaoxing Dong Village Parking Lot,” parking fee is 20 RMB/day. - Outside vehicles are prohibited inside the Dong village. Walking is recommended, or rent a local bicycle (15 RMB/hour) to wander through alleys and soak in the village’s leisurely atmosphere. Accommodation Recommendations - For luxury, choose “Zhaoxing Dong Village Resort Hotel,” some rooms have balconies with views of the cloud sea terraces, and you can enjoy the village’s night scenery. About 300 RMB per night per person. For cost-effectiveness, choose “Dong Family Homestay,” where the hosts are warm and hospitable, and you can taste authentic Dong home cooking. About 150 RMB per night per person. Some homestays also offer costume rental services. Avoid Pitfalls - Dong song and dance performances and bonfire parties only happen on holidays and weekend evenings. Visitors on weekdays should confirm showtimes in advance to avoid missing out. - Prices of silver jewelry and Dong cloth vary greatly. Be careful to distinguish authenticity when purchasing. It is recommended to buy from official stores to avoid counterfeit goods. - Mountain weather is changeable. Even on sunny days, bring rain gear and a light jacket. Early mornings watching the cloud sea can be chilly, so dress warmly. From the morning cloud sea terraces to the evening lantern glow, from the melodious Dong grand song to authentic sour soup fish, every corner of Zhaoxing Dong Village hides a real-life xianxia romance. Here, there is no need to deliberately seek check-in spots; just slow down, feel the mountain mist, the rustic stilt houses, and the warm Dong culture. Perhaps at some corner, you will encounter your own “xianxia fairy tale.”