Departing from Guangzhou | Ultimate Guide to Zhaoxing Dong Village

| Ultimate Guide to Zhaoxing Dong Village. Departing from Guangzhou | Ultimate Guide to Zhaoxing Dong Village

Hey guys! 🚄 Just a 3.5-hour high-speed train ride from Guangzhou to Congjiang Station, and you'll arrive at the enchanting Zhaoxing Dong Village. This trip is totally worth it!

✨ For a 3-day, 2-night trip, the average cost per person is around 1000 RMB. Here’s my treasure trove of tips to share with you!

🚗 Transportation Guide
1⃣ Depart from Guangzhou South Station and take the bullet train to Congjiang Station. The second-class ticket costs 216 RMB.
2⃣ It’s recommended to book a homestay that offers pick-up and drop-off services for convenience. However, due to recent traffic restrictions in the scenic area, homestay vehicles can only go as far as the village entrance. If your homestay doesn’t provide transportation, you can take a 10 RMB shuttle bus from Congjiang Station to Zhaoxing Dong Village.

🎫 Ticket Info: The entrance fee is 80 RMB, but it’s free for Guangdong residents—don’t miss this perk!

🏡 Accommodation Recommendations
1⃣ Highly recommend staying inside the village. Although homestays outside might be cheaper, they’re about 2.7 km away, making it less convenient for exploring.
2⃣ Opt for homestays near the upper village entrance or around the village gate and viewing platform—they’re away from the main street and quieter at night. I stayed in a room with floor-to-ceiling windows offering panoramic village views. The homestay owner was super nice and even upgraded me to a room with a viewing balcony for free!

🍱 Must-Try Foods
1⃣ Don’t miss the local rice noodles—rich in flavor. The nearby stall’s bayberry juice is also great at 8 RMB a cup.
2⃣ Dong ethnic specialties: sour fish soup, cured fish and meat, oil tea, etc. All are worth trying for a unique Dong culinary experience.

📸 Photo Spots
1⃣ The four drum towers: Each has its own charm and is perfect for photos.
2⃣ Around the wind-and-rain bridges: Full of ancient charm and atmosphere.
3⃣ The only lake in the center of the village entrance: Stunning for photos.
4⃣ The waterwheel on the left after entering: A picturesque rural scene.

🎭 Activities
1⃣ Dong Grand Song performance: Starts at 20:00, lasts about 40 minutes, and costs 80 RMB. A must-see to experience this intangible cultural heritage!
2⃣ Bonfire party: There are both local and official versions. The local one is more interactive and fun, priced at 60 RMB.
3⃣ Rent an e-bike to explore: 15 RMB/hour or 100 RMB/day. Ride to Xiage Terraced Fields for breathtaking views.
4⃣ Hike to Tang’an: A 3.2 km stone-paved trail from Zhaoxing to Tang’an, one of China’s most beautiful hiking routes. Pass through Xiage Dong Village and enjoy scenic views along the way. In Tang’an, you can admire the terraced fields and overlook Zhaoxing Dong Village. Shuttle buses back to Zhaoxing cost 10 RMB per person, but schedules are irregular—ask locals for departure times.

🛍 Shopping Tips: Pick up souvenirs like fridge magnets, tea, and tie-dye products at specialty shops to take a piece of Dong Village home with you.