Weekend Escape Plan｜A Two-Day Retreat into the Healing Utopia of Zhaoxing Dong Village

Don't stay home this weekend! Gather your friends and head to the "hidden paradise" in Guizhou—Zhaoxing Dong Village. Experience the drum towers' smoke and the glow of countless lights with this comprehensive guide📝, immersing yourself in Dong culture. 🚗 Transportation Guide ✅ High-speed rail: From Guiyang/Guangzhou/Guilin, take a direct train to "Congjiang Station"🚄. A 15-minute taxi ride from the station takes you to the village entrance (shared ride ~¥10/person, private car ~¥30). ✅ Self-drive: Navigate to "Zhaoxing Dong Village". Parking is available outside the scenic area🅿️. Check traffic conditions in advance for weekend trips! 👉 Pro tip: From the village entrance, take a shuttle (¥5/person) or walk 10 minutes into the village. Lazy folks, choose the shuttle!🚍 🏡 Accommodation Recommendations 1️⃣ Scenic B&Bs: Opt for "hillside" or "village-end" stays. Open your window to tiered stilt houses and terraced fields🌄. Morning mist views? Unbeatable!🌅 2️⃣ Themed Inns: Want authentic Dong vibes? Pick lodges with wooden lofts and carved windows—perfect for photos📸. 3️⃣ Budget-friendly: Clean, comfy stays from ¥100+/person. Book early for weekends!🔥 🍜 Food Guide 🍲 Sour Fish Soup: A must-try! Spicy-sour broth with paddy fish—down three bowls of rice!🍚 🥟 Dong Oil Tea: Savory tea with fried rice and peanuts, ideal for breakfast☕️. 🌶️ Fermented Fish/Pork: Bold Dong-style flavors. Not for the faint-hearted!😋 🍢 Street snacks: Roasted pork, fern cakes, hand-pounded mochi… Eating while strolling is the way!🍡 🎡 Must-Do Activities 1️⃣ Drum Tower Tour: Visit five unique drum towers and catch free Dong song performances (11:00/17:00 daily)🎵. 2️⃣ Tang’an Terraces Hike: Trek the "most scenic trail" from Zhaoxing to Tang’an Dong Village for lush greenery and sea of clouds☁️. Take a shuttle if tired🚜. 3️⃣ Night Walk: Stroll along the lit-up streams, photograph lantern reflections—pure magic!🏮 4️⃣ DIY Workshops: Try indigo dyeing or oil tea-making, and take home a souvenir🎨. ⚠️ Tips to Avoid Pitfalls ❌ Skip souvenir shops at the entrance—better deals inside! ✅ Pack a light jacket for temperature swings🧥. ❌ Confirm photo fees—some ethnic costume rentals have hidden charges📸. ✅ Book long-table feasts in advance (~¥50/person for a feast!)🥢. 📌 Lazy Packing List ID🪪｜Power bank｜Sunscreen🧴｜Bug spray｜Comfy sneakers👟 Grab this guide and dash off with friends this weekend!🎉