Zhaoxing Dong Village is back, and I really don’t recommend going in August because it’s just too amazing

🌤️ Why is August the magical season in Zhaoxing? 1. Fewer people, beautiful scenery, no crowds: Avoid the summer vacation crowds, freely take empty shots of the Drum Tower cluster and Wind and Rain Bridge! The Tang’an terraced fields hiking trail is like a green fairyland all the way, the plank road has no one fighting for spots, and the evening bonfire party is not crowded. 2. 25℃ natural air-conditioned rooms: Outside the mountain it’s over 30℃, but inside the village it’s shaded by trees and surrounded by streams, with cool breezes flowing through~ At night you even need a light blanket to sleep, and after rain, mist drifts over the stilted buildings, creating a full fairy atmosphere. 3. Dong culture highlight moment: August coincides with the Dong “New Rice Festival,” where you can listen to the heavenly Dong grand songs for free in front of the Drum Tower (non-commercial performance!), and may encounter villagers bullfighting and long table feasts, immersing yourself in intangible cultural heritage charm. ------ 🚄 Amazing transport tips (a must-see for high-speed rail travelers) • High-speed rail direct trick: Get off at Congjiang Station → turn right to the 2nd floor of the passenger building to take a minibus (10 RMB/person, 15 minutes speeding to the village gate)❗️Don’t fall for the black car “50 RMB charter” scam. • Self-driving tips: Navigate to “Zhaoxing Dong Village West Gate,” parking is 10 RMB/day, then switch to sightseeing buses to enter the village (20 RMB/person), private cars are banned all day in the main village area. ------ ⛰️ 2 days 1 night relaxed itinerary (no climbing version) DAY 1: ✅ View the panoramic platform (best before 8:00 am for morning mist) → Rentuan Drum Tower (watch elders weave Dong cloth) ✅ Tie-dye experience (recommend “Dongpinyuan” workshop, 50 RMB to make and take a scarf) ✅ Lituan Drum Tower for sunset (18:30 warm light shining through the granaries, backlight is stunning) ✅ Night tour of Yituan Drum Tower (20:00 after lights on, looks like Spirited Away!) DAY 2: ✅ Light hike at Tang’an terraced fields (minibus 20 RMB round trip, downhill route super easy) ✅ Xiage Dong Village rice field fish catching (a must for families! Remember to bring spare clothes) ✅ Jitang Dong Village watch Lusheng making (master craftsman demonstrates 72 steps on site) For walkers, you can challenge the 4km ancient trail from Zhaoxing to Tang’an (one of China’s seven most beautiful hiking routes), but in August it’s recommended to take a car to save energy! ------ 📸 Hidden photo spots (avoid tourist photos) • Rentuan Flower Bridge Dong cloth display: Indigo-dyed cloth hanging like a rainbow in the early morning, crouch low to capture light and shadow. • Xiage rice field swing: Get off midway on the return from Tang’an, golden rice + distant mountains + swing, straight out of a Miyazaki animation. • Lituan granary cluster silhouette: At sunset, stand in backlight with people, outline framed with the Dong village, bursting with storytelling vibes. ------ 🏠 Accommodation blind pick guide • Drum Tower fans first choice: Tianzhiyi Courtyard (next to Yituan Drum Tower), rooftop terrace to shoot five Drum Towers in one frame! Off-season 300+ RMB with incredible value. • Family/quiet travelers: Yixinju (behind Xintuan Drum Tower), run by a Guangdong owner with top-notch soundproofing, 3-minute walk to free Dong song spots. ------ ⚠️ Pitfall warning guide • Dressing trap: Don’t wear Hanfu! Stone roads + many steps, better to rent hand-embroidered Dong costumes in the village (30 RMB/set) for a more fitting look, the machine-embroidered ones on the main street feel cheap. • Shopping pitfalls: ▶️ Don’t buy silver jewelry on the main street → find grandmas in Tang’an Dong Village for genuine handmade; ▶️ Be cautious buying “wild honey” → hard to tell real from fake and very expensive. • Ultimate sun and insect protection combo: Arm sleeves + sun hat + mosquito repellent (the village black mosquitoes are super fierce!), sunscreen SPF50+ as a baseline. ------ 💡 Ultimate tip: Free Dong grand song performances are at Zhituan/Xintuan Drum Towers (not fixed times! Ask your guesthouse in advance), worth 100 times more than the 88 RMB bonfire party! This guide is for reference only, actual arrangements depend on the scenic area~