Driving southeast of Kaili, the road climbs into the hills before finally descending into a subtropical basin. In the very south of this region is Zhaoxing, a lively, traditional Dong Minority village with a remarkable total of five drum towers.

Zhaoxing still boasts its traditional wooden structures, including a number of wind and rain bridges and theatre stages. Many of the town's inhabitants continue to wear traditional clothing and speak only their native Dong language. Surrounded by lush fields and hills, Zhaoxing is a small oasis and well worth a day's stopover.

Zhaoxing is one of the largest Dong villages in the region, with more than 700 households and a population of 4000. The Dong people in Zhaoxing are all surnamed Lu. According to an old man, the head of the Dong people in Zhaoxing divided the people into five groups in order to make administration easier. The five towers represent kindness, righteousness, politeness, intellect and creditworthiness.

In the early morning when the first rays of sunlight appear in the sky, the streets and lanes in Zhaoxing come to life. People of the Dong minority gather to begin their life for another day.

The morning market is very interesting. Here you can try the local snacks; the fried rice ball was my favourite. The peddler was a middle-aged woman who is always happy to talk with travellers.

Following the early breakfast meal, the small town becomes quiet again as most people go out to the fields with baskets and tools to work.

During the day, you can stroll around Zhaoxing without being disturbed by throngs of people.

China tours inclusive of visiting Zhaoxing