Ethnic villages in Guizhou

Zhanli village

About 16 kilometers away from Congjiang county, Zhanli village serves as a gathering point for the Dong ethnic group, accommodating 836 villagers in 186 households. Ancestors of Zhanli made a rule during the early Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) to achieve balance between the population and the amount of cultivated land.

Shiqiao village

The Shiqiao is known as the "Hometown of ancient Chinese papermaking".Beginning in the mid-Tang Dynasty (618-907), Shiqiao ancient papermaking technology has a history of more than 1,500 years, which is considered a "living fossil" of its kind in China.

Jiyou village

Jiyou village is a typical village of the Miao ethnic group, with 980 villagers in 197 households and 32 hectares of cultivated land area. More than 140 local wooden dwellings are built close to the mountains.

Nanmeng village

Nanmeng village, located 13 km from Leishan county, enjoys a reputation as the "hometown of Lusheng Dance". The Lusheng, an ancient reed-pipe musical instrument, is played by a large group of people in Nanmeng, ranging from 11-yearold children to people in their 70s.

Huanggang village

As one of the gatherings of the Dong ethnic people, Huanggang village celebrates many local festivals. The most important two are held on Jan 7 and June 15 of the Chinese lunar calendar. Located in remote mountains, Huanggang continues production and living customs that have lasted for thousands of years.

Sizhai village

Sizhai village is famous for its Dong ethnic traditional wrestling festival, a grand event that is held annually on March 15 of the Chinese lunar calendar. The festival has a history of more than 600 years. The Dong wrestling was also listed as a provincial intangible cultural heritage item by the Guizhou government in 2006.

Dali Village

Dali is a typical village of the Dong ethnic group. Of 1,139 villagers, 98 percent are of the Dong ethnicity. Titled "a museum of Dong architecture", the village has 29 dwellings that are centuries old, as well as four flower bridges, one drum tower, six ancient wells and 12 granaries. It also has 128 trees that have grown for more than 100 years. All those buildings, which harmoniously integrate with the natural environment, have important historical, scientific and artistic value.

Changtan village

Changtan village is an important agriculture and sightseeing demonstration area in Taijiang county. It has seven main industries including potato planting, raising fish in paddy fields and Miao embroidery. Changtan is famous for its profound dragon canoe culture. It hosts a dragon canoe festival annually from May 25 to 27 of the Chinese lunar calendar. The event has been listed as a national intangible cultural heritage item.

(China Daily 10/19/2016 page22)