Zaidang Village
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Ancient Zaidang Village is a Dong Ethnic Minority Village, located in China’s Guizhou Province. The ancient village is special because it is residents are all of the Dong Ethnic Minority, so the architecture is unique. The Dong people have retained their colorful traditions and cultures, making the village a great way to witness, firsthand, how the one of China’s Ethnic Minority Groups live. The local people, walking around in their traditional clothing really add a splash of color to this ancient village.
The architecture of the Dong Minority Group is unique. The buildings are made entirely of wood and no metal fasteners are used in their architecture. The buildings utilize gravity to keep them together. All joints are held together by mortise and tenon joints. This type of joinery is important due to the annual swelling and shrinkage of the wood. Inside every Dong village is at least one drum tower. The towers are used as a meeting place, a place to festivals and celebrations, and to signal the villagers. The architecture of the drum towers are such that the drum, located inside, can be heard for long distances. It can signal every person for miles around.
The culture of the Dong people is colorful, unique, and alive and well. There are many unique aspects of their culture, including their marriage traditions. When a man and woman get married, they do not spend live together until the bride gets pregnant. Also, during harvesting and planting seasons, the wife lives with her family. The Washing Buffalo Festival is unique to the Dong Ethnic Minority Group. Held on the sixth day of the sixth lunar month, the festival gives thanks to their water buffalo and oxen for the work they do. On the day of the festival, families who have water buffalo kill and sacrifice a duck to the buffalo divinity. If they have oxen, they kill and sacrifice a chicken.
Zaidang Village is a very special place and a great way for visitors to experience the ancient traditions of the local people. It is a fine addition to all China tours and offers fantastic photo opportunities.
