Small but perfectly formed(4)

4. Zhaoxing, Guizhou province

Located in Liping county in Guizhou province, Zhaoxing is home to the ethnic Dong people and the country's largest Dong village.

Lying in a basin circled by mountains, the village boasts traditional wooden architecture, five drum towers, five carved bridges and five theater stages. The village is divided into five clans.

A river winds though the whole village. Standing along the river banks are rows of diaojiaolou, or suspended houses, over the water.

Most people here wear ethnic clothing decorated by silver ornaments and speak the Dong dialect.

After the mist fades and sunshine penetrates the village, Dong people begin their treks to the morning market.

You can find local snacks like rice balls and women carry their infants in baskets on their backs.

Dong people are good at singing and have a great passion for it, no matter the age.

If you go

Fly to Guiyang in Guizhou province. You can either choose to fly from Guiyang to Liping county (30 minutes, on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday), or take a nine-hour bus ride. To Zhaoxing Dong village, there are buses in the town. The accommodation and food are cheap. One night in a hotel costs just 50 yuan ($8).