Sanjiang



Sanjiang is located in the north part of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region at the middle beaches of the
Xunjiang; in the joint area of Hunan, Guizhou and Guangxi provinces.

Sanjiang features well-preserved Dong villages with their wooden houses, drum towers and shelter
bridges which dot the countryside hereabouts, The Dong makes up 50% of the population in Sanjiang.
The other nationalities inhabiting there are Han, Zhuang, Miao, Yao, Menchu, Hui, Maonan, Gelao and Yi.

Dong people in Sanjiang have a very unique food culture. Sour dishes are their favorite. Almost all kinds
of food they make are served in sour flavor. Dong people are famous for their singing. Since the Dong
minority didn't have a writing system of their own until 1958, their history and stories were all recorded and passed down through songs. The most
popular form of song is the 'grand song' which contains various themes ranging from love stories to historical events to moral lessons.

Dong festivals occur throughout each year, varying from Bull fighting Festival to Bird-fighting Festival, competitive Fireworks Festival to colorful
Singing Contest. Local food and speciality such as sour fish and pickled pork are tasty dishes to attempt, oiled tea and rice wine are always good
drink to increase your mental activity.

The best way to experience the culture of this area is to get out of the city and head for the hills. Chengyang is the best base for exploration.
Chengyang itself is a pretty collection of warped, 2~3 storeyed traditional wooden houses, overlooked by a square-sided drum tower - both, like
the shelter bridges, synonymous with the Dong. Drum towers were used as lookout posts when the country was at war, the drums inside beaten
to rouse the village; today people gather here for meetings and entertainment.

Built in 1916, as the representative of Dong architectures, Fengyu Bridge claims the best-protected and
largest-dimensioned shelter bridge of China today, especially in Chengyang. The bridge was entirely built
from cedar tenon, not even one nail used in the construction. Cool and airy in summer, protected from
downpours.

Sanjiang has captured the imagination of travelers around the world, because you will find incredible
beauty wonderful food, and unique architecture in this region. But more important than this is her people,
who welcome you with open arms.