Rongjiang

Rongjiang (榕江) is a county in the Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture of southeastern Guizhou Province. Its name means "Banyan River," referring to the ancient banyan trees that line its riverbanks. The county sits at the confluence of the Pingyong, Zhaihao, and Duoliu rivers, giving it a distinctive water-town character.

Rongjiang is one of the best places in Guizhou to experience authentic Dong and Miao village life without the crowds. The region is notable for the Sanbao Dong Village area — a cluster of traditional Dong villages that preserve some of the finest examples of Dong drum towers and wind-and-rain bridges in China. The surrounding landscape combines river valleys, terraced hillsides, and forested karst peaks.

The climate is subtropical and humid. The hottest months are July–August; the most pleasant season is autumn (September–November). Rice terraces turn golden in October, and the weather is cool and clear.

By Plane

Guiyang Longdongbao International Airport (KWE IATA) is about 230 km northwest, reachable by bus or train via Rongjiang Railway Station.

By Train

Rongjiang Railway Station is on the Guiyang–Guangzhou high-speed railway. High-speed trains connect to Guiyang (50 min), Guangzhou (2 hr), and Guilin (1 hr). The station is 5 km from the county town.

By Car / Road

Rongjiang is 230 km southeast of Guiyang (about 3.5 hr by car via the G76 and S308). Buses also run from Guiyang, Kaili, and Congjiang.

The county town is walkable along the riverfront. Minibuses connect the town to the main Dong villages. Taxis within town cost ¥5–10. For village-hopping, hiring a taxi or private car for the day (¥200–300) is recommended.

• Sanbao Dong Village (三宝侗寨): The largest cluster of Dong villages in Rongjiang, with the famous Sanbao Drum Tower — one of the tallest in China (36 stories), built without nails. The riverside location is lined with ancient banyan trees.

• Chejiang Miao Village (车江苗寨): A large Miao village where traditional indigo-dyeing and silverwork are still practiced. Visitors can watch the dyeing process.

• Banyan Tree Promenade (古榕树群): A collection of enormous, centuries-old banyan trees along the riverbank, creating natural shaded tunnels.

• Zaiqin Dong Village (栽岺侗寨): A well-preserved Dong village with a distinctive five-tiered drum tower and a wind-and-rain bridge spanning a mountain stream.

• Dong Drum Tower Art Museum: A small museum in Sanbao displaying models, photographs, and architectural details of Dong drum towers from across the region.

• River Boating: Take a small boat or traditional bamboo raft on the rivers around the Sanbao villages.

• Dong Grand Song Performance: Arrange a performance of the UNESCO-recognized Dong Grand Song — the polyphonic choral tradition — at Sanbao or a nearby village.

• Banyan Tree Photography: The ancient banyan trees along the river are an iconic subject, best photographed in the soft light of early morning or late afternoon.

• Batik Experience: Some Dong women offer workshops in traditional wax-resist batik fabric dyeing.

• Dong Sour Soup (酸汤): The local sour soup arrives at the table bubbling in a hotpot, filled with fresh river fish, tomatoes, and herbs.
• Steamed Rice in Bamboo: Glutinous rice steamed inside bamboo tubes with pork or vegetables.
• Rongjiang Pickled Fish: Fish fermented with rice, chili, and salt for several months — a pungent delicacy.
• Oil Tea: A savory breakfast or snack tea made by frying tea leaves with rice, ginger, and garlic, then adding hot water.
• Mountain Ferns: Stir-fried ferns and other wild greens foraged from the surrounding hills.

Dong rice wine is the traditional beverage, often infused with herbs or fruits. Bottled water is recommended. Local tea is produced in the surrounding mountains.

• Budget: Guesthouses in Sanbao Village charge ¥80–150 per night.
• Mid-range: Hotels in Rongjiang town, such as the Rongjiang Hotel, offer rooms from ¥150–250 per night.
• Village Homestay: Staying in a Dong village home is the most immersive option, with basic but clean rooms and home-cooked meals (¥80–120 per night).

Rongjiang is a good place to buy Dong batik fabrics, indigo-dyed clothing, and silver ornaments. Glutinous rice, red rice, and locally produced paper are also sold in the county town market.

• Congjiang (60 km, 1.5 hr) — Neighboring county with the fascinating Basha Miao Village and more Dong villages.
• Zhaoxing (90 km, 2.5 hr) — One of Guizhou's most impressive Dong villages, with five drum towers.
• Kaili (120 km, 2.5 hr) — The regional capital and a good base for exploring Miao villages.
• Liping (70 km, 1.5 hr) — County with more Dong villages and the historic Liping old town.
• Guilin (220 km, 4 hr) — World-famous karst scenery in Guangxi, reachable via the mountains.