The Dong are one of the numerous ethnic minorities in China, famous for their carpentry skills, singing and rice wine. We had originally planned to coast through the region on our way to Hunan province but once our visas were extended and we found ourselves with an extra 30 days in China, we decided to stop off and see the Chengyang Wind and Rain Bridge, completed by extremely talented Dong chippies in 1912.
Like all the local houses, the bridge is constructed entirely of wood which is ingeniously slotted together instead of using nails.
The five villages (Ma'an, Dong, Da, Yan, and Ping) are so close to each other they could be mistaken for one, but all have their own Drum Tower which forms the central part of cultural life in the village and is where locals perform music and dance for enthusiastic Chinese tourists (and us!).
Actually our attendance at the show almost upstaged the local musicians and dancers. Being in China is like being a B-grade celebrity. People stare (a lot), ask to have their photo taken with you and then back away giggling.
Unlike their woodwork, which even an imbecile can see is amazing, Dong music is an acquired taste. Like a lot of music we've heard in China it seemed to involve a lot of off-pitch discordant singing. Still, gotta love the girls headdress...
Having tested two out of three Dong specialties, it was time to move on to the third! So far we've had a mixed experience with Chinese rice wine- a couple have been good, most barely drinkable and one truly vile. Most of the stuff labeled wine could send a rocket to the moon but this was a much gentler version (lucky really, since it came in a enormous jar).
Apparently the Dong also have a Bull Intestine Eating Festival. Happily we'll be long gone by then.
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