Tongdao Dong Ethnic Cultural Village (Huangtou Dong Village)

Tongdao Dong Ethnic Cultural Village (Huangtou Dong Village)

Tongdao Dong Ethnic Cultural Village (Huangtou Dong Village) is a national AAA-level tourist attraction.

Huangtou Dong Village is located in Tongdao County, Huaihua, Hunan Province, situated in Huangtu Township at the heart of the “Hundred-Mile Dong Cultural Corridor” within the Tongdao Dong Autonomous County of Hunan. It has now been developed into the “Tongdao Huangtou Dong Ethnic Cultural Village,” and is a national AAA-level tourist attraction.

Tongdao Dong Ethnic Cultural Village

Legend has it that the ancient king of the Yelang Kingdom passed through this area and was so enchanted by the vibrant ethnic culture that he established the “Huangtou” city here. The Huangtou Dong Cultural Village consists of four villages: Toutou Village, Weitou Village, Xintou Village, and Pantou Village. With a long history, it boasts some of the most well-preserved and colorful local customs. In the drum towers, pavilions, and under the wind-rain bridges, the sounds of musical instruments and singing fill the air. To enter the Dong village, one must first cross a wind-rain bridge called Pushiu Bridge. At the foot of the mountain on the opposite bank stands an elegant village gate. Six iron cannons are fired in sequence, while dozens of Dong men dance joyfully playing lively lusheng (a traditional wind instrument). A group of Dong girls dressed in festive costumes block the path, offering bowls of fragrant local wine — this is the most solemn ceremony the Dong people use to welcome distinguished guests. Arriving at the performance ground adorned with sunflower patterns to watch the wonderful shows by the Huangtou Dong Cultural Village Art Troupe is yet another delightful experience. Performances such as “The Toasting Song,” “Cheche Mo,” “Stepping on the Winnowing Basket,” “The Straw Song,” “Tea Ceremony,” “Egg Snatching,” “The Bench Love Song,” and “The Bamboo Tube Song and Dance Party” showcase the essence of traditional Dong culture. With their gentle melodies and graceful dances, these performances exude a powerful vitality and a subtle masculine beauty.

Location

Huangtou Dong Cultural Village, Tongdao Dong Autonomous County, Huaihua City, Hunan Province