The Chengyang Eight Villages Scenic Area is located in Linxi Town, Sanjiang Dong Autonomous County, Liuzhou City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. It is a national 5A-level tourist attraction. The area is inhabited by the Dong ethnic group and features a unique ethnic culture. Covering a total area of 12.55 square kilometers, it consists of eight Dong villages—Ma'an Village, Ping Village, Yan Village, Dong Village, Dazhai Village, Pingtan Village, Pingfu Village, and Jichang Village—which are connected in a contiguous cluster. It is a comprehensive showcase of Dong culture and the art of Dong wooden architecture. The area preserves well?preserved traditional Dong buildings, including over 20 wind?and?rain bridges, more than 10 drum towers, and numerous wooden stilted houses arranged in a distinctive architectural landscape.
History and Culture
The history of the Chengyang Eight Villages dates back several hundred years. The Dong ancestors settled here and gradually formed the eight villages we see today. Over the course of their long development, the Dong people have created a splendid culture and a unique architectural art.
The wind?and?rain bridges and drum towers are outstanding representatives of Dong architectural culture. The wind?and?rain bridge combines a bridge, a corridor, and pavilions into one structure. It is built without using a single nail or rivet; all parts are joined with mortise?and?tenon joints, demonstrating exquisite craftsmanship. The drum tower, on the other hand, is a symbol of a Dong village and serves as a venue for meetings, gatherings, and entertainment. Its shape is distinctive and its decorations are elaborate.
The Dong people also have rich folk customs, such as the Duoye Festival and the Hundred?Family Banquet. During the Duoye Festival, Dong men, women, and children dress in their finest traditional attire, join hands in a circle, and sing and dance together, creating a lively scene. The Hundred?Family Banquet is the highest courtesy the Dong people extend to their guests: every household contributes their best dishes to form a long communal feast, welcoming visitors with warm hospitality.
Main Attractions
Chengyang Yongji Bridge
Also known as Chengyang Wind?and?Rain Bridge, it is one of the iconic structures of the Chengyang Eight Villages. Built in 1912 and completed 12 years later, the bridge is 77.76 meters long, 3.75 meters wide, and 11.52 meters high, with five stone piers. On top of the bridge are five tower?like pavilions, with eaves rising layer upon layer like spreading wings. The entire bridge uses no nails or rivets; all connections are made with mortise?and?tenon joints. Its structure is sturdy and its form is elegant, making it a treasure of Dong architectural art and a key national cultural heritage protection site.
Ma'an Village
Ma'an is one of the better?known villages among the eight. It features old Dong residential houses scattered on the hillside in an orderly manner. The drum tower in the village serves as the center for villagers’ meetings and activities. In addition, there are traditional Dong handicraft workshops where visitors can watch Dong women weaving, embroidering, and demonstrating other traditional skills.
Ping Village
Ping Village attracts tourists with its distinctive Dong customs and beautiful rural scenery. The wind?and?rain bridge spans the river, adding a touch of rustic charm to the village. The village has a spacious square where grand celebrations are held during festivals, such as Duoye performances and Lusheng (reed?pipe) music shows.
Yan Village
Yan Village retains much of its original Dong character. Surrounded by green hills and babbling streams, the village’s wooden houses blend harmoniously with the natural environment. Visitors can experience the tranquility of Dong rural life and appreciate the simplicity and kindness of the Dong people.
Suggested Tour Route
Here is a one?day tour route: After entering the scenic area through the main gate, first go to Chengyang Yongji Bridge to admire the beauty of this famous wind?and?rain bridge and take photos. Then proceed to Ma'an Village to visit the traditional Dong houses and handicraft workshops. Next, head to Ping Village, where you can watch Dong performances in the square and immerse yourself in Dong culture. At noon, enjoy local Dong cuisine in the village. In the afternoon, visit Yan Village and take a stroll along the peaceful country paths to enjoy the rural scenery. Finally, follow the footpath along the river back to the main gate.
Travel Tips：
Check the performance schedule in advance and plan your itinerary accordingly so as not to miss the wonderful Dong song and dance shows.
Wear comfortable shoes, as most of the paths are paved with flagstones or are mountain trails, and you will be walking for long distances.
When tasting Dong food, try a variety of dishes to experience the unique culinary culture of the Dong people.
If interested, you may buy some Dong handicrafts as souvenirs, but pay attention to quality and prices.
Important Notes：
Respect the customs and religious beliefs of the Dong people. Do not touch sacred places such as shrines or drum towers in the villages.
When watching performances or participating in activities, follow the on?site order and do not make loud noises.
There are many insects in the scenic area, so bring insect repellent.
If you stay overnight in the village, keep quiet and do not disturb other visitors or the villagers’ rest.
Transportation：
Public transport: You can first arrive in Liuzhou City, then take a bus from Liuzhou Bus Terminal to Sanjiang Dong Autonomous County. After arriving in Sanjiang, transfer to a minibus heading to Chengyang Eight Villages in Linxi Town.
Self?driving: Starting from Liuzhou City, take the Sanbei Expressway and the Xiarong Expressway, exit at Linxi/Chengyang Eight Villages, and follow the signs to the scenic area. The total distance is about 170 kilometers, and driving takes approximately 2.5 hours.
Opening Hours：
The scenic area is open from 08:00 to 18:00. However, the opening hours of some attractions and performances may be adjusted according to actual conditions. Visitors can check the latest information at the tourist information center.
Ticket Price：
Ticket (including sightseeing bus): 95 RMB per person.