Drum Towers: The Heartbeat of Dong Villages

Step into a Dong village, and you’ll instantly spot its towering centerpiece: the majestic drum tower, where tradition, community, and culture collide. For China’s Dong ethnic group, these intricately designed wooden structures are more than just landmarks—they’re the literal heartbeat of daily life.

Each clan in a Dong village builds its own drum tower, with the number of towers revealing how many major families call the area home. Picture them like real-life Instagram bios —distinct, symbolic, and full of stories. By day, they’re hubs for village meetings and lively gatherings. By night? Cozy fire pits inside welcome elders to share wisdom, play chess, or swap tales that could rival your favorite podcast.

\"The drum tower is where we connect—with our ancestors, our neighbors, and our identity,\" says a local resident (name withheld). In winter, the warmth of its central fire draws everyone closer, both physically and spiritually. Think of it as part town hall, part cultural sanctuary, and part Avengers-style headquarters for preserving traditions.

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The drum tower, the heart of every Dong Village

cgtn.com