Architectural characteristics of Dong architecture

The residential buildings in the southern area of Dong nationality have a characteristic, that is, they are layered, large and small, and do not occupy land. There are galleries on each floor. Install railings or fences in corridors. If a fence is used, a circular hole will be specially cut to let the dog look out. Because there are layers of eaves, the eaves water is thrown far away, which is conducive to protecting the foot of the wall and can be used to dry clothes and food.

In addition to drying grain under the eaves, Dong compatriots also built a trapezoidal drying table in front of their houses with Chinese fir stalks and a hanging granary with Chinese fir. The granary is also built by water, which is beneficial to fire prevention, theft prevention, rat prevention and moisture prevention. Drum Tower and Yufeng Bridge are unique symbols of Dong villages. Where there is Dong Village, there is Drum Tower. Generally, a surname builds a drum tower. So there are four or five drum towers in the big village. East Drum Tower is a tower-shaped building with Chinese fir structure. Its bottom is square and its top is polygonal, and it has four eaves and four corners, six eaves and six corners, eight eaves and eight octagons and other different types. The number of floors is odd, from three to five floors, from seven to nine floors, and some are as high as ten floors. The Drum Tower is abrupt and towering, with a unique roof at the top, with spires, resting peaks and suspended peaks. At the top, there are carvings such as treasure gourd and Millennium crane, which symbolize auspiciousness. The eaves of the beams and columns of the Drum Tower are decorated with colorful paintings, which are exquisite and gorgeous. The whole building, without nails or riveting, is connected by tenon and groove, which has been enduring for hundreds of years. Its "herringbone" arch structure is especially praised by architectural experts. Drum Tower is a place where Dong people meet and discuss, and it is also a place where people rest, entertain and love with young people.

Wind and rain bridge: also known as flower bridge, pavilion type and drum tower type. Pavilion-style wind and rain bridge, the pavilion on the bridge deck is elegant and exquisite. Drum Tower Wind and Rain Bridge is built on a wide river. On the long corridor of the bridge, it is covered with several drum tower buildings, which is very beautiful and spectacular. Dongzhai wind and rain bridge, the bridge body is all made of Chinese fir cross-over straight sleeves, with holes connected, precise structure and unique style without nails. There are benches in the bridge corridor for people to rest and look after. Some also have tea for passers-by to quench their thirst. Yufeng Bridge is not only convenient for traveling, but also a playground for Dong people to sing and dance, blowing sheng to play the piano and entertain guests.