Historic Architecture of the Dong People, China

Remote Dali Village is accessible only by a narrow mountain road. Visitors wind through forests to access this isolated settlement, home to the ethnic Dong minority.

Dali is a particularly well-preserved Dong village, distinguished by its covered bridges and iconic drum tower (pictured at center). As in other Dong villages, Dali's drum tower is an important hub for community gatherings and festivities.

Yet in recent decades, Dali had few opportunities for economic development. The village experienced an outflow of its population as younger generations left to pursue employment in China's booming cities.

The unique cultural heritage of Dali Village needed rapid action. In 2013, local residents and partners began collaborations to revitalize crafts and save traditional building knowledge.

Efforts in Dali have also focused on preserving key built elements in the cultural landscape, including covered bridges, barns, wells, ponds, and water and road systems. 
 

Modern materials such as metal sheeting roofing and glazed tiles have been replaced by clay roof tiles and timber facing. These efforts protect the local vernacular architecture and natural settings, while also encouraging sustainable building practices.

Today, Dali is on better footing. Its traditional practices even helped residents survive the recent outbreak of COVID-19. During months of isolation, local men and women relied on ancestral skills to provide daily necessities, including growing and foraging food in the same manner that their forefathers practiced for generations.