Dong People

With a population of over 280,000, the Dong people live mainly in the Sanjiang Dong Autonomous County.

The Dong people have their ancestral origin in the Baiyue people and have grown out of a branch of the Xi'ou people of the Qin and Han period. They are creators of colorful art and literature, and are skilled architects of wooden and stone structures. Their drum towers and the wind and rain bridges are the most famous of their masterpieces.

The Dong women favor silver jewellery. After a woman gets married, she visits her husband only on holidays or on special occasions, until she becomes pregnant. The Dong believes in polytheism and worship natural objects, such as an ancient tree, huge rock, well or bridge.

(CRIENGLISH.com December 11, 2008)