ZhaoXing to GuiLin
       Via TangAn, DiPing villages:
Rain, mist, drizzle not a very good start for our climb up the mountain to the Dong Ecological Museum - TangAn - but our spirits brighten as we enter the village through one of its nine gates and heard the distance echoing of songs and polyphonic music the Dong People are famous for.

Half way up the mountain, as the mists cleared we could see what appeared to be paradise - rolling terraces, virgin forests - with the village nested right into the heart of this tranquil scene.

As we entered we saw not a soul in sight, with what appears to be a deserted village with doors and windows left wide open - all the able villagers at this time of the year are out preparing the fields - we see a gathering of elders and children as we approach the obligatory Drum Tower with its nine layers of eaves, carved dragons, decorated motifs and colorful patterns of double fishes, phoenixes and peacocks. Here the elders tell us how all the villagers are keen to learn John Gjestrum principles of Living in an Ecological Museum using modern techniques of photos, videos and writing to record and keep their own customs, lifestyles, history and culture alive for the prosperity of the World.

With so much culture, peace and heritage in such a small corner on Earth it sadden us to leave such a magical place.

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