At the heart of Zhaoxing Dong Village stands the drum tower – a beacon of community and tradition. Families take turns tending to the fire, ensuring that the space is always warm and inviting. This is where the village elders gather to enjoy simple, yet meaningful, pastimes: warming themselves by the fire, playing Dong chess and brewing tea. The chessboards are carved directly into the wooden benches, ready for a game at any time. Over the years, these well-worn benches have become etched with the marks of countless games, telling the story of the village's vibrant social life.