Bijie

Bijie is cool in summer, with a noticeable temperature difference between morning/evening and daytime.

Bijie in Guizhou is well suited to a short 3-day, 2-night trip. It has karst landscapes, grasslands above the clouds, and affordable local food. Here is a suggested itinerary and list of sights:

Main Attractions Overview

• Zhijin Cave: A national 5A-rated scenic area known as the “King of Chinese Caves.” The cave stays around 16°C year-round, with spacious chambers and dense stalactite formations. The Silver Rain Tree and Overlord Helmet are signature sights, and the full walking route takes about 2.5 hours.

• Jiudongtian: A scenic area combining cave and canyon landscapes, with boat access available. The walking route passes cliffside boardwalks, waterfalls, and other areas. It feels cool in summer and is suitable for a half-day visit.

• Asilixi Grassland: A high-altitude grassland landscape where you can see the wavy road, large wind turbines, and seas of clouds. In summer, it is good for escaping the heat, walking, and taking in distant views.

• Baili Azalea: Famous for its vast native azalea forest. The blooming season is from March to April each year, when azaleas cover the mountains in continuous stretches, earning it the name “Ribbon of the Earth.” Outside the flowering season, you can spend more time around nearby Asilixi.

• Shexiang Ancient Town: An ancient town themed around Yi ethnic culture, with the only urban terraced-field landscape in China. At night, you can watch the terraced-field light show.

Local Food Ideas

Dining in Bijie is generally inexpensive. You can eat quite well at hot pot restaurants for around 20–30 yuan per person. The following restaurants and snacks are worth adding to your meal plan:

Classic Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrive in Bijie - Relax in the City - Night Market Food
  • Morning: After arriving in Bijie, you can rent a car directly at the high-speed rail station. Bijie’s attractions are spread out, so self-driving makes it easier to connect the route.
  • Afternoon: Start at the Bijie Museum to learn about local history, then go to Xiangshuitan Park to see a natural urban waterfall. You can also climb Shamao Mountain and look over the city from Wumeng Pavilion.

• Evening: Go to People’s Park Night Market to try snacks such as griddle barbecue and grilled small tofu. For accommodation, Qixingguan District city center is a convenient choice, with easy access to food and transport.

• Day 2: Cave Wonders - Canyon Walk - Ancient Town Night View
  • Morning: Head to Zhijin Cave. It is best to arrive before 3 pm so you have enough time to visit. After touring the cave, you can also stop by Zhijin Grand Canyon nearby.

• Afternoon: Drive to Jiudongtian. You can choose the route of “walking in and taking a boat out,” experiencing cliffside boardwalks and underground river scenery along the way.

• Evening: Visit Shexiang Ancient Town to see the terraced-field light show. Dinner can be dried tofu hot pot, and you can stay overnight in Dafang County.

• Day 3: Grassland Above the Clouds - Flower Sea Scenery - Return Trip
  • Morning: Go to Asilixi Ertaipo, driving along the wavy road. Along the way, you can see large wind turbines, herds of cattle and sheep, and open grassland scenery.

• Afternoon: If your trip is in March or April, you can visit Baili Azalea. If it is in August or September, you can go to Asilixi Jiucaiping to see the sea of wild chive flowers. After that, arrange your return trip.

Transport and Travel Tips

• Getting There: High-speed trains go directly to “Bijie Station,” where you can rent a car after arrival. For flights, you can choose “Bijie Feixiong Airport,” about a 30-minute drive from the city center.
• Local Transport: Attractions are far apart, so self-driving or hiring a car is recommended. Within the city, you can take buses or use ride-hailing services.
• Accommodation Suggestions: Qixingguan District city center is the first choice, with convenient transport and many dining options. If you plan to visit Baili Azalea, you can stay in Dafang County. If your main focus is Zhijin Cave, you can stay in Zhijin County.
• What to Wear: Bijie has a large day-night temperature difference, so bring a light jacket for mornings and evenings. The cave is around 16°C, so you will need a jacket inside. UV rays are strong on the plateau, so use sun protection.
• Ticket Reservations: For popular scenic areas such as Zhijin Cave and Jiudongtian, it is best to buy package tickets online in advance to reduce time spent queuing on site.