Bijie

Bijie, Guizhou is an underrated summer-retreat gem of a small city, with average summer temperatures of around 20°C. It has not only spectacular karst landscapes and grasslands above the clouds, but also plenty of affordable, authentic local specialties. Here is a classic 3-day, 2-night Bijie travel guide for you:

Must-Visit Attractions

• ​​Zhijin Cave​​: A national 5A-level scenic area, praised as the “King of Chinese Caves.” The cave maintains a constant temperature of 16°C. Its scenery is grand and impressive, with signature sights such as the Silver Rain Tree and Overlord Helmet. The full walking route takes about 2.5 hours.

• ​​Jiudongtian​​: A cave-and-canyon scenic area offering excellent value, where you can enter and exit by boat. The hiking route passes cliffside walkways and highly photogenic waterfalls, making it especially cool and refreshing in summer.

• ​​Asilixi Grassland​​: No need to travel all the way to Inner Mongolia; here you can find vast grasslands above the clouds. With its viral wave road, wind turbines across the hills, and soothing seas of clouds, it is a top choice for summer cooling off and fresh air.

• ​​Baili Azalea​​: The world’s largest native azalea forest. Every March to April, azaleas blanket the mountains, forming the “Earth’s Ribbon.” Outside the blooming season, nearby Asilixi is a better choice.

• ​​Shexiang Ancient Town​​: A distinctive ancient town themed around Yi ethnic culture, home to the country’s only urban terraced-field landscape. The terraced-field light show at night is especially beautiful.

Authentic Food Guide

Prices in Bijie are wonderfully reasonable. Hot pot costs around 20-30 yuan per person and can easily leave you full. Here is the must-eat list:

Classic Itinerary

• ​​Day 1: Arrive in Bijie - Relax in the City - Night Market Food Hunt​​
  • ​​Morning​​: Arrive in Bijie. It is recommended to rent a car directly at the high-speed railway station, as the attractions are spread out and self-driving is the most convenient option.
  • ​​Afternoon​​: Visit Bijie Museum to learn about the city’s history, then head to Xiangshuitan Park to see a natural urban waterfall, or climb Shamao Mountain and ascend Wumeng Pavilion for a panoramic view of the city.

• ​​Evening​​: Go to People’s Park Night Market for luoguo griddle dishes and grilled small tofu, and experience Bijie’s lively local atmosphere. For accommodation, Qixingguan District city center is recommended for convenient dining and transport.

• ​​Day 2: Cave Wonders - Canyon Hike - Ancient Town Night Views​​
  • ​​Morning​​: Head to Zhijin Cave; it is recommended to arrive before 15:00. Take in the awe of this underground palace, and visit Zhijin Grand Canyon along the way.

• ​​Afternoon​​: Drive to Jiudongtian. The recommended route is to “hike in and take a boat out,” enjoying the cliffside walkways and underground river scenery.

• ​​Evening​​: Stroll around Shexiang Ancient Town to see the terraced-field light show, have a dried tofu hot pot meal, and stay overnight in Dafang County.

• ​​Day 3: Grasslands Above the Clouds - Flower-Sea Scenery - Return Trip​​
  • ​​Morning​​: Head to Asilixi Ertaipo. Drive along the viral wave road, see the wind turbines and herds of cattle and sheep, and enjoy the soothing grassland scenery.

• ​​Afternoon​​: If it is March to April, you can visit Baili Azalea; if it is August to September, go to Asilixi Jiucaiping to see the wild chive flower sea. Return afterward.

Transport and Pitfall-Avoidance Tips

• ​​Long-Distance Transport​​: High-speed trains go directly to “Bijie Station,” where you can rent a car right after exiting. For flights, you can fly to “Bijie Feixiong Airport,” about a 30-minute drive from the city center.
• ​​Local Transport​​: The attractions are very scattered, so self-driving or hiring a car is strongly recommended. Within the city, you can take buses or ride-hailing cars.
• ​​Accommodation Suggestions​​: Qixingguan District city center is the top choice, with convenient transport and plenty of food. If you plan to visit Baili Azalea, stay in Dafang County; if you want to visit Zhijin Cave, stay in Zhijin County.
• ​​Clothing Reminder​​: Bijie has a large day-night temperature difference, so bring a light jacket for mornings and evenings. The caves stay at a constant 16°C, so a jacket is essential. The plateau UV rays are strong, so use sun protection.
• ​​Ticket Reservations​​: For popular scenic areas such as Zhijin Cave and Jiudongtian, it is recommended to buy combo tickets online in advance to avoid queues.