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Visitors can enjoy birdwatching, taking boat tours, and hiking around the wetlands. The Caohai Lake is famous for its rich biodiversity, particularly for migratory birds. It's also a great spot for photography and enjoying the natural beauty of the area.
Weining Caohai, located in western Guizhou, is the largest freshwater lake in the region, on par with Qinghai Lake and Dianchi Lake. The BBC documentary "Wild China" was also filmed here. Every winter, countless migratory birds flock here to overwinter. In summer, lush aquatic plants sprout from the lakebed, spreading across the riverbed. Looking down, one can see clear water. During bird season, flocks of migratory birds can be seen deep within the Caohai.
Boating here is like entering a dreamland. This lake is one of the world's top ten birdwatching destinations, voted one of the world's most popular tourist destinations by National Geographic magazine, and hailed as "a sapphire in the crown of Guizhou tourism." It also boasts the nicknames "Pearl of the Plateau" and "Bird Kingdom." The lake is rich in fish, shrimp, cattails, and other aquatic plants and animals, and is home to 228 rare waterbirds. Every winter, thousands of these exotic birds migrate here to overwinter. Particularly rare birds include black-necked cranes, grey cranes, red-crowned cranes, yellow-spotted reed pheasants, black-winged stilts, and herons, as well as large numbers of wild geese and ducks. This makes it one of the world's top ten migratory birding areas, where humans and birds coexist harmoniously. It's an ideal spot for birdwatching in winter and spring, and for escaping the summer heat in autumn.
The best time to travel to Weining Caohai is summer and winter
Winter and early spring (December to March) are the best times for birdwatching in Caohai. Thousands of migratory birds overwinter here, especially the rare black-necked crane, known as the "giant panda of birds." At this time, only dry reeds sway in the wind, creating a unique charm against the backdrop of the azure lake.
In the summer (June to August), the sea of grass is full of life and the aquatic plants are in bloom.
In autumn and winter (October to December), the water plants gradually wither, but this is a good time to watch the fog in the sea of grass. The Weining County is looming in the fog, like a fairyland.
It is recommended to spend half a day
There is no entrance fee to the scenic area, but a boat fee is required
All day
Weining Caohai is a large freshwater lake in Guizhou, known for its ecological importance. It is a key site for migratory birds, especially wild geese and ducks. The lake is part of a larger nature reserve and holds significant cultural value for local ethnic groups.
Weining Caohai is located in Weining County, Guizhou Province. The easiest way to reach it is by taxi or private car from the nearby city of Guiyang. Public buses may also be available, though they are less frequent.
The site is open year-round, but the best time to visit is during the migratory bird season, from October to March, when the lake is most vibrant with wildlife. The best hours to visit are early morning or late afternoon to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and ideal lighting for photography.
The entrance fee is around 30 CNY. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance or online through local travel platforms, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Booking tickets in advance is not required, but it is recommended during the high season (autumn and winter) to avoid long lines. Booking 1-2 days in advance should be sufficient.
It typically takes about 2-3 hours to explore Weining Caohai, especially if you plan to take a boat tour and enjoy birdwatching around the lake. For a more in-depth visit, including hiking, a half-day trip is ideal.
The lake's wetlands, birdwatching areas, and scenic viewpoints around the lake are must-see highlights. The boat tours offer the best perspective of the lake's diverse ecosystem.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin. However, English-speaking guides may not be commonly available, so it's advisable to arrange a guide in advance if you need one in English.
The best viewpoints are along the boardwalks and hills around the lake. Sunrise and sunset provide the best lighting for photography, particularly with the reflection of the mountains and birds on the water.
Start with a boat tour to explore the lake's wetlands, followed by a walk around the birdwatching points. End with a visit to the observation platforms for a panoramic view of the lake and surrounding landscape.
There are no night visits or light shows at Weining Caohai. However, the peaceful atmosphere during the evenings makes it an ideal location for a quiet walk or some birdwatching at dusk.
The lake can get busy during weekends and public holidays. To avoid crowds, visit during weekdays, particularly in the morning or late afternoon, outside of peak tourist seasons (spring and autumn).
Basic facilities are available, including public toilets and small rest areas around the lake. There are a few local food stalls, but you may need to bring your own water and snacks, especially for longer visits.
Weining Caohai is fairly accessible for elderly visitors and children, with paths and boardwalks around the lake. However, some areas might be more challenging for disabled visitors due to uneven terrain.
Cash is accepted, but mobile payment options such as Alipay and WeChat Pay are more commonly used and convenient for purchases.
There are a few small local restaurants near the lake that serve Guizhou cuisine, including rice and noodle dishes. The options are modest, but the food is authentic and fresh.
Vegetarian options are available, particularly in local restaurants. Halal food options might be limited, so it's best to confirm in advance if you're looking for specific dietary needs.
There are several budget and mid-range hotels in the nearby area of Weining County. For more luxury options, you may need to travel to Guiyang, which is about 2-3 hours away by car.
Nearby attractions include the Fanjing Mountain, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Qingyan Ancient Town in Guiyang. Both can be visited within a day trip from Weining Caohai.
Souvenir shops around Weining Caohai offer local crafts, such as handmade textiles, ethnic jewelry, and Guizhou tea. Traditional pottery and wooden carvings are also common items for souvenirs.
Taxi or private car is the most convenient way to continue your journey after visiting. For public transport, buses are available, but they may take longer to reach other destinations. You may also rent a car for more flexibility in exploring the area.
