Bijie

Introducing Bijie

Bijie, a prefecture-level city under the jurisdiction of Guizhou Province, is located in northwestern Guizhou and forms part of the Guizhou Golden Triangle. Bijie boasts mild winters and mild summers, rich Yi and Miao ethnic customs, and beautiful natural scenery, making it a popular summer destination for summer escapes, leisure activities, and vacations. Famous attractions include the Baili Rhododendron Scenic Area, Muoge Ancient City, Jiudongtian Scenic Area, Youshan River Scenic Area, Zhiga Aru Lake, Zhijin Cave, Caohai, Jiucaiping, Zongxi River, Lengshui River, Xiangshuitan, Bianbian Cave Ruins, Qingchang Laoya Cave Ruins, and Fenghuang Cave Ruins.

Climate and best time to travel

North subtropical humid monsoon climate;

Summer and autumn are the best times to travel

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

Zhijin Cave

Formerly known as Daji Cave, it is a treasure trove of cavernous resources of magnificent scale and unique shape. The cave's spacious interior, complex rock formations, and over 40 different karst deposits have earned it the nickname "Karst Museum."

There are stalagmites, stone pillars, stone buds, bell flags and other shapes in various shapes. The cave passages are crisscrossed and the stone peaks are scattered everywhere.

Guizhou Baili Rhododendron Scenic Area

Located at the junction of Dafang and Qianxi counties, this area boasts China's largest native azalea forest, earning it the name "Bai Li Azalea." Dozens of azalea species are scattered across this narrow, approximately 50-kilometer-long hilly area. The most remarkable feature is the "one tree, different flowers" display, with some trees displaying up to seven different varieties. The scenic area is home to Yi and Miao ethnic groups, and the blooming season coincides with several ethnic minority festivals, offering a variety of ethnic performances.

Caohai Nature Reserve

Caohai is the most famous and distinctive scenic spot in the area. True to its name, the lakebed is covered in aquatic plants, but this does not affect the water's clarity. The average depth of Caohai is only two meters, and the lake is densely covered with aquatic plants, making it impassable for motor boats. Therefore, access to Caohai is by human-powered boat. Caohai is divided into upper, middle, and lower reaches. The deeper you go, the better the water quality and the more birds you see. Boating on this "sea" offers a vast expanse of water. When the aquatic plants are lush, the sides are lined with human-high weeds, but the river is wide, so your view is unrestricted. Occasionally, you'll see villagers selling barbecued fish caught in Caohai.

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Most Popular FAQs for Bijie

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

Bijie is a historical city in Guizhou, known for its natural beauty, ethnic diversity, and cultural heritage. It played a significant role in the region's agricultural and ecological development, with several important ethnic minority groups calling it home.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

Bijie is located in the northwestern part of Guizhou Province. It can be reached by bus or taxi from Guiyang, the provincial capital, or from nearby cities. There are no metro services, and walking is best for exploring local areas once in the city.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

Bijie is an open destination with no specific opening hours. The best times to visit are during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is mild and the landscapes are at their most beautiful.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

Most of the natural sites in Bijie, like the Maling River Gorge and Tianlong Tunnel, charge entrance fees ranging from 20 to 80 RMB. Tickets can usually be purchased on-site, but some attractions may offer online ticketing options.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

Booking tickets in advance is not typically required for most attractions, except during peak tourist seasons (summer and national holidays). It is advisable to book a few days in advance during busy times.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

For a comprehensive exploration of Bijie and its major attractions, 2-3 days are recommended. This allows time for hiking, visiting ethnic villages, and experiencing the natural beauty.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

• The Maling River Gorge, known for its stunning cliffs and river views.
• Tianlong Tunnel, a dramatic karst cave ideal for adventure tourism.
• The local ethnic minority villages, where visitors can experience the traditional culture and crafts of the region.

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

Guided tours are available in Mandarin, and some tours may offer English-speaking guides. Audio guides may also be available for certain attractions like the Tianlong Tunnel and Maling River Gorge.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

• The cliffs and rivers in Maling River Gorge offer spectacular views, especially at sunset.
• Photographs of the traditional wooden houses in ethnic villages provide a unique glimpse into the region's culture.
• The Tianlong Tunnel and its karst formations are perfect for capturing dramatic cave landscapes.

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

• Start with a visit to the Maling River Gorge to enjoy scenic views and photography.
• Next, head to the Tianlong Tunnel for an adventurous exploration of the karst formations.
• End your visit by exploring the ethnic minority villages to experience local culture and traditions.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

While Bijie is known for its natural beauty and cultural heritage, night visits or light shows are generally not available. However, stargazing in the clear skies is a great activity after dark.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

Bijie is not as crowded as other popular tourist destinations in China, but it can get busy during national holidays (especially in summer). The least crowded times to visit are weekdays during the off-season, such as in early spring or late autumn.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

Basic facilities such as public toilets, food stalls, and rest areas are available at most tourist sites. Shops selling local handicrafts and snacks are also common in tourist areas.

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

While most areas in Bijie are accessible for children and elderly visitors, some of the natural sites, such as Maling River Gorge, involve walking on rugged terrain and may be challenging for those with mobility issues.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Cash is commonly accepted in Bijie, but larger businesses, tourist attractions, and restaurants also accept mobile payments like WeChat Pay and Alipay.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

There are several restaurants and local eateries in Bijie serving traditional Guizhou cuisine, including spicy hot pots, rice dishes, and ethnic snacks.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

There are vegetarian and vegan options available in Bijie, especially in ethnic villages. Halal food is also commonly found due to the presence of Muslim communities in the region.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

There are several mid-range and budget hotels in Bijie, along with guesthouses and inns. For more luxurious accommodations, visitors can find options in the nearby cities of Guiyang or Zunyi.

What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?

Nearby attractions include the Red Army Long March Memorial, which is a short drive from Bijie. The city of Guiyang also offers cultural and historical sites, including Jiaxiu Tower and the Qingyan Ancient Town.

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

Souvenir shops in Bijie sell local handicrafts such as ethnic textiles, wooden carvings, and silver jewelry. Local snacks, including dried fruits and preserved meats, are also popular souvenirs.

What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?

From Bijie, you can continue your trip by bus or train to Guiyang or other nearby cities. Taxis and private car services are also available for longer journeys.