Caohai in Guizhou, a paradise for family fun

Kids, today I have to share with you the parent-child trip I had with my little one at Caohai in Guizhou—it was absolutely amazing!

We chased a stunning sunset at Caohai, then started a little feast by the lakeside with the kids, grilling dried tofu and small sausages, filling the air with delicious aromas. The kids enjoyed it so much 😋 The whole scenery of Caohai has a unique charm, like a simpler version of Lugu Lake, peaceful and beautiful.

With curious little ones, we climbed up a wild viewing area together. Wow, the sight before us was breathtaking! Overlooking the entire Caohai, the water surface was like a mirror reflecting silver light, and the grass in the water looked magically animated, like something out of a cartoon—so beautiful it didn’t seem real. The kids excitedly held my hand, saying, “Mom, this place is so beautiful!”

It happened to be Friday, and we saw many cars with Guizhou license plates along the coastal road. Many families came to enjoy this wonderful time. People set up tents by Caohai and the viewing area, starting delicious picnics. The smell of barbecue mixed with children’s laughter. There were even newlyweds taking wedding photos—such a romantic scene.

Caohai is now an ecological reserve, so you can no longer take boats from the dock like before, but this is to better protect the black-necked cranes here.

The Miao, Yi, and Hui cultures in Weining County are very distinctive. The temperature here is quite low, making it a perfect summer retreat. During our few days here, the kids were full of energy exploring outside every day.

However, while resting and working at Bawang Chaji in the county town, I noticed something concerning. There were ashtrays indoors, and many people smoked, especially young men. Even more worrying was the serious trend of younger smokers—many looked like middle or high school students, and they smoked skillfully. In first-tier cities, resistance to street smoking is growing, laws are improving, and awareness is rising; but in the county town, smoking seems to have become a “trend,” especially among young people and minors. Although the internet is developed, information gaps still make lifestyles very different in various places. However, this did not affect the wonderful parent-child time we had at Caohai. The beautiful scenery and joy are deeply imprinted in our hearts~

Post by AmalieEriksen | Sep 19, 2025