I. Recommendation of scenic spots
• Natural wonders
Zhijin Cave: Known as the "karst museum", it has more than 40 karst landform forms. The stalagmites and mantle in the cave pour down like a galaxy in the light. Underground rivers and karst caves intersect, and you can travel through the fantasy world by boat. Suggested play time: 3-4 hours
Baili Rhododendron Scenic Area: one of the largest seas of natural flowers in the world. Every year from mid-March to early May, the 1260-old "Rhododendron King" blooms. Pudi and Jinpo areas can be visited on foot or by battery car. Suggested play time: 1 day
Weining Grass Sea: one of the three major plateau lakes in China. Winter (November to March of the following year) is the migration season of black-necked cranes. You can watch birds by wooden boats. In summer, the grass sea is blue and rippling, and the lakeside cycling path is suitable for roaming around the lake. It is recommended to play for half a day to one day.
Asirisi Prairie: Located on the Ertai slope of Hezhang County, the grassland is vast. You can enjoy beautiful natural scenery and unique plateau landforms, and experience grass skiing, horse riding and other entertainment activities. It is recommended to play for half a day to one day.
Muoge Ancient City: The rebuilt ancient Yi architectural complex of the Ming and Qing Dynasties, including the Luxury Museum, Guizhou Xuanfu Mansion, etc., can participate in the Yi Torch Festival (June 24 of the lunar calendar) and the long table banquet, and also learn intangible cultural heritage skills such as Yi lacquerware production and Bijie dialect folk songs. It is recommended to play for half a day.
Coke Ruins (Yelang Ancient Capital): Yelang Cultural Sites from the Warring States Period to Han Dynasty have unearthed bronzeware, pottery and other cultural relics. The surrounding Yi villages retain traditional ** rituals, which is of great significance for understanding Yelang culture. Recommended play time: 2-3 hours.
II. Tour Route Planning
• 2-day Tour Route
Day 1: Guiyang - Wuyang River Source Hundred-Mile Gallery - Zhijin Cave
Morning: Depart from Guiyang and head to Wuyang River Source Hundred-Mile Gallery. This place is known for its clear waters and beautiful scenery. You can take a boat tour to enjoy the stunning mountains and waters along the way and marvel at the wonders of nature.
Afternoon: After visiting Wuyang River Source Hundred-Mile Gallery, head to Zhijin Cave. Zhijin Cave is a World Geopark and is known as the "King of Caves in China". The cave is vast and has a variety of unique rock formations, including stalagmites, stalactites, and stone pillars. It feels like being in a magical underground world.
Day 2: Pingyuan Ancient Town in Zhijin - Bai Li Dujuan Scenic Area
Morning: Visit Pingyuan Ancient Town in Zhijin. The town has preserved many buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties, giving it an ancient and charming atmosphere. You can stroll around and enjoy the tranquility and leisure of the ancient town, as well as taste local specialties.
Afternoon: Head to Bai Li Dujuan Scenic Area. Bai Li Dujuan is one of the largest natural flower seas in the world. The peak blooming period is from mid-March to early May, when the mountains are covered with blooming rhododendrons in various colors, creating a breathtaking sight. In the scenic area, you can take a sightseeing bus to enjoy the flower sea or walk along the flower trails to get up close and personal with the rhododendrons. You can also participate in some ethnic cultural activities in the scenic area to experience the local ethnic customs.
3-day Tour Route
Day 1: Zhijin Cave - Pingyuan Ancient Town of Zhijin. After arriving in Bijie in the morning, head to Zhijin Cave to experience the magical karst cave landscape. In the afternoon, visit Pingyuan Ancient Town of Zhijin to enjoy the ancient town scenery and taste local delicacies.
Day 2: Bai Li Dujuan Scenic Area. Spend the whole day exploring the Bai Li Dujuan Scenic Area, stroll along the flower paths, take the cable car to overlook the sea of flowers, and participate in various activities within the scenic area.
Day 3: Muergu Ancient City - Bijie City. In the morning, visit Muergu Ancient City to learn about the Yi ethnic culture. In the afternoon, return to Bijie City and visit some city attractions such as Qixingguan Park Road and Tongxin Park Food Street.
• 5-day Tour Route
Day 1: Zhijin Cave. After arriving in Bijie, head to Zhijin Cave to explore the cave's interior, enjoy the night light show, and participate in the Miao ethnic wax dyeing workshop outside the cave.
Day 2: Jiudongtian. Take a boat ride through the underground river, admire the interplay of stalactites and light from the skylights, and hike in the dry cave area.
Day 3: Bai Li Rhododendron Scenic Area. Appreciate the sea of rhododendrons in the scenic area, take beautiful photos, and participate in the entertainment activities provided.
Day 4: Weining Caohai. Take a boat tour on the lake to watch birds, enjoy the highland wetland scenery, and also go cycling along the lakeside.
Day 5: Muerge Ancient City. Visit the Shexiang Museum, Guizhou Xuanwei Mansion, and other places, experience Yi ethnic intangible cultural heritage, such as learning Yi lacquerware making.
III. Food Recommendations:
• Bijie Lamb Noodles: The soup base is made by simmering lamb bones for 12 hours and is served with mint leaves and chili paste. It is delicious and recommended to try at "Liu Erma Mifen" in the city center.
• Sour Fish Soup: Wild fish from the Wujiang River is cooked with cardamom and tomato sour soup. "Miaoling Sour Fish Soup" in Dafang County is quite authentic. The sour soup stimulates the appetite and the fish meat is tender.
• Yi Family Chunky Meat: Large pieces of pork are slowly stewed over a wood fire and served with honey-dipped buckwheat cakes. It can be ordered at the farmhouses in the Mugeguo Ancient City and has a strong Yi ethnic flavor.
• Miao Family Five-Color Rice: Glutinous rice is dyed with natural plants and is a festival limited food. It is colorful and has a soft and sticky texture.
• Zhijin Buckwheat Cold Noodles: It can be tasted at the night market in the ancient city of Bijie. It is usually served with fermented bean curd and has a smooth texture and a sour and spicy taste that stimulates the appetite.
• Weining Small Pancakes: They are filled with potatoes and have a crispy outer layer and a soft inner filling. They are a specialty snack of Weining.
IV. Transportation Guide
• External Transportation: You can first arrive at Bijie Feixiong Airport, which has flights to and from many domestic cities. You can also first go to Guiyang and then take a high-speed train or a bus to Bijie. The high-speed train from Guiyang to Bijie only takes about 1.5 hours.
• Internal Transportation: Public buses in Bijie can reach the main urban areas, but it is more convenient and faster to choose a special line bus or take a taxi when going to scenic spots. If you drive yourself, please be cautious as there are many bends on mountain roads.
V. Precautions
• The climate in Bijie is changeable. It is recommended to bring warm clothes and rain gear. If traveling during the rainy season (June to August), prepare anti-slip shoes.
• When visiting Yi ethnic villages, respect local cultural customs. Do not touch sacred objects and ask for permission before taking photos of people.
• During cave exploration, follow the guide and do not enter undeveloped areas alone. Mountain roads are full of curves, so be careful when driving.
The beauty of Bijie lies in the misty mountains, the colorful flower fields, and the ancient and mysterious villages. Every breath here is a cure for the soul, and every stop is an unexpected encounter with beauty.