2026 Weining Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in July)

When it comes to Guizhou, people often think of Huangguoshu Waterfall, Xijiang, and Libo, but the true wonders of this land are hidden in countless lesser-known secret spots. No need to squeeze into crowds or rush to trendy check-in points; only by venturing deep into the mountains and villages can you truly understand how breathtaking Guizhou’s karst landscapes, waterfalls, sea of clouds, and ethnic customs really are. 🚗 Transportation · For travelers from outside the province, prioritize flying to Guiyang Longdongbao Airport or taking the high-speed train directly to Guiyang North for convenient transfers. · For travel within the province, self-driving is recommended. The roads are good and allow flexible access to various off-the-beaten-path spots. · For remote villages, first reach the county town, then hire a car to get there, as public transportation coverage is limited. 🏞️ Must-Visit Spots · Ziyun Getu River An underground river emerges from a cave, with towering cliffs. In the early morning, you can see divine rays of light and even watch free climbers like Spiderman. It’s primitive and majestic, with few tourists and a very strong visual impact. · Weining Zhuofu Grassland A high mountain grassland over 2,000 meters above sea level, featuring fog rainbows, evening glow, and endless flocks of sheep. The wide-open views and the sight of grass swaying with cattle and sheep are both healing and awe-inspiring. · Jiabang Terraces Layer upon layer stretching toward the clouds, reflecting mirror-like light at sunrise and sunset. The lines are stunningly beautiful, more pristine than the famous terraces, and so quiet you only hear the wind and insects. · Yangpidong Waterfall A wild underground river waterfall, roaring with mist and rugged rock walls. No development or entrance fee. The moment you reach it by hiking, you’ll be completely amazed by the raw nature. · Luodian Daxiao Well Emerald water like jade, ancient banyan trees shading the sky, and quiet Buyi villages. The mountain and water scenery rivals Guilin’s, with almost no tourists, allowing you to enjoy the secret beauty alone. 🏡 Accommodation · Village Homestays: Authentic, with mountain views right outside your window, offering a local living experience. · County Town Hotels: Well-equipped, cost-effective, suitable for transit and rest. · Overall prices are budget-friendly, and you don’t have to worry about peak season price hikes in these off-the-beaten-path areas. 🍜 Food · Sour Soup Fish: Fresh and tangy, the soul of authentic Guizhou flavor. · Lamb Rice Noodles: Rich broth and fragrant meat, a breakfast staple. · Buyi Five-Color Glutinous Rice: Soft, sweet, and visually appealing. · Farmhouse Cured Meat and Wild Vegetables: Natural ingredients, simply cooked to delicious perfection. 💣 Tips to Avoid Trouble · Don’t just flock to popular scenic spots; crowded places offer a poorer experience. Lesser-known spots have purer scenery. · Be cautious of slippery terrain when hiking to wild waterfalls and deep mountains; avoid going alone during the rainy season. · Be wary of overpriced souvenirs in scenic areas; county town markets are more affordable. · Respect ethnic minority customs; do not take photos of villagers or ritual sites without permission. · Signal is weak at off-the-beaten-path spots; download offline maps in advance and bring enough supplies. 💡 Little Tips 1. Guizhou has a big temperature difference between day and night, so always carry a light jacket. 2. The mountainous area is rainy; bring rain gear. The sea of clouds is even more spectacular after rain. 3. Many off-the-beaten-path spots are undeveloped, so bring your own water and snacks. 4. Slow down your itinerary; Guizhou is best experienced deeply, not rushed. 5. Protect the natural environment by carrying out your trash and preserving the pristine beauty.

“Most beautiful” is indeed subjective. Some prefer majestic landscapes, while others are fond of pastoral charm. Combining natural scenery, cultural heritage, and overall experience, we recommend the following four representative counties in Guizhou: 🏞️ Xingyi City: Southwest Wonder, Wellness Paradise As a city repeatedly listed among the "Top 100 Counties in China for Tourism Competitiveness," Xingyi attracts countless travelers with its unique "city within the scenery" layout. · Must-visit spots: Wanfenglin (praised by Xu Xiake as the "Southwest Wonder"), Maling River Canyon (known as the "Earth’s Most Beautiful Scar"), Wanfeng Lake. · Unique experience: The climate here is pleasant with excellent air quality, perfect for leisure vacations. You can jog along the marathon route in the early morning and enjoy the fresh negative oxygen ions. 🌊 Weining County: Plateau Pearl, Summer Resort This highland town located on the roof of Guizhou has an average summer temperature of only 18°C, making it an ideal summer retreat. · Must-visit spots: Caohai (Guizhou’s largest natural freshwater lake, featured in BBC documentaries), Baicaoping (the largest natural grassland in southern China). · Local specialties: Weining is known as the "Potato Capital of Southern China," and roasted potatoes are a must-try. Don’t forget to taste Weining ham, as famous as Xuanwei ham, and enjoy a cup of the historic Wusa roasted tea. 🏡 Pingtang County: Jade Water Golden Basin, Sky and Earth Exploration Pingtang County is surrounded by water on three sides and is known as the "Jade Water Golden Basin." It was named "China’s Most Beautiful Small Town" in 2009. · Must-visit spots: China’s Sky Eye (the world’s largest single-dish radio telescope), Jiacha Scenic Area (subtropical southern scenery), Tangbian Tiankeng Cluster (known as the "World Karst Sanctuary"). · Special experience: Learn about the universe in this astronomy town and feel the unique charm of "exploring the sky and earth." ⛰️ Chishui City: Crown of Danxia, Land of a Thousand Waterfalls Chishui boasts the "Most Beautiful Danxia Landform in China," certified by China National Geography, and has been selected again as one of the Top 100 Tourism Counties in China for 2025. · Must-visit spots: Chishui Danxia (a World Natural Heritage site), the Great Waterfall, and more. It is also known as the "Land of a Thousand Waterfalls." · Cultural highlights: Besides the magnificent natural scenery, you can also witness the nearly thousand-year-old intangible cultural heritage originating from the Chishui River basin—the unique bamboo rafting technique, a real-life version of "crossing the river on a single reed." Each of these four places has its own style. Which kind of landscape do you prefer? Tell me your preference, and I’ll help you plan a detailed travel route~

This river flows into Caohai Lake in Bijie City in China. It is a huge freshwater lake and is known for its bird population. It is great to come in the summer to escape the heat. This area of the country has nice weather in the summer months. #happynewyear #happynewyear

1. Liyang In July and August, Liyang has an average temperature of 22℃. The 35,000-acre Nanshan Bamboo Sea forms a natural cool barrier, with constant forest breezes and mountain streams perfect for wading and cooling off. The Yangtze River Delta high-speed rail reaches here in one hour, making short trips convenient. Tianmu Lake offers beautiful lake views, delicious clay pot fish head, and popular bamboo sea mini trains and glass viewing platforms. Overall prices are affordable, homestays offer great value, and it’s less crowded than popular scenic spots, ideal for families and friends seeking light hiking and summer retreats. 2. Jingning The only She ethnic autonomous county in China, with an average forest temperature of 20℃ in July and August. It has a very high forest coverage rate and abundant negative oxygen ions. The ancient village of Yunzhong Daji is often shrouded in mist, and the Xuehuaji Waterfall has abundant water flow, with cooling mist to beat the heat. You can experience intangible cultural heritage like She ethnic ribbon weaving and bamboo pole dance. The village is low in commercialization, quiet, and sparsely populated. Accessible by short self-drive or high-speed rail transfer, it combines natural scenery and culture, perfect for a peaceful summer escape. 3. Weining A lesser-known cool city on the Guizhou plateau, with an average temperature of only 18℃ in July and August, no air conditioning needed. Caohai Lake is covered with water plants, and the wooden boardwalk around the lake offers close views of water birds. The sunset over the lake in the evening creates a great atmosphere. Baicaoping alpine grassland features rolling windmills and wide-open views. Local lamb noodles and ham hot pot are affordable and authentic. Fewer tourists than Liupanshui, the pristine wetland scenery suits a slow-paced, relaxing summer getaway. 4. Mangshi A Dai-style border town in western Yunnan, with frequent showers in July and August. The air is fresh after rain, and lush vegetation reduces the summer heat. Menghuan Golden and Silver Pagodas have few visitors, no queues for photos, and the mist around the pagodas adds a Southeast Asian vibe. Tropical fruits are in season, and Dai snacks like guoshou rice noodles and sapie are found throughout the streets. The town’s pace is relaxed, avoiding the crowds of Dali and Lijiang, offering a low-cost way to experience exotic ethnic culture. 5. Hunchun A small summer resort town on the eastern border of Jilin, with an average temperature of 21℃ in July and August. Forest coverage is 86%, creating a natural forest oxygen bar. From Longhu Pavilion, you can see the landscapes of China, Russia, and North Korea at a glance, with flocks of migratory birds in the Tumen River wetlands. The cool streams of Dahuangou Valley are perfect for hiking and cooling off. Korean cold noodles and king crab seafood offer great value. The unique border scenery attracts few tourists in summer, combining ecological sightseeing with border culture. 6. Delingha A poetic small city on the Qinghai Gobi, with a dry and cool climate in July and August. Keluke Lake is covered with reeds and has clear water, hosting flocks of migratory birds. The twin lakes, one fresh and one salty, offer a unique landscape. Baishu Mountain features plateau forests and babbling streams. Nighttime light pollution is minimal, allowing clear naked-eye views of the Milky Way. Sparse population and no crowds. Driving along National Highway 315 offers vast, desolate views. This northwest hidden gem suits travelers seeking quiet and healing summer escapes. 7. Pingliang A summer resort in eastern Gansu, with an average temperature of 21℃ on Mount Kongtong in July and August. Forest coverage is 95%, with ancient trees shading the area and cool mountain springs. As the top Taoist mountain, it has martial arts cultural heritage. After rain, clouds roll over the mountains, creating a fairy-like atmosphere. Mountain hiking trails are gentle and comfortable. Local beef and lamb noodle dishes are delicious and affordable. A top choice for short trips in northwest China, offering both cool mountain views and ancient Taoist sites. 8. Suichang A cool mountain town in southern Zhejiang, with a steady temperature of 21℃ in July and August. The cloud sea over the terraced fields of Nanjianyan is visible year-round. The nine-level waterfall has abundant water flow, and shaded creek trails offer cool hiking. Dushan Ming and Qing dynasty ancient villages are well preserved and low in commercialization, making the village peaceful. Mountain homestays are affordable, and fresh local bamboo shoots and native dishes are tasty. High chances of cloud seas after rain make it a favorite spot for photographers. Few visitors and quiet, ideal for a three-day slow summer trip to relax and recharge.

Reverse travel in August focuses on cool weather and saving money. 🌊 These 4 hidden gems not only have fewer crowds and peace but also very low prices. Stayed up late organizing this—just copy the plan! 📍 Weining (Guizhou) 18℃ natural air conditioning, known as the Guizhou version of a coastal city. ✨ Highlights: See Caohai, the pearl of the plateau, with lush water plants like a painting; visit Baicaoping, the largest grassland in the south, watch windmills and cattle and sheep, and take photos like you’re in Xinjiang. 🍜 Food: Street grilled potatoes with chili powder, Weining small pancakes, and intangible cultural heritage buckwheat crisps. 💡 Tips: High altitude with strong UV rays and big temperature differences between day and night. Remember to bring a jacket. 📍 Tianshui (Gansu) A thousand-year-old city with not only the Maijishan Grottoes but also the unique local vibe of northwest China. ✨ Highlights: Visit the “Oriental sculpture gallery” Maijishan Grottoes; stroll through Fuxi Temple to explore your roots; cool off at Yuquan Temple and admire ancient cypress trees. 🍜 Food: A bowl of guagua with ranran, plus a pork lard bun for a satisfying breakfast. 💡 Tips: Northwest is dry, so stay hydrated and use sunscreen. 📍 Xixinan (Anhui) A real-life “Wizard of Oz,” a thousand-year-old village hidden at the foot of Huangshan Mountain. ✨ Highlights: The Fengyanglin wetland feels like stepping into a fairy tale, with Pingban Bridge as a perfect photo spot; old houses and the Green Pavilion in the village are full of Huizhou charm. 🍜 Food: Try authentic Huizhou fermented tofu and freshly made rice wine. 💡 Tips: Mosquitoes are common in summer, so bring insect repellent. 📍 Jingxi (Guangxi) A small Guilin with picturesque mountains and waters everywhere. ✨ Highlights: Wake up early to see the morning mist at E Spring, visit the 15-arch ancient bridge for free; explore the Old State ancient town and touch embroidery balls; see waterfalls and caves at Tongling Grand Canyon. 🍜 Food: Roast duck noodles, pig blood sausage, roadside sour snacks—eat to your heart’s content for about 30 per person. 💡 Tips: The canyon and waterfall areas are slippery, so wear non-slip shoes. These 4 places are beautiful and affordable, perfect for an August trip! ✨

Traveling with kids in July? Avoid the crowded popular attractions where adults get tired and kids suffer. I found 5 truly cool and comfortable spots, with a real feel temperature around 25℃. Perfect for a relaxed 2-day trip with kids. 🌿 Liupanshui (China’s cool capital) Cool highlights: Average summer temperature is 19℃, and you’ll even need a light jacket in the mornings and evenings. The grasslands and windmills of Wumeng offer plenty of space for kids to run freely. Take the cable car at Meihuashan to overlook the city, where mist creates a fairy-tale atmosphere. Day 1 Arrive in Liupanshui in the morning and stroll around Shuicheng ancient town with its stone paths and small bridges. Kids can feed the fish. For lunch, try the baked pot (potatoes, beef, tofu dipped in chili powder—very flavorful). In the afternoon, visit Minghu National Wetland Park. Walk along the boardwalk, spot many water birds, and kids can catch small fish with a net. Day 2 Rent a car to Wumeng grassland (1.5-hour drive), 2,800 meters above sea level but easy to walk. You can ride horses and fly kites on the grassland. Have roasted whole lamb at a local farmhouse for lunch. Take the cable car down in the afternoon and return to the city for lamb rice noodles at dusk. Food recommendations: Shuicheng lamb rice noodles, baked pot, steamed cakes. Accommodation tips: Stay near People’s Square in Zhongshan District for convenient dining and many hotel options, priced at 200–400 CNY per night. 🌿 Weining (Bijie, Guizhou) Cool highlights: Weining Caohai has an average summer temperature of 23℃. The wide-open lake and breeze make it especially cool. Caohai is a migratory bird reserve. Although there are no migratory birds in summer, the lake is full of water caltrops and lotus flowers. Taking a boat through the lake is very relaxing. Day 1 After arriving in Weining, head straight to Caohai pier and rent a small boat (50 CNY per person). The boatman will row to the center of the lake and pick water caltrops for kids to try. Have sour soup fish by the pier for lunch—the fish is tender and the sour soup is appetizing. In the afternoon, explore Weining town and buy some local ham. Day 2 Visit Baicaoping in the morning (free alpine meadow). You can drive up, and the hills are full of wildflowers. Kids can chase butterflies. Lunch is buckwheat rice with cured meat. Before heading back, take a walk by Caohai to watch the sunset. Food recommendations: Weining buckwheat crisp, sour soup fish, ham, roasted potatoes. Accommodation tips: Stay at a guesthouse near Caohai pier. Clean and affordable, 150–250 CNY per night, with frog croaks at night. 🌿 Anji (Huzhou, Zhejiang) Cool highlights: Anji has China’s largest bamboo sea. The bamboo forest is 5–6℃ cooler than outside, full of green and rich in negative ions. You can also take kids rafting for a fun and cool water activity. Day 1 Arrive in Anji in the morning and head straight to the bamboo sea (50 CNY ticket). Walk along the bamboo boardwalk. Kids can climb bamboo towers and slide. For lunch, enjoy dried bamboo shoots with braised pork and bamboo tube rice at a farmhouse. In the afternoon, visit Yunshang grassland (buy tickets in advance). The mountain has rainbow grass sledding and bungee jumping (not for small kids), but the cable car ride offers a great view of the bamboo sea. Day 2 Visit Zhejiang North Grand Canyon in the morning. The creek water is icy cold, perfect for kids to splash and catch crabs. Lunch is Anji white tea scrambled eggs and free-range chicken stew. In the afternoon, go to Hello Kitty Park (great for little girls). The indoor playground has air conditioning, so kids can play all day. Food recommendations: dried bamboo shoots with braised pork, Anji white tea, stone chicken, bamboo tube rice. Accommodation tips: Stay in Tianhuangping or Baofu towns. Many guesthouses have pools, priced 400–600 CNY per night. Book early. 🌿 Fuxian Lake (Yuxi, Yunnan) Cool highlights: Fuxian Lake has clear water and strong winds, making it feel very cool. The average summer temperature is 24℃, more comfortable than Kunming city. Enjoy cycling around the lake, playing in the water, and eating copper pot fish for a relaxing time. Day 1 After arriving at Fuxian Lake, check in and visit Luchong scenic area in the afternoon. There’s a beach and ancient trees where kids can dig sand and swim (supervise for safety). Watch the sunset by the lake in the evening and enjoy copper pot fish—the fish soup is incredibly fresh. Day 2 Drive around the lake in the morning, from Luchong to Gushan Island, with several viewing platforms along the way. Take photos at Hongshanzui pink sand beach (actually reddish). Kids love collecting stones. Have Kanglang fish for lunch in Jiangchuan District (expensive but worth it), or try potato braised rice. In the afternoon, visit Moon Bay Wetland Park, free entry, with lawns and a water boardwalk. Food recommendations: copper pot fish, Kanglang fish, potato braised rice, cold rice noodles. Accommodation tips: Stay near Luchong scenic area or Sun Mountain. Guesthouses with lake views cost 300–500 CNY per night and offer great value. 🌿 Shangluo (Shaanxi) Cool highlights: Shangluo offers cool air in the Qinling Mountains, with an average summer temperature of 26℃, 10℃ cooler than Xi’an. The water in Jinshixia is very cold, perfect for kids to explore streams and play in the water. It’s less crowded and very scenic. Day 1 Arrive in Shangluo in the morning and visit Dihua ancient town, the hometown of Jia Pingwa. The town has Song and Jin dynasty city walls, and kids can explore various small shops. Lunch is Shangluo jiaotuan, a sour and spicy dish that whets the appetite. In the afternoon, go rafting on Danjiang River (family section is very safe). The water is shallow, and kids can splash water from the inflatable boat. Day 2 Spend the whole day at Jinshixia (100 CNY ticket). Take the shuttle bus to the mountain top, then walk down the boardwalk. There are waterfalls and streams along the way where kids can take off their shoes and splash. Lunch at a farmhouse near the park entrance with acorn jelly and stir-fried cured meat with green beans. Return in the afternoon. Food recommendations: Shangluo jiaotuan, acorn jelly, cured meat, dried tofu. Accommodation tips: Stay in Shangzhou city with many hotels priced 200–350 CNY per night. Or stay at a guesthouse near Jinshixia entrance for easy early access to the mountain. Tips for summer trips with kids: Wherever you go, remember sunscreen, mosquito repellent, and a light jacket (it’s cool in the mountains early and late). Check the weather in advance and bring rain gear if needed. These places don’t require complicated itineraries—just relax and enjoy the cool with your kids.

High temperatures in midsummer drive visitors away from popular attractions, with crowds and doubled hotel prices causing frustration Discover a few rarely visited cool retreats Constant 18–22℃ temperature, perfect for water activities, hiking, grasslands, and mountains all in one place Ideal for family trips, couples’ getaways, and extended family stays 🏔️ Cool highland grasslands Guizhou · Panzhou Average summer temperature 19℃, a quieter cloud grassland than Liupanshui Thousands of acres of Wumeng grassland dotted with windmills, cattle, and sheep everywhere Dadong bamboo forest hides clear streams, with a flat lakeside boardwalk and no uphill climbs Affordable local snacks cluster here, mild altitude with no altitude sickness, great for long summer stays ▫️ 3-day itinerary: Wumeng grassland sunset → bamboo forest creek trek → old town food tour Guizhou · Weining Caohai Average summer temperature only 18℃, an untouched, off-the-beaten-path wetland Morning mist drifts over the lake, evening sunsets light up the meadows Lake cycling, boating, and birdwatching offer a slow-paced, healing experience County inns priced around 100 yuan, budget-friendly for short trips 💦 Mountain forests and valleys | the ultimate spot for kids to play in water Hunan · Guidong A natural cool city in the south, average summer temperature 22℃ Surrounded by layers of mountains and forests, shaded and naturally cool Longxi waterfall shallow pools for wading, an original village with minimal commercialization Farm stays offer great value, no need to fight crowds for photos Sichuan · Guangwu Mountain Outside the city, summer heat exceeds 30℃, but the mountain stays steady at 22℃ Gentle trails with waterfalls and streams along the way, big trees provide natural shade Mountain inns around 100 yuan, must-try wild mushroom and cured pork rib hotpot Accessible by car or high-speed train, very convenient for short trips 🏞️ Ink-wash border town | a less crowded version of Guilin Guangxi · Jingxi Summer average temperature 22℃, visitor numbers less than one-tenth of Yangshuo Goose spring lake reflects mountains and water, shallow areas safe for children to play Tongling Grand Canyon waterfalls keep the heat away, shaded forest trails throughout Old town offers handmade embroidered balls, authentic and affordable sour soup fish and rolled rice noodles 🌲 Northern forest oxygen bar Heilongjiang · Yichun 83% forest coverage, summer temperature steady at 22℃, a natural air-conditioned room Forest train runs through the woods, feed deer and pick wild mushrooms Moist, nourishing air, affordable inns, avoid the peak crowds in Northeast China   ✨ Highlights of these hidden summer escapes ▫️ Comfortable temperatures, no air conditioning needed, a light jacket is enough for mornings and evenings ▫️ Off the beaten path with no crowds, clean photo spots, no waiting in lines ▫️ No summer price hikes on lodging, affordable local food, low travel costs ▫️ Diverse activities suitable for solo travelers, couples, and families

Weining, Guizhou Trip highlights: 🌿 Caohai wetland is incredibly soothing, lush and green in summer! Experience rich Yi culture in the village, and enjoy a leisurely horseback ride across the grasslands. 🏞️ Itinerary: 2–3 days recommended. Arrive in Weining on day 1, visit Caohai and watch the sunset; day 2 explore the Yi villages; day 3 hike nearby or head back. Food recommendations: Weining ham 🍖 and local potato feast, simple, affordable, and delicious! Travel tips: High altitude, take sun protection and watch for altitude sickness; summer is cool, bring a jacket just in case. Tianshui, Gansu Trip highlights: 🏔️ The art of Maijishan Grottoes is stunning, and Fuxi Temple is rich in history! A perfect blend of natural scenery and cultural heritage. 📜 Itinerary: 2 days recommended. Focus on Maijishan Grottoes on day 1; visit Fuxi Temple and the old town on day 2. Food recommendations: Tianshui guagua 🌮 and sour and spicy noodles, local snacks that awaken your appetite! Travel tips: Dry climate, stay hydrated; grotto area requires walking, wear comfortable shoes for easy exploring. Xixinan, Anhui Trip highlights: 🏡 The ancient village is peaceful and picturesque, with Hui-style white walls and black tiles full of charm! Perfect for photos or relaxing quietly. 📸 Itinerary: 1–2 days recommended. Start from Huangshan or Shexian, one day is enough to leisurely explore the village; stay overnight to enjoy the tranquil morning. Food recommendations: Hui-style fermented tofu 🧀 and stinky mandarin fish, must-try local specialties! Travel tips: Convenient transportation but the village is small, check bus or driving routes in advance; respect local residents’ lifestyle. Jingxi, Guangxi Trip highlights: 🌊 Tongling Grand Canyon waterfall is spectacular, and Old Town is rustic and pastoral! The landscape feels like a fairyland, rich in ethnic minority culture. 🌈 Itinerary: 2–3 days recommended. Day 1 explore the canyon; day 2 stroll through the old town and surrounding countryside; day 3 optional nearby attractions. Food recommendations: Jingxi rice noodles 🍜 and five-color sticky rice, sour and spicy flavors that are very appetizing! Travel tips: Minority area, respect local customs and festivals; summer has frequent showers, carry rain gear. Traveling in August, these off-the-beaten-path cities offer low costs, fewer tourists, and an amazing reverse travel experience! 🚶‍♀️ Remember to book accommodations in advance and travel light for an easier trip. 💼

Seriously underestimated Wumeng Secret Realm, naturally switches to air conditioning mode as soon as summer arrives! Constant cave temperature at 16°C, alpine grasslands at 18°C, city-wide 21°C—coolness runs through the entire city! Gather the five crown jewels: "King of China's Caves, Cloud-top Windmill Grassland, Plateau Lakes, City Waterfalls, and a Thousand-Year-Old Ancient County." Magnificent landscapes, few crowds, super low prices, no intense hiking required! Perfect for family outings, couples' getaways, family vacations, and niche study tours. No rushing, no crowds—head to Bijie for a short summer escape in Guizhou this August, just go for it!✨ 📍Bijie's Six Core Must-Visit Attractions | Must-Check Spots Across the Region 1. Zhijin Cave (King of China's Caves · Natural Underground Cold Storage) A top must-visit in Bijie! Known as China's most beautiful cave and an underground art palace🕳️ A magical secret carved by billions of years of geology, with a constant 16°C temperature inside—instantly cools you down in the dog days of summer! Giant stalactites, silver rain trees, and realistic tyrant helmet formations, with shifting light and shadow creating an immersive atmosphere—every step is a wonder. Gentle walkways throughout, no sun exposure or climbing, suitable for all ages, fully immersive in the beauty of karst geology with high educational value. Photo highlights: panoramic cave views, close-ups of silver rain trees, light and shadow portraits inside the cave, green wilderness at the cave entrance. 2. Axilisi Grassland (Guizhou’s Little Altay · Cloud-top Secret Realm) Who knew! No need to travel far to Xinjiang, Bijie has the same vast cloud-top grasslands🌿 At 2000 meters altitude, alpine meadows with an average summer temperature of 18°C, waves of grass in the wind, clusters of windmills, winding roads. You can ride horses, camp, shoot road trip photos, and watch stunning sunsets—wide open views that heal all anxiety. Endless soothing matcha green scenery, every snap is wallpaper-worthy, summer vibes are simply legendary! Photo highlights: aerial grassland panorama, windmill road, sunset atmosphere, portraits on the grass. 3. Jiudongtian (Cliffside Water Cave · Karst Wonder) A niche fairyland where "cave, sky, bridge, water, and waterfall" merge into one! Take a boat through the underground dark river, natural skylights overhead, emerald water below, waterfalls cascading along the way. Cool cave breezes and refreshing mist beat the heat, an immersive experience of floating on water while sitting in a painting. Very few tourists, excellent experience—Bijie’s most unique water cave secret. Photo highlights: boat cave panorama, skylight light and shadow, river waterfall shots. 4. Xiangshuitan Waterfall (City’s Natural Triple Waterfall · Free Popular Landmark) A healing wonder hidden in the city! A rare natural large waterfall in the city center nationwide💦 Three tiers of waterfalls rushing down, mist filling the air, naturally cooling you down, summer evening breezes are super soothing. Summer-exclusive music night scenes with lights, waterfalls, and evening breeze blending perfectly—a local favorite night tour spot, free to visit with no risk. Photo highlights: daytime waterfall panorama, night light waterfall, riverside walkway snapshots. 5. Weining Caohai (Plateau Freshwater Lake · Pristine Wetland Secret) Guizhou’s largest plateau lake, clear water and green grass, vast lake surface🌊 In midsummer, the lake is crystal clear, migratory birds rest here, reeds sway, perfect for lakeside breezes and walks, watching the water and sky merge. Far from commercial noise, peaceful and healing, ideal for relaxing, photography, and family leisure—discover the gentle mountain and water scenery unique to the plateau. Photo highlights: Caohai lake panorama, reed wetlands, sunset lake views. 6. Gonglongping Forest Park (City Forest Oxygen Bar) 95% forest coverage, constant 19°C coolness throughout the area🌲 Lush primeval forest, forest train, gentle boardwalks, surrounded by greenery. Fully shaded with no sun exposure, perfect for lung cleansing and cooling off, easily enjoy a summer forest relaxation mode. Photo highlights: forest train, forest trail, healing green scenery. 🗓️ 2 Days 1 Night Golden Itinerary | No detours, no rush, suitable for all ages 🚗 Travel Guide · Self-driving: 1 hour from Guiyang, 1.5 hours from Zunyi, direct access from nearby cities, excellent road conditions at all attractions, free parking. · Public transport: High-speed rail to Bijie Station, convenient city taxis, buses, and direct tourist shuttles. 🏨 Accommodation Recommendations 1. City Business District: 140-220 RMB/night, convenient for dining and shopping, beautiful night views, great for leisurely family outings. 2. Scenic Area Homestays: 200-300 RMB/night, quiet and serene, immersive mountain and water vacation experience. Day 1 Cave Wonderland + City Nightlife | Cool Summer Immersion Morning: Deep exploration of Zhijin Cave Avoid peak heat by traveling off-peak! Immerse yourself in the 16°C underground cave, check in at this popular geological wonder, stroll slowly to admire the stalactites, cool and sun-free, perfect for study and summer escape. Noon: Local Zhijin specialty meal Taste Zhijin Kung Pao Chicken, farmhouse sour soup, and local wild vegetables—authentic Guizhou flavors that are fresh and appetizing. Afternoon: Jiudongtian boat cooling tour Take a boat through the water cave, see skylight shadows and underground river waterfalls, unlock a unique karst water secret, and feel fully refreshed. Evening: City night tour at Xiangshuitan Waterfall Enjoy the evening breeze, watch the triple waterfall rush, check in at the stunning lighted night scene, stroll the night market, and savor local snacks—experience the lively atmosphere of Bijie. Day 2 Grassland Healing + Forest Lung Cleansing | Relaxed Return Without Fatigue Morning: Play freely at Axilisi Grassland Head to the vast cloud-top grassland! Walk the meadows, check in at the windmill road, shoot healing photos, feel the 18°C mountain breeze, relax and decompress, perfect for family fun and running around. Noon: Bijie specialty meal Must-try bean rice hotpot, Bijie baked pot, and gastrodia stewed chicken—affordable, generous portions, and authentic flavors. Afternoon: Choose one to unlock freely ✅ Relaxation lovers: Gonglongping Forest oxygen intake, Jin Hai Lake wetland lakeside stroll, enjoy the cool summer slowly. ✅ Niche check-in lovers: Weining Caohai for lake views and sunset, discover the pristine plateau secret. End your trip with an easy return, relaxed pace, zero rush! 📸 Popular 9-grid photos for Xiaohongshu (ready to use) 1. Zhijin Cave underground wonder panorama 2. Axilisi cloud grassland aerial shot 3. Jiudongtian boat water secret 4. Xiangshuitan Waterfall night scene 5. Weining Caohai lake healing scenery 6. Gonglongping forest train 7. Grassland sunset windmill vibe 8. Bijie specialty food collection 9. Karst mountain and water portraits across the region 🍜 Local Secret | Bijie Must-Eat Food List Signature Dishes ✅ Bijie Bean Rice Hotpot: local soul food, fermented bean rice broth rich and mellow, perfect for dipping wild vegetables and soft sausages, about 40 RMB per person to eat your fill. ✅ Bijie Baked Pot: summer night staple! Potato, pork belly, and stinky tofu baked together, spicy and flavorful, full of local charm. ✅ Gastrodia Stewed Chicken: Wumeng Mountain’s special nourishing dish, fresh soup and tender meat, perfect for summer heat relief and moisturizing dryness. ✅ Weining Aged Ham: salty, firm meat with authentic natural flavor. Street Snacks Crispy sausage noodles, bitter buckwheat jelly, buckwheat cakes, iced jelly with shrimp, lamb noodles, averaging 5-10 RMB, affordable and authentic with no risk. Gift Recommendations Weining bitter buckwheat products, local gastrodia, farmhouse crispy sausage, high mountain tea leaves. 💡 August Nanny-Level Travel Tips 1. Bijie’s summer average temperature is 18-21°C, caves and grasslands are cooler, early mornings and evenings are chilly—bring a light jacket. 2. Zhijin Cave and Jiudongtian are fully shaded, no sunscreen needed, gentle paths, safe for elderly and children. 3. Axilisi Grassland has strong UV rays—be sure to use sunscreen and wear comfortable flat shoes. 4. Xiangshuitan night scene is best on weekends, with regular summer music performances, atmosphere is top-notch. 5. No hidden fees at any attractions, prices are friendly, two days one night costs about 350+ RMB per person—best value ever. 6. August avoids peak rainy season, scenery is clear, summer escape experience is excellent. ✨ Heartfelt Closing Summary For a summer escape in August, you must head to treasure Bijie🍃 No crowded influencer spots, just enjoy a gentle 20°C summer! Explore the 16°C billion-year-old cave, encounter the cloud-top vast grasslands; Boat through the karst water secret, stroll by the city waterfall evening breeze; Forest lung cleansing, healing lake views, authentic local vibes all in one place. Magnificent and healing landscapes, relaxed and easy pace, affordable and niche without commercialization, Perfect for family outings, weekend escapes, and summer wellness, Guizhou’s top summer escape choice—bookmark and copy this itinerary! 💬 Interactive Topic: When you come to Bijie, do you want to check in at the magical underground cave or the cloud-top grassland? Share your thoughts in the comments!

📍 Weining, Guizhou · Caohai Nature Reserve Who would understand! Weining’s summer is truly incredible! 🤩 The highest-altitude county town in Guizhou — the town itself sits at 2200 meters above sea level, over 400 meters higher than Liupanshui city center. The average summer temperature is just 18°C, and even in the hottest months of July and August, daytime highs rarely exceed 25°C. No need for air conditioning at night, and you still need a light blanket. 🔹 Caohai Lake (Xihai Pier) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ One of China’s three major highland freshwater lakes, on par with Dianchi Lake and Qinghai Lake. It’s a national nature reserve with the core area open to the public for free. Walking along the wooden boardwalk, the breeze carries the fresh scent of water plants past your ears, and water birds flutter up from the reeds. At dusk, the entire lake turns a glowing orange-red, fishing boats slowly row back to the pier, their silhouettes reflected in the water — every snapshot looks like a painting. To explore deeper into the reeds, take a boat ride. Boats at Xihai Pier charge by route, seating 6 people each, so the cost per person is just a few dozen yuan. If you want to avoid crowds, go to Jiangjiawan Pier, which locals frequent more and is quieter. 🔹 Baicaoping ⭐⭐⭐⭐ A scenic area around the county town featuring wind turbines and alpine meadows. The wind turbines spin on green hills with wide-open views, perfect for daydreaming and photography. Free entry. 🔹 Bandi Yi Ethnic Village ⭐⭐⭐⭐ From late July to August, during the Yi Torch Festival, you can experience Yi ethnic customs and bonfire parties. Free entry. 🚇 How to get there From Guiyang: Take the high-speed train to Bijie Station (about 1.5 hours), then transfer to a bus to Weining (about 1.5 hours). Multiple daily direct buses also run from Guiyang Jinyang Bus Station to Weining. 🎫 Ticket info The core area of Caohai is free to enter. Boat rides cost 60-120 yuan per boat (6 people, about 10-20 yuan per person). Some activities during the Torch Festival charge separately. Please refer to the latest on-site announcements. 📸 Photo tips Dusk is the best time to shoot at Caohai, with the orange-red lake surface and fishing boat silhouettes Outfit suggestion: light-colored clothes look best by the lake Caohai is windy, so bring a hat with a chin strap Handy tips Weining’s altitude is 2200 meters, so there’s basically no risk of altitude sickness After 4 PM, the wind picks up and temperatures drop quickly, so bring a light jacket It’s windy at Caohai in the evening, so secure your hat tightly The county town has low prices; you can enjoy a meat hotpot for just a few dozen yuan per person Crisp plums are a local specialty of Weining, in season in July The photos in this article are for artistic reference; actual scenery may vary.

Weining 3 Days 2 Nights Simplified Itinerary upon Arrival (Divided into Summer Cooling Version and Winter Birdwatching Version) Recommended Accommodation: Central Weining County / North Slope of Caohai Homestays, convenient for dining and transportation. No major entrance fees for all attractions, only expenses for boat rides, horseback riding, and car rentals. Version 1: Summer Cooling Route (June to August, Seaweed Flowers + Grassland Scenery) Day 1: County Panorama + Caohai Lake Sunset | Lake and City Blend, Cool Start Morning 1. Arrive at Caohai High-Speed Rail Station, take a taxi to the hotel, start with a bowl of Weining mutton noodles for breakfast. 2. Leisurely hike at Fengshan Temple (free), a Ming Dynasty ancient temple surrounded by old trees. Climb to the top for a panoramic view of the entire county and Caohai Lake. The mountain temperature is low, perfect for summer cooling. Afternoon 1. Stroll along Jiangjiawan Lakeside Wooden Boardwalk, where large patches of seaweed flowers float on the lake. Rent an electric bike to cycle around the lake (20-30 RMB/day). 2. Optionally take an official wooden boat from the designated dock to shuttle through the reed marshes, watch wild ducks and egrets swimming. Private boats are prohibited. Evening 17:30-19:00 Check in at the Millennium Couple Tree on the west bank, quietly wait for the sunset over the lake. The orange glow spreads across the water, fishing boats silhouetted for perfect photos. Night Visit the county night market for local snacks: roasted potatoes, buckwheat jelly, buckwheat cakes. Dinner arranged with old pig’s trotters and kidney bean hotpot. Day 2: Baicaoping Alpine Grassland + Fadi Stone Forest | Southern Hulunbuir, Windmill Mountain Wilderness All day focus on 120,000 mu of native meadows, 50 minutes by car from the county. 1. Free play on the grassland: stroll on hillsides, casually photograph cattle and sheep, horseback riding experience (50 RMB/hour), bring your own picnic mat for camping and relaxation. 2. Check in at the giant windmill road along the ridge. After rain, mountain sea clouds often appear. Wear light-colored long dresses for atmospheric photos. 3. Lunch nearby at a Yi ethnic farmhouse: buckwheat rice with potato chicken, highland native mutton. Afternoon return trip stops at Fadi Stone Forest, karst strange stones scattered on the grassland, quiet and secluded, a niche secret spot. Night rest in the county. If the weather is clear, go outside the city to watch the Milky Way and starry sky. Day 3: Yi Village Culture / Niche Canyon Choose One, Easy Finish and Return Option A (Ethnic Culture Priority) Bandi Yi Ancient Village, visit stone Yi family old houses, experience Yi embroidery, Axilisi left-foot dance, Yi family door-blocking wine, enjoy tea and buckwheat cakes by the fire pit. Return to the county at noon to buy souvenirs (buckwheat crisps, bitter buckwheat tea, vacuum-packed ham), depart in the afternoon. Option B (Nature Scenery In-Depth) Zhuofu Grassland + Potato Expo Park, more pristine than Baicaoping, stunning sunset with windmills, cattle, and sheep. Learn about Weining’s potato industry culture. After lunch, pack and return. Version 2: Winter Birdwatching Route (November to March, Black-necked Crane Wintering Season) Day 1: Arrival and Rest + Caohai Sunset and First Birdwatching Afternoon check-in and rest, then head to Jiangjiawan Viewing Platform. At dusk, watch flocks of migratory birds returning over the lake, sunset reeds and flying birds in the same frame. Dinner with mutton hotpot and roasted potatoes to warm up. Prepare thin down jackets, binoculars, and dark clothing at night (to avoid disturbing birds). Day 2: Early Morning Core Crane Watching + Reed Maze Boat Ride (Full Day Highlight) 6:30 AM early start to Huyelin Wetland. Around sunrise, large groups of black-necked cranes forage and take off, the golden time for photography. Flashlights and loud noises are prohibited. Morning take an official boat from Xihai Dock, enter the reed maze, closely observe black-necked cranes, grey cranes, red-billed gulls, and bar-headed geese. Afternoon visit Caohai Ecological Museum to learn about migratory birds and wetland ecology. Evening return to the county, optional small Yi ethnic bonfire experience. Day 3: Grassland / Shimenkan Culture Choose One, Return Option 1: Baicaoping winter meadow, with withered yellow fields and windmills, cold and magnificent. Short trip then return to town to buy specialties. Option 2: Rent a car to Shimenkan, a century-old Miao cultural holy site, European-style old church, old Miao script sites, a niche cultural deep tour. After lunch, pack and return by high-speed rail or self-drive. Practical Travel Details Transportation 1. Public Transport: Guiyang North High-Speed Rail direct to Caohai Station about 2.5 hours. Taxi and shared bikes cover Caohai area. For grassland/villages, carpool or rent a car (round trip 120-180 RMB/car). 2. Self-drive: Full highway access, smooth roads between attractions, circular route with no backtracking. Essential Clothing Altitude 2200m+, large temperature difference day and night. Bring thin windbreaker/jacket in summer, down jacket in winter; high SPF sunscreen, hat, sunglasses are must-haves. Weather changes quickly, carry a small umbrella. Avoid Pitfalls 1. For Caohai boat rides, only choose official docks at Xihai and Jiangjiawan. Roadside private boats have no safety certification, do not board. 2. Keep quiet during birdwatching, do not feed or chase migratory birds, protect their habitat. 3. Open fires and camping are prohibited on the grassland, take all trash with you. Per Person Budget Reference Economy (public transport + regular hotel): 750-1000 RMB Comfort (car rental + lake view homestay): 1400-1800 RMB

From Chengdu East Station to Bijie Station, the high-speed train takes 2.5 hours. Upon exiting the station, a 21°C breeze blows in from the Wumeng Mountains—completely different from the sultry heat of Chengdu. On June 30, the WeChat official account of "Chinese National Geography" strongly recommended Bijie, Guizhou, as the King of Summer Resorts in July in their article "Where to Travel Most in July." Entering the hottest period on July 15, during the 40-day “super long” dog days of summer, Bijie has become popular for its “cool” 21°C temperature. Located deep in the Wumeng Mountains, the average summer temperature ranges from 20 to 25°C, with a day-night temperature difference of about 10°C. There is no scorching heat, only cool breezes, mountains, water, and poetic scenery coexisting. Please keep this itinerary handy 🗺️ Day 1: Zhijin Cave + Zhijin Ancient Town Arrive in Bijie in the morning and charter a car to Zhijin County (about 1.5 hours). Visit Zhijin Cave—known as the "King of Chinese Karst Caves," with a constant temperature of 16°C inside. The stalactites take on countless shapes, vividly resembling “King’s Helmet” and “Silver Rain Tree.” Recommended to spend 3-4 hours exploring. In the evening, stroll through Zhijin Ancient Town with its bluestone paths and ancient buildings, full of local life and atmosphere. Overnight in Zhijin County. Day 2: Jinsha Yu Zan Flower Sea In the morning, head to Jinsha Yu Zan Flower Sea Scenic Area (about 1.5 hours by car). This is the iconic highland summer resort flower sea of “Deep Wumeng · Cool Bijie,” featuring the world’s largest contiguous native Yu Zan flower belt covering 50,000 mu. From July to August, white and pale purple Yu Zan flowers cover the entire green peak of Niangzi Mountain, framed by sea of clouds and windmills. The scenic area has been newly upgraded this year with a cloud café and starry sky camping site. Watch the sunset in the flower sea in the evening. Overnight in Jinsha County or return to Bijie city. Day 3: Baili Azalea + Return Trip In the morning, visit Baili Azalea Scenic Area—not only a springtime azalea spot but also a great summer forest wellness destination, with layered forests and abundant negative oxygen ions. Take a leisurely walk in the woods with gentle breezes. Return in the afternoon. ⏰ If you have more time, consider adding: Axilisi Grassland (cool breezes rolling, greenery spreading, windmills, sunset, and sea of clouds in one frame) Jiudongtian Scenic Area (“One Water, One Cave, One Sky” lined up, with winding underground rivers and scattered stalactites) Hua Wu Village (filming location of the popular CCTV drama "Deep in Wumeng," core of the Wujiang Source Hundred-Mile Gallery) Weining Baicaoping (lush grass, gentle and tranquil alpine meadow) 🍴 Don’t miss these local specialties Bijie’s cuisine carries the wild mountain flavors of Northwest Guizhou. The griddle pot is the soul of Bijie—various ingredients grilled on an iron pan, dipped in chili powder, getting more delicious with every bite. Fermented black bean hotpot is a local favorite, with the aroma of fermented black beans blending with various hotpot ingredients, becoming more flavorful the longer it cooks. Huangba is a traditional snack made from steamed glutinous rice and brown sugar, soft and sweet. Shuihua liquor is a local specialty, low in alcohol content, perfect for light drinking. Zhijin County’s buckwheat jelly and rolling rice balls are also famous. 🏠 Where to stay Hotels in Bijie city center cost 200-400 RMB per night with convenient transportation. Hotels in Zhijin and Jinsha counties cost 150-300 RMB per night and are close to scenic spots. For a deeper experience, stay at a guesthouse in Hua Wu Village, the same style as featured in "Deep in Wumeng." July and August are peak summer resort seasons in Bijie, so book at least one week in advance. ⚠️ A few reminders Bijie’s summer average temperature is 20-25°C, with a day-night difference of about 10°C, so bring a light jacket. Zhijin Cave maintains a constant 16°C inside; be sure to bring a jacket and wear non-slip shoes as the ground is wet. Jinsha Yu Zan Flower Sea is in full bloom from July to August at high altitude; remember sun protection. Bijie offers a “multi-day ticket” allowing multiple entries within 5 days after purchase. Starting July 24, Bijie will hold the Torch Carnival Season, with activities in all 9 counties and districts. The photos in this article are for artistic reference; actual scenery may vary.

Guizhou has always been a great summer getaway. This time, the kids came to Bijie to play and discovered a super off-the-beaten-path grassland, which can be called the "Guizhou version of Altay." It's free, and you can camp and ride horses 🐎. Highly recommended! 🚗 Transportation Tips: Self-driving: Chengdu to Bijie takes about 5.5 hours Accommodation: Choose between Bijie or Weining, Bijie is recommended (more food options) Navigation: Search for "Baicaoping," free roadside parking available upon arrival 💰 Cost Details: · Entrance Fee: Free (no scenic area entrance fee, only some villagers charge for horse riding) · Horse Riding: About 20-30 RMB per round (price negotiable), it’s recommended to check out the scenic spots before paying · Others: No mandatory expenses, bring your own camping gear and food 🌿 Travel Tips: 1. Windmill Grassland: White windmills mixed with meadows, perfect for great photos 2. Cloud Flower Sea: Blue-purple Scutellaria blooms in summer, incredibly beautiful 3. Grassland Camping: Best views at the mountaintop or near the windmills, avoid areas where cattle and sheep roam. Bring your own camping gear and food. 4. Horse Riding Experience: A must-try, kids love it! Ride along the gentle slopes of the meadow and enjoy the peaceful sight of cattle and sheep swaying in the breeze. 🧥 Important Notes: 1. Altitude Sickness: At 2400 meters elevation, avoid strenuous exercise 2. Large Temperature Difference: Wear windproof jackets in the early morning and evening during summer 3. Sun Protection: Strong UV rays, bring sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses 4. Eco-friendly Travel: No trash bins, carry your trash with you 5. Bring Supplies: Water, snacks, power bank (no shops at the top), portable stove for cooking is recommended 🌟 Why Baicaoping is Recommended: ✔️ Few People, Beautiful Scenery: Avoid crowded popular grasslands and enjoy pristine nature alone ✔️ Diverse Activities: Camping, horse riding, hiking, stargazing—fulfill many travel dreams at once ✔️ Convenient Transportation: Direct self-drive from Chengdu, no complicated transfers, perfect for weekend city escapes or short holidays ✔️ Cool Weather: Comfortable summer temperatures, a perfect summer retreat! Best season: May to October (lush green grasslands in summer, buckwheat flower seas in autumn)

Friends asked me where to go to escape the heat, and I said Weining. They asked, where is Weining? I said it's the highest county in Guizhou with an average summer temperature of only 18℃, even cooler than Liupanshui. They were silent for five seconds and said, isn't that a bit cold? Yes, it is a bit cold. You need a thick quilt to sleep at night, and it's rare for the daytime temperature to exceed 26℃. Weining doesn't have the commercialized label of "China's Cool Capital," but it retains purer plateau scenery and ethnic minority customs. Caohai Wetland is one of China's three major plateau freshwater lakes, covering an area of 25 square kilometers. I stayed at a guesthouse on the north shore of Caohai, and opening the window revealed the lake surface. In the afternoon, I took an eco-friendly boat at Xihai Pier, sailing through reeds with water birds flying overhead. At dusk, I rented a bicycle to ride along the lake, with the sunset turning the water golden and the entire lake glowing. Starting July 18th is Weining's Torch Festival, with bonfire celebrations every night in the Bandi Yi ethnic village. The day after I arrived, I happened to catch one, lighting torches with Yi villagers to ward off evil, dancing the Dati dance until dawn, eating tuotuo meat, and drinking corn wine. On the morning of my departure, I stood by the lake to watch the last sunrise—the surface of Caohai shimmered like broken silver in the morning light, with continuous mountain shadows in the distance. At that moment, I suddenly understood why every summer people come from Sichuan and Chongqing to stay here for a month or two. 🚄 How to get there? Take high-speed rail or flight to Bijie, then transfer to a bus to Weining (about 1.5 hours). There are 6 daily buses from Guiyang Jinyang Bus Station directly to Weining (3.5 hours, ticket price 120 RMB). Driving via Bijie-Weining Expressway takes about 2 hours. 🎫 Ticket Information Caohai Nature Reserve: Free Official Eco Boat: About 80-120 RMB/person Baicaoping: Free Bandi Yi Ethnic Village: Free 🗺️ 3 Days 2 Nights Cool Plateau Itinerary Day 1: Arrival + Caohai Boat Tour Arrive in Weining in the afternoon and check into a guesthouse on the north shore of Caohai. At dusk, take an eco boat from Jiangjiawan or Xihai Pier (about 80-120 RMB/person), sailing through reed beds to see water birds. Rent a bike to ride along the lake at sunset. Day 2: Baicaoping + Bandi Torch Festival In the morning, charter a car to Baicaoping (about 1 hour from the county) — a windmill cluster and vast alpine meadows, with temperatures 3-5℃ lower than the county, super cool. In the afternoon, visit Bandi Yi ethnic village (about 40 minutes from the county) to experience the "Everyday Torch Festival" — wear Yi costumes, eat tuotuo meat, and dance the Dati dance. Day 3: Shimenkan + Return In the morning, visit Shimenkan (about 1.5 hours from the county) — a Miao cultural center established by British missionaries in the early 20th century, with century-old church and school ruins, rich in history. Return in the afternoon. 🏠 Accommodation Recommendations Guesthouses on the north slope of Caohai range from 150-300 RMB/night (lake view from the window); Wyndham Grand Hotel is the only international chain in Weining. 📸 Photo Spots Take a boat from Xihai Pier through the reed beds with water birds flying overhead; shoot the lake sunset from the north shore boardwalk with golden reflections like a mirror; Baicaoping windmill cluster with alpine meadows in the frame; Bandi Torch Festival bonfire party with firelight illuminating faces and vibrant Yi costumes. 💡 A Few Tips Sunscreen! Sunscreen! Sunscreen! Weining is the county with the longest sunshine hours in Guizhou, with very strong UV rays. Big temperature difference between morning and night; short sleeves during the day, thick jacket at night. Torch Festival opens on July 18th; Bandi village has bonfire celebrations every night. Caohai is open all year free of charge; only boat fees apply.

🦢Who would have thought! I spent a week in Weining, Guizhou, and actually lived the "facing the sea, with spring flowers blooming" life. Every morning I was woken up by birdsong, opening the window to an endless view of Caohai, watching the sunset on the terrace in the evening, and falling asleep to the sound of frogs at night... I really got addicted to this life! 🌿Weining is seriously underrated. Many people only know that Liupanshui is cool, but they don’t realize Weining is even cooler than Liupanshui, with more beautiful scenery and fewer people. In July, Weining’s daytime temperature is in the 20s Celsius, and at night it drops to the teens, so you need a thick quilt to sleep—it's like a natural air-conditioned room! · -- 🏡 My week-long deep experience Day 1-2: Stayed at a guesthouse by Caohai, living as an "islander" for a few days 🏠 The guesthouse I stayed at was right by Caohai, a small house with a courtyard. The courtyard was full of flowers and had a small terrace where you could see Caohai. The owner was a local, very warm and enthusiastic, telling me many stories about Caohai. 🌅 I got up very early in the morning to watch the sunrise with the owner. We rowed a small boat slowly toward the center of the lake. It was still dark then, the lake was quiet except for the sound of oars dipping into the water. Then the sun slowly rose, golden sunlight sprinkled over the lake, sparkling. Water birds woke up too, flying in flocks, circling over the lake. That scene was truly like a fairyland—I was mesmerized. 🍚 When we returned, the owner’s mother had already prepared breakfast. There was corn porridge, boiled eggs, and homemade pickles. The corn porridge was especially fragrant, made from local corn, sweet and delicious. I drank two big bowls, so satisfied! 🌿 In the morning, I stayed in the courtyard, reading, drinking tea, and daydreaming. The wind blew from Caohai, carrying the scent of aquatic plants, very comfortable. Sometimes little birds would fly into the courtyard, hopping around, very cute. · -- Day 3-4: Followed locals to experience authentic Weining life 👵 On the third day, I went to the market with the guesthouse owner’s mother. The market in Weining was really interesting! There were all kinds of things: vegetables, meat, clothes, handicrafts... very lively. 🥔 I bought a lot of local specialties: Weining potatoes, bitter buckwheat noodles, ham, and various wild vegetables I couldn’t name. Everything was very cheap—a big bag of potatoes was only 5 yuan, I was amazed. 🍲 For lunch, we ate mutton soup at the market. The black goat meat was stewed until tender, the soup was very fresh and not gamey at all. Dipped in sauce, it was incredibly fragrant! I ate a big bowl for only 20 yuan, such a great deal! 🌾 In the afternoon, I helped the owner work in the field. They had a small plot growing potatoes and corn. I helped dig potatoes for a while, sweating profusely but feeling very accomplished. The potatoes were round and yellow, very cute. 🥔 At night, we made roasted potatoes with the ones we dug during the day. We roasted them over charcoal until the skin was crispy and the inside soft. Peeling off the skin and dipping in chili powder, one bite was incredibly tasty! I ate several in a row. 💬 That night, we sat in the courtyard chatting. The owner told me many stories about Weining, about fishing and collecting bird eggs in Caohai as kids, about the seasonal changes of Caohai, and local customs... I was fascinated, it felt like listening to stories. · -- Day 5-6: Explored hidden gems, discovered a different Caohai 🗺️ On the fifth day, the owner took me to several places only locals know. The first was a reed marsh in the western part of Caohai, even more beautiful than the scenic area. We rowed a boat inside, the reeds taller than people, the boat passing through like entering a green tunnel. Sunlight filtered through the reeds, dappled and dreamy. 🐸 We also saw many little frogs and water snakes (the non-venomous kind). The owner said Caohai is rich in wildlife, with over 200 bird species alone. The second place was an abandoned old dock, full of vintage charm. Weathered stone steps, rusty iron railings, and a few old boats... perfect for photos! It had a retro, decadent beauty. 📸 I took many photos there, and friends on social media asked where it was, saying it had such a vibe. The third place was a small hill by Caohai. Climbing up gave a panoramic view of Caohai. We stayed there all afternoon and watched the sunset. 🌅 The sunset was stunning! The sun slowly set, the sky changing from golden yellow to orange-red, then pink-purple, and finally deep blue. The water of Caohai changed colors too, like a color-changing gem. ✨ That night, we even saw the Milky Way! Weining has very little light pollution, the stars were bright, and the Milky Way was clearly visible. I lay on the grass, looking at the starry sky, feeling both tiny and incredibly happy. · -- Day 7: Learned to cook local food and brought some specialties home 👩‍🍳 On the last day, I learned to cook local dishes with the owner’s mother. The first was Weining Xiaobaba. Made with glutinous rice flour dough, filled with tofu, meat, and scallions, then pan-fried. Golden and crispy outside, tender inside, very fragrant. I made several, though they didn’t look perfect, the taste was good, haha~ The second was buckwheat rice. Made with buckwheat flour, stir-fried with ham cubes and pickled vegetables. Fragrant, with a special buckwheat flavor that gets better the more you eat. 🍵 I also learned how to brew bitter buckwheat tea. Weining’s bitter buckwheat is famous, the tea tastes good and helps lower blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol—very healthy. 🎁 Before leaving, I bought many local specialties to take home: Weining ham, bitter buckwheat tea, buckwheat crisps, potato noodles... all local specialties, perfect gifts for family and friends. · -- 🌟 Why recommend a deep trip to Weining 1. Few people, beautiful scenery: Unlike crowded popular spots, it’s quiet here, so you can truly enjoy your trip 2. Authentic experience: You can deeply experience local life, not just a superficial visit 3. Affordable: Food and accommodation are cheap, a week won’t cost much 4. Comfortable climate: Very cool in summer, perfect for escaping the heat 5. Simple and kind locals: The people are warm and friendly, making you feel at home 💭 After a week in Weining, I feel like a new person. Going to bed early and waking early, eating healthy food, breathing fresh air, feeling great. My acne cleared up, my skin improved, and I look radiant. After returning, I often think about my days in Weining. The morning birdsong, the evening sunset, the stars at night, the taste of roasted potatoes, the smiles of the owner’s family... those days were simple and happy, truly beautiful. · -- 📝 Deep travel tips 🏡 Accommodation: · Stay at guesthouses by Caohai to better experience local life · Choose those run by locals with warm owners who can tell you many stories · Prefer ones with courtyards, so you can relax outside comfortably 🍜 Food: · Must try local specialties: mutton soup, roasted potatoes, buckwheat rice, Xiaobaba · Eat at the market for cheap and authentic food · You can buy fresh lake seafood yourself to cook—fresh and cheap 🚗 Transportation: · High-speed rail to Caohai Station is very convenient · Local taxis are cheap, or rent a small electric scooter · For hidden spots, better to have a local guide or you might get lost 🎒 What to bring: · Thick jacket! Nights are really cold, around 10°C · Sunscreen! The highland UV is strong, don’t get sunburned · Mosquito repellent! There are quite a few mosquitoes by Caohai · Comfortable shoes, as you’ll walk a lot · -- 💕 Final thoughts Nowadays, many travelers just want to "check in," take photos at popular spots, post on social media, and say they’ve been there. But I believe real travel is about slowing down, feeling, experiencing, and immersing yourself in local life. During this week in Weining, I didn’t rush, didn’t check off tourist spots, and didn’t take many photos. But I feel this was my best trip in years. 🌾 I met warm and kind locals, tasted authentic food, saw sights others don’t, and most importantly, found inner peace. If you’re tired of fast-paced life and crowded tourism, come to Weining. Here, you can slow down, truly feel life, and connect with yourself. Trust me, you’ll get hooked. · -- Accommodation 🏨 Caohai Bieyuan Guesthouse A wild luxury guesthouse by Caohai, with a rooftop terrace overlooking the lake and cranes, modern steel structure design, complete with tea room and restaurant 🏨 Haiyuelan Smart Art Hotel A smart art hotel in the core area of Caohai, combining convenience, comfort, and natural poetry, easy to unlock Caohai’s scenery without rushing 🏨 Weining Blue Bay Hotel (Caohai North Slope Ecological Park Convention Center Branch) 80% of rooms have views of Caohai, only 300 meters in a straight line from Caohai, with broad scenic views and convenient transportation 🏨 Shizhou Hotel (Weining Caohai North Slope Ecological Park Branch) A cozy hotel with original wood style design, elegant, simple, and comfortable environment, suitable for family trips and vacations

🌿Help! I discovered a heavenly summer resort in Guizhou! The average temperature in July is only 18°C, and you still need a quilt at night—no air conditioning needed at all, so comfortable! 💙This place is Weining Caohai, the largest plateau freshwater lake in Guizhou, known as the "Pearl of the Plateau." I originally just wanted to find a place to escape the heat, but after going there, I didn’t want to leave. It’s truly healing... · -- 🚲 My three-day, two-night healing trip around the lake Day 1: Xihai Pier → Cycling on the lakeside greenway → Watching the sunset at Jiangjiawan 🚄 I took the high-speed train from Guiyang, which took just over an hour. When I got off the train, my first feeling was: so cool! The breeze was refreshing, completely free from summer heat. 🏨 After dropping off my luggage, I couldn’t wait to go to Caohai. Xihai Pier is the entrance to Caohai, no ticket needed, you can enter directly. Walking along the wooden boardwalk, there are reeds on both sides, and when the wind blows, the reeds rustle, very soothing. 🚲 In the afternoon, I rented a bike and rode along the 25-kilometer lakeside greenway. Both sides are full of reeds and aquatic plants, with villages and cattle and sheep in the distance. The scenery is absolutely beautiful! 💨 I stopped to take photos whenever I saw something nice and rested by the roadside when tired. The wind blew past my ears, carrying the scent of lake water and fresh grass—so comfortable. That feeling of freedom and ease hadn’t come to me in a long time. 🌅 In the evening, I went to Jiangjiawan to watch the sunset. It’s the best spot for sunsets and not crowded. The sun slowly set, dyeing the sky and lake golden. The reeds shimmered in the sunset, water birds flew over the water... At that moment, I truly felt all my worries disappear. · -- Day 2: Beipo Ecological Park → Boat tour of Caohai → Yinlong Happiness Town 🌄 On the second day, I got up early to watch the sunrise at Beipo Ecological Park. Beipo is on the north side of Caohai, and climbing up there gives a panoramic view of the entire lake. ☀️ The sunrise was stunning! The sun slowly rose behind the mountain, golden sunlight spilled over the lake, lighting up all of Caohai. Smoke rose from distant villages, birds flew over the lake—it was like a painting. ⛵️ In the morning, I took an official wooden boat deep into the Caohai wetlands. The boatman slowly steered through the reeds, which were taller than a person on both sides. The boat passed through like entering a maze. 🐦 Along the way, I saw many water birds—egrets, wild ducks... and many I couldn’t name. They weren’t afraid of people and swam right beside the boat. The boatman told me many stories about Caohai and taught me to identify various birds, which was very interesting. 💡 Boat tips: · Take the official boat for safety and reliability · About 50 RMB per person for over an hour ride · Go in the morning or evening for good light and more birds · Bring a hat, the sun can be strong 🏘️ In the afternoon, I visited Yinlong Happiness Town, a very comfortable village right by Caohai. Every household has a yard with flowers and vegetables. I strolled around and chatted with local grandmas who were very warm and even gave me some homegrown plums. · -- Day 3: Baicaoping → Old Town food tour → Return trip 🌿 On the third day, I went to Baicaoping, Guizhou’s largest natural grassland, about a half-hour drive from Caohai. When I arrived, I exclaimed! An endless grassland, with cattle and sheep grazing as the wind blew the grass low—so beautiful! 🐑 I walked for a long time on the grassland, watching the wind turbines in the distance, the grazing cattle and sheep, and the blue sky with white clouds drifting by... I felt completely open and free. I also chatted with local herders who were incredibly simple and kind. 🍜 In the afternoon, I returned to the county town and ate lots of delicious food in the old town. Weining has so many great dishes! · Weining Buckwheat Rice: made from buckwheat, served with ham and pickled vegetables, very fragrant · Weining Little Bapaba: made from glutinous rice with filling inside, pan-fried to golden, crispy outside and sticky inside · Mutton Soup Pot: black mountain goat meat, soup is very fresh and not gamey at all · Roasted Potatoes: grilled potatoes with chili powder, incredibly tasty · Bitter Buckwheat Tea: local specialty, fragrant and helps lower blood pressure and cholesterol 💰 Prices are really affordable! A bowl of buckwheat rice costs 10 RMB, little bapaba 1 RMB each, a big bowl of mutton soup 20 RMB... I ate a lot and spent less than 30 RMB, so cost-effective! · -- 🌿 Why recommend Weining Caohai 1. Cool! Average temperature in July is 18°C, you need a quilt at night, perfect for summer escape 2. Few people! Unlike other crowded popular spots, it’s quiet here, perfect for relaxing 3. Beautiful scenery! Plateau lake, reed marshes, vast grasslands—every photo looks like a masterpiece 4. Cheap! Free admission, affordable food and lodging, great value for money 5. Healing! Spending a few days here feels like a full cleanse 💭 I stayed at Caohai for three days and barely used my phone. Every day I just looked at the lake, daydreamed, rode my bike, and ate good food. That slow pace of life was so comfortable. After returning, I often think back to my days at Caohai. I remember the sound of wind through the reeds, the lake water lapping the shore, the evening sunset, the morning sunrise... those scenes are so healing just to recall. · -- 📝 Practical guide 🚄 Transportation: · High-speed train to Caohai Station, 1.5 hours from Guiyang, 2 hours from Kunming · Taxi in the county town is very cheap, starting at 5 RMB · For around the lake, renting a bike or electric scooter is recommended 🏠 Accommodation: · Recommended to stay by Caohai, with lake views right from your window · Many hotels in the county town, cheap and clean 🌡️ July weather: · 15-25°C, not hot during the day, a bit cool at night · Bring a light jacket for mornings and evenings · Strong UV rays, remember sunscreen 🕐 Best time to visit: · June to August, best for summer escape, lush aquatic plants · December to March, best for birdwatching, can see black-necked cranes 🎫 Tickets: · Caohai is free to enter · Boat rides cost about 50 RMB · Beipo Ecological Park is free · -- 💕 Final thoughts People nowadays are really anxious, always rushing—rushing work, rushing the subway... It feels like slowing down is a crime. But during these days at Caohai, I finally slowed down. I would sit by the lake and daydream for an entire afternoon, thinking of nothing, just watching the water, clouds, and birds. I would spend an hour slowly eating a bowl of buckwheat rice, savoring every bite. I would chat with strangers for a long time, listening to their stories. 🌾 Life can be this simple and beautiful. We are always chasing a better life but forget to stop and enjoy the scenery around us. If you’re tired too, come to Caohai. Here, you don’t have to rush, don’t need to plan, don’t have to squeeze with crowds. You just need to slow down and truly feel the wind, the sunshine, the lake, and life. Trust me, you’ll fall in love with this place. · -- Accommodation 🏨 Caohai Courtyard Homestay Located beside the Caohai Nature Reserve, very close to the lake shore, with a rooftop terrace overlooking the shimmering water. The modern steel structure roof design is very stylish. 🏨 Weining Blue Bay Hotel (Caohai Beipo Ecological Park Convention Center Branch) 80% of rooms have views of Caohai, only 300 meters in a straight line from the lake, excellent location with wide scenic views. 🏨 Weining Yixin Hotel Located on Binhai Avenue, with the Plateau Pearl’s magnificent sky on the left and the lively Caohai ecological scenery on the right. Features a café and gym. 🏨 Draw·High-altitude Self-service Seaview Residence High-altitude lake view rooms with direct views of Caohai, excellent facilities, clean, very cost-effective, suitable for young people.

As a traveler who just returned from Wumeng Grassland, I was truly amazed by this high mountain pasture! 🌿 Compared to those popular scenic spots in Guizhou, this place has fewer people, beautiful scenery, and is affordable—truly a summer cooling paradise~🔥 🌟【Basic Information】 🎫Ticket: 30 RMB/person, unlimited entry within 5 days! 🕰Recommended visit: 1-2 days 🚗Transportation: Self-driving is the best choice! Attractions are scattered, walking won’t cover everything~ 📸Best photo spots: Tianchi, Baicaoping, Gu Aimon Camp 🔥【Must-Do Experiences】 ✅Grassland self-driving loop: 16 km of stunning scenery accompanied by windmill meadows along the way ✅Sunrise sea of clouds: Best in autumn and winter, so breathtaking it leaves you speechless! ✅Hidden gem Datun Mountain: A secret spot unknown to 98% of tourists 💣【Pitfall Avoidance Tips】 ❌Don’t follow private guides to see Buddha’s light ❌Always ask the price before horseback riding ❌Start early in peak season to avoid traffic jams 🍜【Foodie Recommendations】 ✔️Shuicheng Lamb Noodles (12 RMB/bowl) ✔️Grilled potatoes ✔️Highland wild vegetables 🏕【Accommodation Recommendations】 ✨Gu Aimon Tents (grassland camping experience) ✨Homestays at the foot of the mountain (100-200 RMB/night) ❗【Must-Bring Items】 Jacket (big temperature difference between day and night ☀️❄️) Sun protection set (sunscreen + sunglasses + hat) Rain gear (it rains suddenly ☔️) 🙋‍♀️【My Advice】 This place is perfect for those who enjoy slow travel! No amusement facilities 📵 But truly super healing~ Recommend staying one night to watch the starry sky 🌌 💕Experience: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 💰Cost: ⭐️ 👪Suitable for: Self-driving / Couples / Families

1. Liupanshui: June to August is the perfect season to escape the heat, with an average city temperature of only 19°C, cool and comfortable. The vast Wumeng Grassland’s windmills sway gently, endless forests stretch out, and the fresh air feels like a natural oxygen bar. Escape the midsummer heat, enjoy both mountain and countryside scenery, and savor a leisurely pace—an ideal summer travel destination. 2. Enshi: The midsummer average temperature is 25°C, with a pleasant and refreshing climate. The water in Pingshan Canyon is as clear as glass, and boating there feels dreamlike. The Grand Canyon’s deep crevices and rushing waterfalls create a unique mountain and water secret realm. The lush greenery dispels the heat, and the pristine natural scenery fills your summer journey with surprises and coolness. 3. Lushan: From June to August, the mountain forests are cool and pleasant, with an average temperature of 22°C, making it a classic summer resort. The Sandiequan Waterfall cascades down powerfully, and the Hanpoukou area often has rolling sea of clouds with ever-changing weather. Climb the mountains, admire waterfalls and clouds, escape the summer heat in the misty green mountains, and immerse yourself in the unique summer charm of this famous mountain. 4. Ulanqab: The summer average temperature is 22°C, cool without being hot. The Huitengxile Grassland is full of blooming flowers, with waves of grass swaying beautifully in the wind, and the unique volcanic landforms add special charm. Gallop across the grasslands and explore the volcanoes to fully experience the vastness of the northern wilderness, feeling free and unrestrained—perfect for unlocking summer grassland vacation fun. 5. Libo: Lush greenery abounds in midsummer, with an average temperature of 24°C and a cool feel. The ancient Xiaoqikong Bridge reflects in the clear water, and the 68-step waterfall cascades layer upon layer, with flowing water dispelling the heat. Known as the “Green Gem of the Earth,” its lively and beautiful mountains and waters are perfect for both water play and sightseeing, offering a full summer travel experience. 6. Arxan: From June to August, the climate is mild with an average temperature of 20°C, and the forest coverage is very high. The Tianchi Lake’s water is clear and bright, and the unfrozen river is shrouded in morning mist, like a fairyland. Walk through the vast forest sea, breathe pure air, and enjoy pristine natural scenery—cool and tranquil, an ideal place to escape the summer hustle and bustle. 7. Weining: The summer average temperature drops to as low as 18°C, with a refreshing plateau breeze. The Caohai Wetland is alive with flying water birds, and the Baicaoping Grassland stretches endlessly with wide open views. Enjoy both lake and grassland scenery, comfortable temperatures, and pure landscapes—visiting here in the hot summer is both relaxing and pleasant. 8. Dali: From June to August, there is no intense heat, and the climate is mild and pleasant. You can cycle around Erhai Lake, facing the lake and mountain scenery, with the Cangshan Mountains shrouded in mist in the distance, creating a fully romantic atmosphere. The scenery of wind, flowers, snow, and moon is charming year-round, with a relaxed pace—perfect for enjoying stunning views and unwinding on a summer leisure trip.

🌿 Preface Tired of crowded popular spots? This Dragon Boat Festival, come to the highland pearl at 2200 meters elevation and live within the scenery. Explore tens of thousands of acres of wetlands for free, with a summer average temperature of 18℃—a truly beautiful and uncrowded summer retreat. · -- 💫 How treasure-filled is this place? It is one of China’s three major highland freshwater lakes, alongside Qinghai Lake and Dianchi Lake, yet so low-key that many people don’t know about it. Open all year round for free, without over-commercialization, preserving the most pristine natural landscape. During the Dragon Boat Festival, aquatic plants in the wetlands are in full bloom, and wildflowers bloom on the grasslands, surrounding the entire city with seas of flowers and greenery. Here, time seems to slow down; every day is about watching the lake, flowers, and clouds—this is what a vacation should be like. · -- 🗺️ Niche travel guide (say no to typical tourist check-ins) 【Activity 1: Wetland Lake Loop Cycling】 Rent a bike (20 RMB/day) and slowly ride along the lake loop road. The whole route is about 15 km, with flat terrain and wetland scenery all along the way. · Recommended route: County town → Jiangjiawan Pier → Yinlong Happiness Town → Xihai Pier · Many secluded viewing platforms along the way where you can stop anytime to take photos · When tired, sit on a bench by the lake and enjoy the highland breeze 【Activity 2: In-depth Yi Ethnic Village Tour \\ A 20-minute drive from the county town, the Yi ethnic village preserves the most original ethnic customs. Stone houses, buckwheat drying fields, and old trees at the village entrance are full of life’s atmosphere. · Learn to make buckwheat cakes with local grandmothers and experience hand weaving · The village’s viewing platform is an excellent spot for panoramic wetland photos · Enjoy a bonfire party at night, dancing and singing with locals 【Activity 3: Early Morning Birdwatching \\ At 6 AM, the wetlands are a bird paradise. Various water birds forage and fly over the lake, making it a golden time for photography enthusiasts. · Best spot: Suohuangcang Wetland Park · Remember to bring binoculars to see many rare bird species · Keep quiet and do not disturb the birds 【Activity 4: Highland Windmill Field \\ On the mountains around the county town, there are large windmill fields. White windmills slowly turn under the blue sky and white clouds, like stepping into a fairy tale world. · Navigation: Mabai Mountain · About 40 minutes by car, good road conditions · You can drive to the mountain top to overlook the entire windmill field · It’s very windy, remember to bring a jacket · -- ⏰ 3 Days 2 Nights Slow Travel Itinerary Day 1: Arrival + Acclimatization · Noon: Arrive at the county town, check into the hotel and rest · Afternoon: Stroll in Beipo Park to slowly adapt to the altitude · Evening: Watch the sunset at Jiangjiawan Pier · Night: Enjoy local specialty snacks in the county town Day 2: Sea of Flowers + Village · Morning: Take photos at the hydrangea sea in Huanxi Tianyuan · Afternoon: Experience ethnic customs in the Yi village · Evening: Watch the sunset at the windmill field · Night: Stargazing Day 3: Deep Wetland Tour + Departure · Early morning: Birdwatching at Suohuangcang · Morning: Take a boat ride at Xihai Pier · Noon: Lunch in the county town · Afternoon: Departure · -- 🎒 Pre-trip Preparation Checklist ✅ Clothing: · Light jacket (essential! Around 15℃ in the early morning and evening) · Long-sleeve sun protection clothing (highland UV rays are really strong) · Comfortable sports shoes (lots of walking) · Hat, sunglasses, sun protection face mask ✅ Items: · Sunscreen (SPF50+) · Lip balm (the highland is very dry) · Thermos cup (drink plenty of hot water to prevent altitude sickness) · Power bank (charging is inconvenient in scenic areas) · Small amount of cash (some villages have poor signal) ✅ Medicine: · Cold medicine, stomach medicine · Band-aids · Altitude sickness medicine (varies by person, recommended to take Rhodiola a week in advance) · -- 💡 Local Insider Tips 1. Best photo times: 7-9 AM and 6-8 PM, when the light is softest 2. Don’t eat in scenic spots: restaurants in the county town are cheap and delicious 3. Don’t trust low-price car rentals: many are unlicensed with no safety guarantee 4. Don’t litter in the wetlands: protect this pure land 5. Temperature difference is greater during Dragon Boat Festival mornings and evenings, bring enough clothes --- Accommodation 🏨 Heqi · Suohuangcang Birdwatching Homestay The owner is an ecological photographer; rooms are equipped with binoculars and bird guides. Open the window to the wetlands—perfect for photography and nature lovers. 🏨 Yesi Muli Hotel (Hefeng Century Branch) Wabi-sabi design + natural wood texture, located on the 12th floor in the county town center, overlooking the city panorama with complete facilities. 🏨 Weining Yixin Hotel Wabi-sabi aesthetic design hotel, a summer paradise at 2200 meters elevation. Ride horses chasing windmills by day, watch birds return to their nests at dusk. 🏨 Heqi · Yunshangju Yi village cliffside homestay with panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows facing the wetlands, includes a fire pit welcome ceremony, an immersive highland wild luxury experience.

Still squeezing into popular attractions during the Dragon Boat Festival? This plateau secret spot at 2200 meters elevation has an average summer temperature of only 18℃, with vast wetlands blooming in a sea of flowers, few people, beautiful scenery, and it's free! ✨ Why must you come here during the Dragon Boat Festival? 🌡️ Perfect climate: Daytime highs of 23℃, thin jackets needed in the morning and evening, completely escaping the summer heat of the festival 🌸 Flower season in full swing: In June, the wetlands are lush with aquatic plants, wildflowers cover the lake shores, and reed beds sway like waves in the wind 🦢 Wildlife dancing together: Summer migratory birds are nesting and breeding, water birds flutter on the lake surface, and if you're lucky, you can spot rare waterfowl 💸 Completely free: No entrance fee for the core scenic area, free parking, excellent value for money 🗺️ 2 Days 1 Night Essential Itinerary (Dragon Boat Festival Special Edition) Day 1: First Encounter with the Wetlands・Golden Hour Sunset 09:00-11:00 North Slope Ecological Park Enter directly from the visitor center and stroll along the ecological boardwalk. This is the best viewpoint overlooking the entire lake area. During the Dragon Boat Festival, purple verbascum and yellow dandelions bloom on both sides of the boardwalk, perfect for wallpaper-worthy photos. Remember to take the loop trail, not retracing your steps, about 2 km in total, easy and relaxing. 14:00-16:30 Jiangjiawan Wetland This is where the flower sea is at its peak during the festival! Large areas of aquatic plants bloom with small white flowers, contrasting beautifully with the green lake water. Walking along the lakeshore, you can see water birds skimming low over the surface, and occasionally wild ducks with their ducklings swimming by. Very few people come here, often you’ll be the only one on the entire boardwalk, allowing you to quietly enjoy nature’s healing. 17:30-19:30 Sunset at Xihai Pier Sunset during the festival is around 19:50, so it’s recommended to arrive at the pier by 17:30 to secure a spot. You can choose to take an electric boat deeper into the lake (60 RMB/person) or wait for the sunset by the shore. When the sun sets over the lake, the entire wetland turns golden, and the reed beds glow warm orange—this is the most beautiful moment of the day. Day 2: In-depth Exploration・Hidden Gems Check-in 06:30-08:00 Morning Mist Birdwatching A morning surprise! The lake often has light mist in the early Dragon Boat Festival mornings, with water birds appearing and disappearing in the fog, like a fairyland. No special equipment needed; you can see flocks of water birds feeding on the lake with the naked eye. Remember to bring a jacket, as the morning temperature is about 15℃. 09:00-11:30 Huye Forest Wetland Boardwalk A secret spot known only to locals! The boardwalk goes deep into the wetland core area, flanked by waist-high reeds. During the festival, the reeds are fresh green, giving a "Wizard of Oz" vibe as you walk through. At the end of the boardwalk is a birdwatching platform with excellent views, offering a 360° panorama of the entire wetland. 14:00-16:00 Yangguanshan Island Loop Hike A small island in the lake, accessible by boat (30 RMB/person). The island is densely vegetated, with a 3 km loop trail and several viewing platforms along the way. Standing on the island surrounded by water, you get a completely different perspective and can feel the grandeur of this plateau lake. ⚠️ Must-know Tips for Dragon Boat Festival Travel 1. Highland reaction: At 2200 meters elevation, altitude sickness is generally unlikely, but avoid strenuous exercise and bring glucose oral solution 2. Large temperature difference: 15℃ difference between morning/evening and midday, be sure to bring a windproof jacket, short sleeves are fine at noon 3. Sun protection is crucial: Strong UV rays on the plateau, SPF50+ sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses are all essential 4. Festival crowds: Compared to popular attractions, this place is much less crowded, but it’s best to arrive at the core viewing spots before 8 AM 5. Environmental protection reminder: The wetland is a protected area, do not litter or disturb the birds 🌿 Niche Experience Recommendations · Wetland starry sky: High chance of clear skies during the festival, you can see the dazzling Milky Way by the lake at night with almost zero light pollution · Wind turbine field check-in: Large wind farms on the surrounding mountains near the county, white turbines against the grasslands make for great photos · Lake cycling: Bike rentals available at Xihai Pier, cycling along the lakeshore with the plateau breeze is especially refreshing · -- Accommodation 🏨 Caohai Courtyard Guesthouse Located beside the wetland nature reserve, the rooftop terrace faces the lake directly, with cranes dancing in view when you open the window. The architecture blends local ethnic styles, peaceful and private. 🏨 Yating Hotel (Weining Caohai North Slope Ecological Park Binhai Avenue Branch) Newly opened smart hotel in 2024, fully equipped with smart room controls, just 300 meters straight line from the lake area, most rooms offer panoramic wetland views, modern and comfortable facilities. 🏨 Weining Blue Bay Hotel (Caohai North Slope Ecological Park Convention Center Branch) 80% of rooms have lake views, excellent location, 10 minutes by car from the highway entrance and pier, with broad scenic views. 🏨 Yesi Muli Hotel (Weining Hefeng Century Branch) Quiet and stylish design aesthetic hotel with natural wood textures, high-floor views, offering exclusive eco-tourism services, perfect for travelers seeking quality. · --

Deep within the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau lies a secret realm forgotten by time. During the Dragon Boat Festival, this place transforms into a sea of flowers. The endless grass sea blooms with wildflowers of all colors, water birds fly over the lake, and distant windmills turn slowly, as if stepping into a Studio Ghibli animation world. 🌻 Best Viewing Period for the Grass Sea and Flower Sea From late May to mid-June each year is the peak blooming season for the grass and flower sea. The Dragon Boat Festival coincides perfectly with the most beautiful time, when various unknown wildflowers compete to bloom in purple, yellow, white, and pink, turning the entire grass sea into a giant palette. Unlike flower seas elsewhere, this one grows in a highland wetland, featuring water, grass, flowers, birds, mountains, and windmills. The rich elements create a strong sense of depth. Every shot looks like a blockbuster. 🚶‍♀️ Recommended Touring Routes Classic One-Day Tour: Morning: West Sea Pier - Walking Boardwalk - Bird Watching Area Noon: Enjoy local specialty dishes at a farmhouse restaurant Afternoon: Baicaoping - Windmill Sky Road - Mabai Mountain Evening: Return to the grass sea to watch the sunset In-Depth Experience Route (2 Days): Day 1: After arrival, explore West Sea Pier, then take a boat deep into the grass sea Day 2: Wake up early to watch the sunrise at Baicaoping, then walk the Windmill Sky Road, return in the afternoon 🚢 Grass Sea Boat Tour Tips Taking a boat is the best way to explore the grass sea, with two options: Wooden Boat: Traditional wooden boats rowed by locals, slow speed, ideal for close observation of flowers and birds, perfect for photography Speedboat: Fast, can reach farther places, suitable for visitors with limited time ⚠️ Boat Safety Tips: · Always wear a life jacket · Do not stand up suddenly, the boat may capsize · Do not reach out to pick water plants or wildflowers · Bring a hat, UV rays on the lake are strong 📸 Recommended Photo Spots 1. West Sea Boardwalk: The wooden boardwalk extends into the flower sea, perfect for portraits 2. Baicaoping: Endless grassland with windmills in the distance, full of Japanese aesthetic vibes 3. Windmill Sky Road: Windmills line both sides of the road, creating a cinematic scene 4. Jiangjiawan Pier: Flower sea, lake water, and distant mountains in one frame, perfect composition 5. Majia Courtyard: A lesser-known viewpoint with very few tourists and the densest flower sea 💡 Practical Information · Admission: Grass Sea Scenic Area is free, boat rides are charged separately · Transportation: Recommended to drive or hire a car; public transport is inconvenient · Altitude: Average altitude 2200 meters, generally no altitude sickness, but avoid strenuous exercise · Weather: Highland weather is changeable, bring rain gear, different weather within ten miles · Clothing: Recommended to wear light-colored long dresses, best match for the flower sea · -- Accommodation 🏨 Weining Grass Sea Spring Hot Spring Resort Hotel A five-star resort hotel by the grass sea, rooms offer panoramic views of the grass sea, with hot spring facilities to relax after a day of activities. 🏨 Weining Langyu Grand Hotel A boutique hotel located in the county center, convenient transportation, spacious and comfortable rooms, rich breakfast, great value for money. 🏨 Weining Grass Sea Riverside Homestay A boutique homestay adjacent to the grass sea, with flower sea views from the window. The owner is a local who offers many in-depth travel tips. 🏨 Weining Half-Mountain Poetic Hotel A wild luxury hotel located halfway up the mountain, overlooking the entire grass sea, full of design sense, each room has an extra-large viewing window. · --

In the dog days of summer, the whole country is looking for a place to escape the summer heat. Guiyang is crowded with people, and the streets of Liupanshui are full of tourists. But I discovered a truly hidden “cold king” – Weining. This place is hidden in the northwest corner of Guizhou, at an altitude of more than 2,000 meters, known as the "Roof of Guizhou", the average temperature in summer is only 19°C, short sleeves can not be worn at all. Take the high-speed train to Liupanshui, charter a car to Weining, and climb all the way up. The outside of the window is getting greener and cooler. When entering the county town, locals wear long-sleeved shirts, air-conditioning fans are all furnished in the guesthouse, and the natural breeze blows in with the windows open. Lying in bed with the breeze blowing, it's so cool that I have to cover myself with a quilt. The most beautiful thing about Weining is not the coolness, it is the sea of ​​grass. The largest natural freshwater lake in Guizhou, the lake is so clear that you can see aquatic plants, the northern slope park by the lake is lush in summer, rent a bicycle to ride along the lake, the breeze blows your hair, and the lake has waterfowl flying in groups. In the evening, we sit by the lake and wait for the sunset. The sunset covers the sky and the lake is dyed pink and gold. The locals sit next door and fish without saying a word. The picture is so quiet that it is not real. The next day we went to Hundred Lawn, large tracts of plateau meadows, windmills dotted on the hillside, cattle and sheep walking and eating on their own. I lay on the grass and watched the clouds drift by, taking a nap to wake me up from the sun. I met a group of Yi mothers preparing for the performance of the Torch Festival, wearing colorful pleated skirts in a circle to rehearse. The leading dancer took my hand and said, "You are here too." After dancing twice, I couldn't breathe before I left. The July Torch Festival is the busiest time of the year, with torch dances and moon harps playing at night, and the entire county is dancing. On the day before I left, I bought a piece of "dumpling" from the street. The golden-yellow crust was wrapped with a savory ham filling, and it was so crispy that it fell off when I took a bite. The owner said that the buckwheat and ham of this place are specialties. Summer in Weining is all about the 19°C wind, the sunset in the sea of ​​​​grass, the flock of sheep in Baicao, and a hot bowl of ham dumplings. 💡Practical information: Weining Yi Hui and Miao Autonomous County, take the high-speed rail to Liupanshui or charter a car after the festival, the temperature in summer is 19-22 °C, cool in the morning and evening. You can rent a bicycle around the lake in Grass Sea. Black Diamond members can enjoy Torch Festival event perks or Yi meal discounts when booking hotels in Weining or Liupanshui through Journey, depending on the platform.

🏨【Stay|Nihao Hotel · Cozy Nest】 ✨A divine hotel under Huazhu💥Super convenient smart check-in 📍Prime location in Zhongshan District🚗Close to high-speed rail station/shopping district/night market 🛏️Custom comfortable mattress + smart room control✨Clean and healing style at its best 🧺Free parking + self-service laundry + co-branded tea drinks with Cha Yan Yue Se🥤 Stay here for your cool trip to the "Cool City," comfortable and worry-free💯 🌊【Travel|Fairyland Check-in · Scenic Steps Everywhere】 ✅ Shudu River|Karst Emerald Secret Spot💚 8km from downtown✨River water changes color with light💫Guoquan Rock Waterfall is spectacular 🚡Low-altitude cable car overlooking the canyon🛶Bamboo raft tour through the green fairyland📸 Summer average temperature 22℃🍃Perfect for summer fun and water activities‼️ ✅ Caohai|Plateau Pearl · Bird Kingdom🐦 The largest freshwater lake on the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau🌊45km² of soothing lake surface Hiking around the lake to enjoy flower seas🌸Bird watching and photography📷Atmosphere fully charged Sky mirror-like view✨Every snap is wallpaper-worthy scenery💖 ✅ Yaochi|High Mountain Emerald · Natural Oxygen Bar💧 1300 acres of emerald lake✨4-meter water clarity+💎Reflecting green mountains, super fairy-like 5.5km lakeside trail🌳92% forest coverage🌿 Packed with negative oxygen ions🍃Breathe in and cleanse your lungs, full healing vibes~ 🍖【Eat|Local Delicacies · So Delicious You’ll Be Dazed😋】 🔥Zhang Xiaofei Grilled Beef Ribs|Meat Lover’s Feast🥩 Aegean Sea C Hall, 4th floor✨Enjoy beef ribs freedom for only 59.9 RMB‼️ Freshly cut beef ribs🥩Black pepper/garlic/butter pineapple flavors Wagyu + large shrimp + desserts and drinks all-you-can-eat🍻Great value for money💥 🔥Sour Soup Beef|Soulful Flavor of the Cool City🍲 Authentic Kaili red sour soup✨Tangy and appetizing, one bite and you’re hooked🤤 Freshly sliced yellow cattle beef, dipped for 8 seconds⏰Tender and flavorful, perfect with dipping sauce Free vegetable refills🥬Eat until you can’t move, authentic Guizhou flavor is amazing👍 🔥Special Roasted Chicken|Crispy Skin and Juicy Inside🐔 Slow charcoal roasting🔥Golden crispy skin, tender and juicy inside Savory and flavorful, super satisfying✨With dipping sauce, one bite is heavenly💫 A must-order for late-night snacks/gatherings🔥Full of local flavor and atmosphere~ 🏃‍♂️【Fun|Marathon + World Cup · Double the Joy⚽】 ✅ Liupanshui Marathon|Cool start at 19℃🏃‍♀️ Exclusive marathon in China’s Cool City✨Summer average temperature 19℃, super comfortable The route connects beautiful scenery🌿Run through wetlands/ancient towns/flower seas🌼 Run while enjoying the landscape, immerse yourself in the charm of the Cool City💥 ✅ World Cup Celebration|Night Market Viewing, Super Exciting⚽ Beer and barbecue with the game🍻Night market big screen HD live broadcast📺 Cheering crowds of thousands, super lively🔥Local vibe + football spirit fully charged Cool City summer nights, party with friends and enjoy the World Cup✨ 19℃ breeze🌿Super healing scenery🌊Delicious food to the fullest😋 Stay in a comfortable hotel🏨Run a cool marathon🏃‍♂️Watch the passionate World Cup⚽ Check in at the fairylands of Shudu River/Caohai/Yaochi✨ China’s Cool City Liupanshui welcomes you💖 Chill out and relax, unlock the coolest summer of 2026💥

Always craving a relaxed and carefree short trip✨. Escape the stifling heat and restlessness of the city’s midsummer, and head to the cool and tranquil Caohai in Wening. Slow down and unwind in the highland breeze—probably the most healing choice for June. Early summer at Caohai is gentle and refreshing🌿. The breeze brushes over the shimmering lake surface, aquatic plants sway softly with the wind, morning mist lingers over the wetlands, and at dusk, the sunset dyes the horizon as birds return to their nests. With a comfortable temperature around 20℃ year-round, free from heat and noise, you can stroll leisurely along the lakeside boardwalk, watching the clouds roll by and the lake’s light shift. All the fatigue and irritability of life are gently soothed by this mountain and lake scenery. I’ve always believed that a comfortable trip is never about rushing through check-ins, but about complete relaxation and ease. No need to hurry, no need to compromise on food and lodging—quietly enjoy the pleasure of solitude or companionship; that’s the best form of travel🌙. The biggest surprise on this Wening trip was the accommodation. Located right next to Caohai on Binhai Avenue, the location is a huge plus🌅. Step out the door and you’re at the lakeside scenic area, saving travel time. Spend the day immersing yourself in Caohai’s natural beauty, and take evening strolls with the breeze on the way back, leaving plenty of time for scenery and relaxation. Compared to the old and crowded lodgings around the scenic area, the living experience here is much more comfortable💡. The overall environment is clean, fresh, quiet, and serene, with a peaceful atmosphere perfect for unwinding. The whole house features smart design that is simple and thoughtful, easy to operate without hassle, making it especially relaxing to stay indoors. I absolutely love the projection room type here🎬! After a day of sightseeing, shed the travel fatigue and nestle into the soft, comfortable mattress. Turn off the lights and enjoy immersive movie watching. Outside the window is the quiet night of Caohai, inside the room is a peaceful and healing solitude, far from the city’s noise, with the perfect atmosphere and relaxation fully achieved. Many thoughtful details make the entire trip especially comfortable🚄. The accommodation is close to Caohai Station, making public transport convenient and worry-free, and free parking is available for self-driving guests. The bedding is soft and skin-friendly, soundproofing is excellent, and the nights are quiet and serene, allowing for a restful sleep that completely dissolves travel fatigue. A good trip heals the eyes with scenery and soothes the body and mind with accommodation. This summer, no need to travel far🌿. Take a trip to Wening Caohai, feel the 20℃ highland evening breeze, watch a lakeside sunset, and harvest a fully healing summer journey amid gentle mountains, lakes, and cozy lodging. Wening Wumeng Resort Hotel (Binhai Avenue Branch)

June is the height of summer, with scorching heat everywhere, but Weining in Guizhou hides a comfortable summer. With an average annual temperature of 17°C, the cool plateau breeze, endless wild grasslands, the clear and tranquil Caohai Wetland, and the early summer exclusive wildflower seas, you don’t have to travel far to unlock a healing and refreshing summer trip. It’s an excellent destination for short trips and summer escapes in June. In the peak of June’s summer heat, Bijie, with an average summer temperature of 21°C, holds the most comfortable summer in Guizhou. The cool breeze blows through the heart of the Wumeng Mountains, where karst wonders, alpine flower seas, and canyon lakes complement each other. With a passionate music season and rich ethnic customs, visiting Bijie in June unlocks a cool and healing short trip. 🌿 Three must-play highlights in Bijie in June ① Zhijin Cave・16°C Karst Secret Underground A world geological wonder, the cave maintains a constant temperature of 16°C in June, making it a natural summer cooling cave. Walk through it to see treasures like the “Silver Rain Tree” and “Overlord Helmet,” with stalactites in countless shapes and light and shadow weaving a dreamlike scene. The full hike takes 2.5-3 hours, immersing you in the wonders of the earth’s core—perfect for summer cooling. ② Jinsha Yu Zan Flower Sea・Cloud Flower Event at the End of June From late June to early August, over 50,000 acres of wild Yu Zan flowers bloom in the Jinsha Yu Zan Flower Sea Scenic Area, covering the mountains with purple and white flowers. Paired with the rolling sea of clouds in the mountains, it looks like a fairyland. You can take the cable car to overlook the flower sea, check out the rainbow slide and high-altitude swing, enjoying both flower viewing and summer cooling. This is a limited, lesser-known secret spot in late June. ③ Wujiangyuan Hundred-Mile Gallery・High Gorge, Flat Lake Landscape Scroll In June, the river water is emerald green like jade. Take a boat through the canyon, with green mountains facing each other on both sides, and Miao stilt houses built along the hillsides, creating a picturesque scene. The Huawu Miao Village is rich in ethnic customs, where you can browse embroidery stalls and taste Miao cuisine, fully immersing yourself in the poetic feeling of “the boat moves on the water, and people travel in a painting.” Extra Bonus: Xiangshuitan Music Festival (Starting June 28) The Xiangshuitan Music Festival in Qixingguan District kicks off with weekly Saturday night band performances, drone light shows, and music fountains. Paired with Bijie yellow beef and Nayong baked pot specialties, the summer night carnival atmosphere is at its peak. 🏨 Bijie Travel Top Choice|Soma Gali Ethnic Art Hotel To explore Bijie, high-speed rail travel is the most worry-free. It takes only 1.5 hours from Guiyang to Bijie High-Speed Rail Station. Upon exiting, you reach the Soma Gali Hotel within a 5-7 minute walk, with convenient transportation and no hassle. ✅ Hotel Core Advantages ▫️ Yi Ethnic Soma Theme Decoration: Yi embroidery, batik, and ethnic totems are integrated into the details. From the lobby to the rooms, the Wumeng ethnic style is everywhere, allowing you to experience Bijie’s Yi culture in advance, perfectly matching the surrounding scenery; ▫️ Complete Room Types for All Groups: Special offer single rooms, standard rooms, family rooms, and chess rooms are all available, suitable for solo travelers, couples, families, and groups of friends; ▫️ Full Convenience Facilities: Free large parking lot + new energy charging stations, self-service laundry, 24-hour front desk, and high-speed WiFi throughout the hotel, meeting the needs of self-driving and long-distance travel; ▫️ One-Stop Dining and Accommodation: Connected to a cluster of baked pot restaurants and Yi cuisine eateries downstairs, you can enjoy authentic Bijie flavors without going far. Two-Day Travel Itinerary Reference D1: Arrive in Bijie → Check in at Soma Gali Hotel and rest → Visit Pingyuan Ancient Town and enjoy baked pot → Evening at Xiangshuitan Music Festival D2: Morning explore Zhijin Cave → Afternoon tour Wujiangyuan Hundred-Mile Gallery → Return happily This June, escape the heat and head to Bijie’s 21°C cool summer. Stay in an ethnic-style hotel, explore caves, flower seas, and canyons, and easily enjoy the Wumeng Mountains and waters! As one of China’s three major plateau freshwater lakes, Caohai in June sheds its chill and is full of vibrant greenery. The water plants sway abundantly, the lake water is clear and bright, and flocks of water birds nest and fly low. Walk slowly along the ecological boardwalk, feel the gentle plateau evening breeze, watch the distant mountains tinted with blue, and the shimmering lake light. Away from city noise, enjoy a quiet and healing moment. The whole area is free to visit, suitable for walking, hiking, and relaxing. Baicaoping|Head to the Southern Highland Grasslands The 120,000-acre karst alpine grassland is the soul of Weining’s summer. In June, the grass is lush and green, the endless grass sea stretches to the horizon, windmills stand in the mountains, and cattle and sheep roam leisurely. The breeze carries the sweet scent of grass. Here you can run freely, picnic, camp, and hike in the wild, immersing yourself in the poetic scene of “the wind blows the grass low to reveal cattle and sheep.” If lucky, you might meet local Yi and Miao villagers and encounter the original wild life and folk customs. Bandi Buckwheat Flower Sea|Unlock a Lesser-Known Early Summer Flower Sea Secret Every year in mid to late June, tens of thousands of acres of buckwheat flowers quietly bloom in Bandi Township, Weining. The pink and white flower sea layers are interspersed among the Wumeng Mountains, fresh and healing. Avoid the crowded popular spots, stroll along the flower paths, and immerse yourself in the gentle wildflower sea atmosphere. It’s a hidden gem for summer photos and leisure check-ins. 🏨 Weining Travel Transit First Choice|Soma Gali Ethnic Art Hotel Many don’t know that the most worry-free way to explore Weining is to first arrive at Bijie High-Speed Rail Station and then transfer. It takes 1.5 hours by high-speed rail from Guiyang to Bijie, then only 30 minutes by high-speed rail to Weining Caohai Station, making the journey easy and hassle-free. The Soma Gali Ethnic Art Hotel next to the high-speed rail station is the perfect place to stay for your Weining trip. The hotel is only a 5-7 minute walk from Bijie High-Speed Rail Station, right at the exit, no long-distance travel needed. Whether arriving to rest, transferring during the trip, or staying for the return, it’s very convenient. The overall style features Yi ethnic Soma flower themes, integrating local cultural elements like Yi embroidery, batik, and ethnic totems into the decoration. From the lobby to the rooms, the rich Wumeng ethnic style immerses you in the minority culture of Bijie and Weining, perfectly echoing the wild mountain scenery along the way. Room options are very rich, including special offer single rooms, standard twin rooms, business queen rooms, family rooms, and chess entertainment rooms. Whether traveling solo, as a couple, with family, or with friends, all needs are met. The rooms are tidy and comfortable, with warm lighting and ethnic-style soft furnishings, creating a strong atmosphere that instantly relieves travel fatigue. Facilities are thoughtfully complete, with a 24-hour front desk, free luggage storage, wake-up service for worry-free travel; high-speed WiFi throughout, constant temperature air conditioning, 24-hour hot water, and dry-wet separated bathrooms to ensure a comfortable stay. There is also a free large parking lot, new energy charging stations, and a self-service public laundry room, perfectly meeting the needs of self-driving and long-distance travel. Right downstairs is a mature commercial area with all kinds of local snacks, Bijie baked pot, and Yi specialty restaurants, so you can enjoy authentic wild mountain flavors without going far. One-stop dining and accommodation with excellent cost performance, clean and comfortable environment, and convenient transportation make every Weining trip easy, relaxed, and unhurried. 📝 Recommended Easy Travel Route for Weining in June D1: Arrive in Bijie|Check in at Soma Gali Hotel to rest, try local specialty food, and recharge easily D2: Take high-speed rail directly to Weining|Morning walk around Caohai, afternoon visit Baicaoping and encounter the buckwheat flower sea, immerse in the 17°C cool summer scenery, then return happily This June, avoid the midsummer heat and head to the gentle and cool Wumeng Plateau. Stay in a quality ethnic-style hotel, visit grasslands, lakes, and flower seas, and unlock the most comfortable Weining summer trip. Shimmer·Soma Gali Ethnic Art Hotel (Bijie High-Speed Rail Station Branch)

“Let him get messy, let him be wild.” When I used to take my child out, I would always unconsciously shout: “Don’t step in the puddles,” “Don’t touch the mud,” “Don’t go into the bushes.” Later, I realized that the once clean and obedient child gradually lost the sparkle in their eyes🌫️ Until we walked into a pine forest in Guizhou. The ground was covered with fallen pine cones, bigger than his little hands. She squatted down, picking them up one by one, her pants covered with pine needles and dirt, and a small dry twig hidden in her hair. I didn’t stop her. He looked up, holding two big pine cones and smiled at me— That smile was more precious than any kind of “cleanliness.” That day, she wore a light blue parent-child outdoor jacket with a liner. The weather on the plateau changes quickly; sunny in the morning and windy in the afternoon. Luckily, one jacket was enough, no need to worry. She could crawl around in the forest without fear of scratches, and if it got dirty, just brush it off and keep going. 🌲 Girls who grow up outdoors quietly change. Behind every “wild” child is the quiet growth of courage, observation, resilience, and social skills. 🌿 The paths walked together will eventually become the altitude of her life. When she grows up and looks back, she won’t remember how tall the mountain was, but she will remember herself squatting among the pine needles, hugging big pine cones with eyes curved in a smile, and you who accompanied her to “go wild.”

🚗 Transportation Drive 6 hours from Chengdu to Weining. If you don’t want to drive, you can take the high-speed train to Bijie Station (2.5 hours) and then rent a car to drive. Day 1️⃣ Depart from Chengdu in the morning, arrive at 3 PM, and only visited the Caohai Park next to the hotel that day. Caohai North Slope Ecological Park You can only view Caohai from a distance, but the air is fresh, and many locals cycle here. There is a viewing platform perfect for photos and check-ins. 🍲 After the park visit, return to the hotel for afternoon tea (buckwheat crisp pastries) + dinner with Guizhou sour soup hotpot. Day 2️⃣ Caohai Jiangjiawan Pier No entrance fee, but you need to book a time slot at the park entrance. Went in the morning, few people, no queue. 🫘 Had bean and rice hotpot at the hotel for lunch. As a Chengdu local, it was my first time seeing this dish. Luckily, there was a self-service condiment bar; adding plenty of chili made it quite tasty. Baicaoping Guizhou’s version of Altay with countless wind turbines and freely roaming cattle, sheep, and horses, and no entrance fee. 🚗 Navigation route: Weining → Yangjiawa Toll Station → Baicaoping Visitor Center → Baicaoping Pass (China Huaneng Wujiangyuan Wind Power Plant) → Baicaoping Viewing Platform 🐮 The free-range cattle and horses are very friendly; you can take photos with them freely, but the lambs run away when they see people. 🏕️ You can camp in tents; there are designated overnight camping spots where you can barbecue and cook hotpot yourself. ⚠️ Baicaoping has no public restrooms; only a paid dry toilet at the viewing platform for 2 RMB/person. Horse riding costs 50 RMB but can be bargained down to 20-30 RMB/person. 🥩 For dinner, we had Ma La Beef at Ma Lao Wu. If you like mint, be sure to order an extra portion. Even a small portion for two people was more than enough. Day 3️⃣ Jiudongtian Drive 2.5 hours from Weining to Jiudongtian West Gate (Xiaoshilin entrance). 🚶‍♀️ West Gate Visitor Hall → take the first shuttle → viewing platform → cliff plank road → Moon Bay suspension bridge → take the second shuttle → natural bridge → Daguan Tian → Liuyin Ferry Pier → Leiting Tian → Moon Palace Tian (near the East Gate) ⚠️ At Daguan Tian, the route splits into two options: left goes down to the boat dock, take a 15-minute boat ride to Liuyin Ferry Pier; right goes up the walking plank road, which takes 1.5 hours on foot to Liuyin Ferry Pier. Leave the park at 3 PM and drive back to Chengdu. 📝 Travel Notes ❶ Summer in Weining doesn’t exceed 20°C, perfect for summer escape and low prices. ❷ Weather in Baicaoping is changeable; bring an umbrella and warm clothes. ❸ The correct way to tour Jiudongtian is to enter from the west on foot and exit by boat. Accommodation 🏨 Lanwan Hotel You can stay in a Caohai view room for just over 200 RMB, overlooking Caohai from the room, and it’s less than a 10-minute walk to Caohai North Slope Ecological Park. 🏨 Yixin Hotel A wabi-sabi hotel at 2200m altitude, with high-end wabi-sabi design and natural wood textures. The shots of the spiral staircase light and shadow are stunning. 🏨 Yunong Mountain Lodge Formerly the old site of the August 1st Agricultural Machinery Station, it preserves the original architecture with blue bricks and black tiles, surrounded by greenery, full of rustic nostalgia. 🏨 Nanshe Homestay A cost-effective homestay by Badilu Wang, with good value and environment, and importantly, you can enjoy the sea view of Caohai. The kitchen is free to use.

World-class scenic spots accessible by high-speed rail, less crowded and with affordable tickets. Explore Zhijin Cave, known as the "Number One Cave Under Heaven," or climb Jiucaiping in autumn to admire the purple sea of ​​flowers. 🐦A tear left behind on the plateau. A hidden gem of plateau wetlands, wild and beautiful with few tourists! 📍Address: Caohai National Nature Reserve, Weining Yi, Hui and Miao Autonomous County, Bijie City, Guizhou Province 🚗Transportation Guide: ✈️Airplane: Fly to Bijie Feixiong Airport → Take the airport bus to Bijie city center → Transfer to a bus/train to Weining. 🚄High-speed rail/Train: Guiyang North → Bijie High-speed Railway Station (approx. 1.5h) → Transfer to a bus to Weining County (approx. 2h). Direct train: From Guiyang Station or Liupanshui Station, take a regular train directly to Caohai Station (Weining Railway Station, located within the county). 🚌Bus: There are buses from Bijie East Bus Station to Weining; tickets can be checked and purchased in advance on the Guizhou Haoxing official platform. 🚗 By car: Approximately 4.5 hours from Guiyang, via the Hangrui Expressway and National Highway 356. 🏆 Hardcore Bijie Deep Loop Tour [Pushpin] Day 1: Arrive in Bijie, explore the karst museum 📍 Zhijin Cave 🚌 Transportation: From Bijie High-Speed ​​Railway Station → Bijie East Bus Station, there is a direct tourist bus to Zhijin Cave. If there is no direct bus, a chartered car takes approximately 1.5 hours (¥150-200/car). 💰 Entrance fee: Zhijin Cave peak season ¥140/person (including sightseeing bus). 🕒 Activities: The 6.6-kilometer underground palace inside the cave, the Overlord Helmet, the Silver Rain Tree—absolutely stunning, takes 3-4 hours. 🏨 Accommodation: Guesthouse in Zhijin County or near Pingyuan Ancient Town (¥120-200/night). [Pushpin] Day 2: Heading to Weining 🚌Transportation: Zhijin → Return to Bijie City/East Bus Station → Transfer to a bus directly to Weining County (approximately 3-3.5 hours). Alternatively, take a train from Zhijin Station via Liupanshui to Caohai Station. 📍Afternoon/Evening: Weining Caohai (South Bank - Sunset Exploration) Enjoy panoramic views from Yangguangshan Wharf or Jiangjiawan Wharf. In autumn and winter, flocks of migratory birds can be seen taking flight. 🏨Accommodation: Weining County/Near Caohai (see below for specific suggestions). [Pushpin] Day 3: Caohai Panoramic View + Birdwatching Ecological Tour 🌅Morning: North Slope Park/Jiangjiawan. Enjoy a leisurely walk along the North Slope boardwalk, breathe in fresh air, and watch birds. Jiangjiawan is less crowded and has a better ecosystem, making it a prime birdwatching area. 💡Birdwatching Tips: November to March of the following year is the peak season; bird activity is most frequent before 7 am and after 6 pm. 🕊️Strongly recommended: Prepare binoculars or a telephoto lens in advance! Keep your distance, do not make noise, do not feed the birds, and do not disturb migratory birds by taking private boats. 🍲Dinner: Enjoy authentic Weining braised pork trotters hot pot (¥50-80/person). [Pushpin]Day 4: Seeding + Sunbathing at Mabai Mountain 🚗Transportation: We recommend hiring a car for the whole day, approximately ¥300-400/day. The mountain roads are slippery due to fog, so please drive slowly. 📍Daytime: [Seeding] Baicaoping: Alpine meadows and wind turbines, vast and undeveloped, suitable for camping, picnics, and photography (no food or drinks are available in the scenic area; please bring your own food and water!). [Scenic] Mabai Mountain: Offers panoramic views of the rolling mountains, perfect for relaxing and sunbathing (the mountaintop ecosystem is fragile and protected; driving on the meadow is strictly prohibited). [Pushpin] Day 5: Jiudongtian Scenic Area + Shexiang Ancient Town Culture 🚗Transportation: Charter a car from Weining to Jiudongtian Scenic Area in Dafang County, approximately 3 hours (¥400-500) or take a bus from Weining to Dafang/Bijie and then transfer. 💰Tickets: Jiudongtian combined ticket ¥80 (including boat ticket), glass walkway ¥50 additional. 📍Evening: Return to Dafang County, visit Shexiang Ancient Town, free admission. [Pushpin] Day 6: Bijie Museum (Final Destination) 🚌Transportation: Dafang County → Bus directly to Bijie City (approx. 1 hour). 📍Morning: Bijie City Museum, exploring the history and culture of the Wumeng Mountains (free admission). 🚄Return Trip: Walk to Bijie High-Speed ​​Railway Station/Feixiong Airport (Disbandment). ⚠️ Avoidance Guide 🚫 Boat Tours: Since 2018, Caohai Lake has been officially and completely closed to navigation. All wharves, including Xihai and Jiangjiawan, are closed, and there are no official boat services. Do not trust unlicensed boat operators soliciting customers on the roadside; they not only disturb migratory birds and charge exorbitant prices, but are also operating illegally. 🚫 Commercialized South Bank Core Area: Currently, you can only visit the officially designated viewing platforms and lakeside walkways. Do not attempt to trespass into the core wetland area or bird habitats, or you will face penalties. 🏨 Accommodation Recommendations [One] Weining County Coastal Avenue/Convention Center (Optimal Solution) ✅ Close to Caohai birdwatching spots and boardwalks (300 meters - 1.5 kilometers), hotels are concentrated, with complete facilities for eating, lodging, and transportation, offering good value for money (¥120-250/night). ❌ Prices may be slightly higher during peak season and birdwatching season. [Two] Around Caohai Railway Station ✅ Suitable for special forces tourists arriving late at night or catching early morning trains. ❌ Slightly far from attractions, the surrounding environment is somewhat noisy. [Three] Scenic Area Farmhouses ✅ Deep, original ecological experience, all-inclusive dining and accommodation (approx. ¥100/standard room). ❌ Accommodation is relatively basic, nighttime entertainment is limited, and shopping nearby is inconvenient. 🍜 Hidden Foods Only Locals Know 🥔 Weining Xiaobaba: The soul of Weining cuisine! The soul lies in the dough made with a golden ratio of local buckwheat flour and wheat flour, filled with tofu, chili, and minced meat. You must eat it freshly pan-fried; the bottom is golden brown and crispy. Served with a bowl of buckwheat porridge, it's absolutely delicious! 🥘 Sour Soup Fish/Beef Hot Pot: The longer it cooks, the more fragrant it becomes, approximately ¥40 per person. 🍖 Weining Ham: A formidable player in the world of Chinese cured meats, with firm texture and a unique aroma. Be sure to eat it steamed, sliced, and eaten directly, or stir-fried with dried chili peppers! We recommend going to a local ham stall at a farmers' market (like the Development Zone Farmers' Market) and asking the vendor to slice a piece of lean ham for you. 🍢 Roasted Potatoes with Dipping Sauce: Potatoes grilled on a street-side tin grill, topped with local chili powder and chopped houttuynia cordata, are a delightful treat for just ¥2 each. 🥞 Buckwheat Crisp/Buckwheat Jelly: In Weining, a highland buckwheat-producing region, buckwheat is shaped into flowers. A bowl of buckwheat jelly in summer is refreshingly cool and smooth. A hidden way to enjoy it is to ask the vendor to add an extra spoonful of garlic water and the essential fermented tofu dipping sauce. ☀️Tips ❶ Caohai Lake is at an altitude of approximately 2171 meters, with particularly strong ultraviolet radiation (even in winter!). Regardless of the season, be sure to bring high-SPF sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and moisturizing oil-based skincare products to prevent dry, cracked skin. ❷ The temperature difference between day and night is extreme; even in the height of summer, mornings and evenings are quite cool. ❸ During autumn/winter/birdwatching season, be sure to bring a down jacket, windproof jacket, and scarf. ❸ In summer, there are many mosquitoes near water, so be sure to bring strong mosquito repellent and anti-itch cream.