Bijie 3-Day Tour | Classic Combo of Zhijin Cave and Baili Azalea・All-Age Friendly Guide

Bijie, a secret realm in northwest Guizhou embraced by the Wumeng Mountains. Here you’ll find the magical light and shadow of the world’s karst caves, the brilliant sea of azaleas at Baili Azalea, and the graceful migratory birds at Caohai—stroll with elders through the flower sea, accompany children on cave adventures, and every day feels like stepping into nature’s palette. 🗓️ Itinerary Overview D1: Arrive in Bijie → Zhijin Cave D2: Baili Azalea (Pudi Scenic Area + Jinpo Scenic Area) D3: Weining Caohai → Return 🗿 Day 1: Cave Exploration · Underground Palace 📍 Zhijin Cave (5A, ticket 140 RMB, shuttle 20 RMB) Highlights: Known as the "King of Chinese Karst Caves," the cave features countless stalactites in various shapes, geological wonders like the "King’s Helmet" and "Silver Rain Tree." The cave is 12.1 km long; the main scenic section takes about 2 hours to walk. Elders can take the shuttle to the cave entrance and walk the gentle main passage to see the giant stone curtain at the "Guanghan Palace." Kids can hold flashlights to find "Baby Stalagmites," listen to guides tell the "story of cave formation," and buy stalactite-shaped souvenirs (30 RMB each). 🕙 Opening Hours: 8:30-17:00 📸 Photo Spots: "Silver Rain Tree" (iconic cave feature), "Shiwanda Mountain" (panoramic stalagmite group) 💡 Tips: Cave temperature is a constant 16°C; bring light jackets for elders and kids; floors are slippery, hold handrails; tickets are half price for seniors over 60. 🍖 Dining Recommendation: Outside the cave, try "Zhijin Farmhouse Cuisine," must-order Zhijin Kung Pao Chicken (58 RMB) and Sour Soup Fish (68 RMB), about 50 RMB per person, tangy and appetizing. 🏨 Accommodation Recommendation: Near Zhijin Cave, "Cave Hotel" (includes breakfast, family rooms available), priced 300-400 RMB/night, convenient for rest. 🌸 Day 2: Flower Sea Stroll · Azalea Feast 📍 Baili Azalea (5A, ticket 130 RMB, shuttle 35 RMB) Highlights: The "World’s Natural Grand Garden," over 50 square kilometers of azalea sea (best from March to May). At Pudi Scenic Area, "Shuhua Peak" offers panoramic views of the flower sea; Jinpo Scenic Area’s "Baihuaping" is perfect for leisurely walks. Elders can take shuttles to viewing platforms and sit on stone benches to enjoy the flowers; kids can chase butterflies in the "Flower Valley," learn to identify "Ma Ying Azalea" and "Dew Azalea," and buy azalea-scented soap (25 RMB/bar). 🕙 Opening Hours: 8:00-18:00 📸 Photo Spots: Shuhua Peak (layers of flower sea), Baihuaping (people with flower sea background) 💡 Tips: Bring masks if allergic to pollen; the park is large, shuttle is a must; bring foldable stools for elders to rest anytime. 🍖 Dining Recommendation: Inside the park, "Flower Sea Restaurant," must-try Bijie Tangyuan (sweet rice balls, 10 RMB/bowl) and stir-fried cured meat with bracken (38 RMB), about 40 RMB per person, light and suitable for elders and kids. 🏨 Accommodation Recommendation: Baili Azalea "Flower House Homestay" (wooden structure, flower views from windows), priced 250-350 RMB/night, with insect sounds at night. 🌊 Day 3: Birdwatching at Caohai · Wetland Exploration 📍 Weining Caohai (4A, ticket 60 RMB, boat 50 RMB/person) Highlights: Guizhou’s largest natural freshwater lake, winter is best for migratory birds (November to March), including black-necked cranes and grey cranes that overwinter here; summer brings lush aquatic plants like a green carpet. Elders can take boat tours for birdwatching and use binoculars at the "Birdwatching Platform"; kids can collect shells on the wetland boardwalk, learn grass weaving (20 RMB each), and buy dried fish and shrimp from Caohai (30 RMB/bag). 🕙 Opening Hours: 9:00-17:00 📸 Photo Spots: Pier boat (Caohai and birds), wetland boardwalk (people with reed marsh) 💡 Tips: Caohai is at 2200 meters elevation; elders should walk slowly; sun protection in summer, keep warm in winter; boat rides are stable and suitable for all ages. 🍖 Dining Recommendation: Lakeside "Lakeside Restaurant," finish with Weining ham fried rice (15 RMB/serving) and sour soup tofu (28 RMB), about 35 RMB per person, fresh and flavorful. ✨ Bijie Survival Guide 1️⃣ Transportation: Taxi starting fare 6 RMB in the city, bus 2 RMB/ride; take tourist shuttle to Zhijin Cave (30 RMB/person, 1.5 hours); Baili Azalea car rental 200 RMB/day (1-hour drive); Caohai is 2 hours from city, carpool recommended. 2️⃣ Clothing: Wear windproof jackets in spring and autumn (Caohai/flower sea are windy), short sleeves plus sun protection in summer (strong UV), down jackets in winter (Caohai is cold), bring non-slip shoes (cave, wetland boardwalk). 3️⃣ Prohibitions: No touching stalactites in Zhijin Cave; no picking or breaking flowers in Baili Azalea; no feeding birds or littering in Caohai. 4️⃣ Accommodation: Stay near Zhijin Cave on Day 1, Baili Azalea on Day 2, and Weining County (e.g., "Caohai Hotel") on Day 3 for convenient return. 🛍️ Must-Buy Souvenirs ① Bijie Stinky Tofu Jerky (20 RMB/bag, spicy and flavorful) ② Baili Azalea Honey (50 RMB/bottle, natural and additive-free, suitable for elders and kids) ③ Weining Qiao Crisp (30 RMB/box, crispy and sweet traditional pastry) ④ Zhijin Cave Unique Stone Ornaments (50-100 RMB each, geological specialty) The soul of Bijie is the fantasy grown from Zhijin Cave’s stalactites, the passion blooming from Baili Azalea’s flower sea, and the freedom flying from Caohai’s migratory birds. Whether basking in the sun with parents in the flower sea, marveling at wonders with children in the cave, or enjoying the lake breeze with friends at Caohai, every glance here hides a surprise from nature. If you come to Bijie, would you rather explore Zhijin Cave first or admire the flowers at Baili Azalea?