Bijie Attractions

The splendid history and culture and primitive folk customs add radiance to each other and weave into a beautiful Bijie name card. The Shexiang museum(奢香博物馆), Kola Ruins(Yelang ancient capital), Datun Tusi manor of Yi minority and Qianxi Guanyin cave ruins(paleolithic age) are scattered in Bijie, displaying the historical traces of ancient human beings, the mystery of Yelang kingdom and the brilliance of Shuixi culture. Colorful ethnic costumes, original folk music, graceful folk dances show the profound history and culture of Bijie city and the endless charm of ethnic folk culture. Bijie city is rich in tourism resources, including Baili Azalea Scenic Spot(one of the four national AAAAA level scenic areas in Guizhou), Zhijin Cave(the only world geopark in Guizhou), national nature reserve Caohai Lake, Jiudongtian scenic spot(九洞天), Zhiga Aru lake(支嘎阿鲁湖), Jiucaiping scenic area(韭菜坪), etc. Bijie is the beauty of uncarved beauty, is the workmanship of nature. You can enjoy the beautiful flowers at Baili Azalea Scenic Spot and Jiucaiping, watch birds at Caohai Lake, and feel magical nature at Zhijin cave. 

Bijie City (毕节市) lies in northwestern Guizhou near the borders of Sichuan and Yunnan. Its tourism identity is often summarized as “Caves, Blessed Landscapes and the Flowering City of Bijie.” The region combines native rhododendron forests, immense limestone caves, highland grasslands, river canyons, wetlands, Yi and Miao cultural heritage, and important sites associated with the Red Army’s Long March.

Bijie currently has two national 5A-rated tourist attractions: Baili Rhododendron Scenic Area (百里杜鹃景区) and Zhijin Cave Scenic Area (织金洞景区). The city promotes them as the anchors of a wider tourism network linking Hezhang’s highland landscapes, Dafang’s Yi heritage, Qianxi’s Wujiang River scenery, Weining’s wetland ecology and the forest parks of Qixingguan.

Main Types of Attractions in Bijie

Recommended Bijie Attraction Ranking

The following is an editorial ranking for first-time visitors, based on landscape value, cultural importance, distinctiveness, accessibility and overall visitor experience. It is not an official government ranking.

Baili Rhododendron Tourism Area

Baili Rhododendron Scenic Area

Baili Rhododendron Scenic Area (百里杜鹃景区) is Bijie’s best-known attraction and a national 5A-rated scenic area. Its contiguous native rhododendron landscape covers approximately 125 square kilometres and contains numerous naturally occurring varieties that bloom in different colours and at different times during spring.

The core sightseeing areas are Pudi (普底) and Jinpo (金坡). The flowering season generally runs from late March into April, but exact peak conditions depend on temperature, elevation and rainfall. Entry reservations, sightseeing vehicles and traffic controls are commonly introduced during peak bloom.

Fangjiaping Scenic Area

Fangjiaping Scenic Area (方家坪景区) is a national 4A-rated outdoor recreation area within the wider Baili Rhododendron destination. It offers grassland scenery and activities such as hiking, cycling, off-road recreation and family-oriented attractions.

It is best used as an extension to the flower forest rather than as a substitute for Pudi and Jinpo.

Yishan Huagu Scenic Area

Yishan Huagu Scenic Area (彝山花谷景区) combines flower landscapes, Yi-inspired cultural elements and leisure facilities. It was officially added to Guizhou’s national 4A-rated scenic-area list at the end of 2025.

Zhijin Cave and the UNESCO Global Geopark

Zhijin Cave Scenic Area

Zhijin Cave (织金洞) became a national 5A-rated attraction in July 2022. Its enormous chambers contain dense concentrations of stalactites, stalagmites, stone curtains, columns and tower-like deposits.

The walking route is long, includes stairs and remains cool and damp throughout the year. Visitors should wear shoes with reliable grip and carry a light jacket even during summer.

Zhijindong Cave UNESCO Global Geopark

The UNESCO Global Geopark was designated in 2015 and covers parts of Zhijin County and Qianxi City. It is composed of three principal landscape units:

• Zhijin Cave (织金洞)
• Qijie River (绮结河)
• Dongfeng Lake (东风湖)

Together they illustrate the development of underground caves, surface gorges, natural bridges, sinkholes and river-reservoir karst across the Guizhou Plateau.

Pingyuan Ancient Town and Zhijin Old Town

Pingyuan Ancient Town (平远古镇) is a modern cultural and leisure district close to Zhijin’s urban area. It offers restaurants, performances, markets and illuminated evening streets and is often paired with Zhijin Cave.

The Zhijin Ancient Architectural Complex (织金古建筑群) preserves temples, academies, pavilions and traditional buildings. UNESCO identifies 25 historic structures in the protected complex, including Wenchang Pavilion and Fengxi Academy.

Hezhang Highland Landscapes

Axilixi Jiucaiping

Axilixi Jiucaiping Scenic Area (阿西里西韭菜坪景区) is a national 4A-rated mountain destination in Hezhang County. Its highest areas rise close to 2,900 metres, offering extensive views across the Wumeng Mountains.

The principal seasonal attraction is the wild chive-flower landscape, which usually reaches its best colour from August to September. Weather can change rapidly, and fog, wind and strong ultraviolet radiation are common.

Axilixi Ertaipo

Axilixi Ertaipo Scenic Area (阿西里西二台坡景区), also called Axilixi Grassland, has an average elevation of about 2,300 metres. Its rolling meadows, grazing animals, wind turbines and undulating scenic road make it one of Bijie’s strongest self-drive and summer-escape destinations. It was recognized as a national 4A-rated attraction in 2022.

Kele Archaeological Site

Kele Archaeological Site (可乐遗址) preserves remains associated with the ancient regional cultures commonly linked with Yelang. It is more suitable for archaeology and history enthusiasts than visitors seeking a highly developed scenic area.

Dafang: Caves, Forests and Yi Heritage

Jiudongtian Scenic Area

Jiudongtian Scenic Area (九洞天景区) lies along the Liuchong River between Dafang and Nayong. A subterranean river passes through a series of large cave openings or “sky windows,” creating a combined boat-and-walking experience of caves, cliffs and natural bridges.

Water levels, boat services and individual sections may be affected by heavy rain, so visitors should confirm current operation before travelling. The attraction is part of Bijie’s established 4A-rated tourism network.

Shexiang Ancient Town

Shexiang Ancient Town (奢香古镇) is known for its large stepped field inside the urban landscape, often described visually as a giant fingerprint. The surrounding streets combine Yi cultural motifs, restaurants, accommodation and evening illumination.

Mu’ege Ancient Yi Cultural Tourism Area

Mu’ege Ancient Yi Cultural Tourism Area (慕俄格古彝文化旅游景区) includes the reconstructed Guizhou Xuanweifu (贵州宣慰府) complex and the Shexiang Museum (奢香博物馆). It introduces the history of the Shuixi Yi political system and the legacy of the Ming-era leader Lady Shexiang.

Youshan River

Youshan River Scenic Area (油杉河景区) combines forested gorges, rivers, waterfalls, ancient ginkgo groves, limestone cliffs and highland meadows. The wider national forest park contains several separate sightseeing zones, so private transport is useful for reaching different trailheads.

Qianxi and the Wujiangyuan Landscape

Wujiangyuan Baili Gallery

Wujiangyuan Baili Gallery (乌江源百里画廊) extends through the upper Wujiang River reservoir landscape. Boat trips pass green water, karst cliffs, tributary valleys and formations that have acquired descriptive local names.

Cruise routes depend on the selected wharf, water levels and operating arrangements. The landscape also forms part of the surface-karst sequence represented by the Zhijindong Cave UNESCO Global Geopark.

Huawu Miao Village

Huawu Miao Village (化屋苗寨) lies beside the Wujiangyuan landscape. Visitors can experience Miao embroidery, batik, singing, food and community tourism while overlooking steep mountains and the river reservoir.

Zhongguo River Scenic Area

Zhongguo River Scenic Area (中果河旅游景区) is a national 4A-rated attraction in Zhongjian Township. Its appeal lies in river valleys, forests and rural recreation rather than monumental landmark scenery.

Weining Caohai and Western Bijie

Weining Caohai (威宁草海) is a highland freshwater wetland and national nature reserve. It provides important winter habitat for black-necked cranes and other migratory birds and is the central attraction of Weining’s winter birdwatching season.

Caohai should be treated as a protected ecosystem rather than an unrestricted lake resort. Visitors should use authorized observation areas, boardwalks and approved boat or interpretation services and must not enter conservation core zones.

Other western Weining attractions include Baicaoping Grassland (百草坪) and Shimenkan (石门坎), a historically significant mountain community associated with education, cultural exchange and the development of Miao writing.

Other Areas of Bijie

Qixingguan District

Gonglongping National Forest Park (拱拢坪国家森林公园) has dense forest, cool summer conditions and recreation facilities near the urban centre. Official tourism planning frequently includes it in Bijie’s summer routes.

Jiming Sansheng Scenic Area (鸡鸣三省景区) stands near the junction of Guizhou, Sichuan and Yunnan. Its main themes are the dramatic border landscape and Long March history. It became a national 4A-rated attraction at the end of 2025.

Nayong County

Zongxi River Scenic Area (总溪河旅游景区) is a national 4A-rated river-and-canyon attraction. Nayong also contains less-developed mountain destinations such as Qianggan Rock (枪杆岩), which are more appropriate for private transport and travellers comfortable with basic visitor facilities.

Jinsha County

Yuzan Flower Cloud Sea Scenic Area (玉簪花云海景区) is centred on an extensive native hosta-flower landscape around Lüfengliangzi. The flower season normally occurs during summer, when purple blooms, mountain mist and grasslands create the main visual appeal.

Other local resources include forest recreation areas and the developing Jinsha Sauce-Aroma Liquor Cultural Tourism Area (金沙酱酒景区). Its tourism facilities and rating should be checked before treating it as a fully developed major attraction.

Major Attractions Across Bijie

How to Prioritize the Attractions

For a first visit, the strongest combination is Baili Rhododendron + Zhijin Cave, especially during the spring flower season. They are Bijie’s two national 5A attractions and represent the city’s most distinctive flower and karst resources.

For a summer or early-autumn journey, prioritize Jiucaiping, Ertaipo, Jiudongtian, Youshan River and Wujiangyuan Baili Gallery. Visitors interested in ethnic history should add Mu’ege, Shexiang Ancient Town and Huawu Village.

Winter travellers should focus on Weining Caohai, where migratory birds provide a completely different experience from Bijie’s spring and summer landscapes.

Bijie’s attractions are widely dispersed. Although high-speed rail reaches Bijie, Dafang, Qianxi and Zhijin, private car or organized transport remains the most efficient way to combine rural caves, grasslands, villages and river landscapes.

Best Seasons for Bijie Attractions

Flowering conditions, wetland access and scenic-area operations vary annually. Tickets and accommodation should be booked early during the Baili Rhododendron flower season, summer holidays and major public holidays.