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

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

Recently discovered a divine-level park in Fuzhou!! 💫 It’s literally a natural oxygen bar in the city~ The tranquil feeling of the breeze rustling through the grass 🍃 The shimmering surface of the lake ✨ Sunlight filtering through the leaves onto the water Creating stunning light spots Every snap is a masterpiece 📸 (ps: It’s also super comfortable to just zone out alone!) 📍Recommended check-in spots: 🔹Lakeside boardwalk: Come at sunset! 🌅 The reflection of trees on the water is breathtaking 🔹Bamboo grove path: A serene spot perfect for photos 🎋 You can easily capture artistic shots here 🔹Lawn area: A must for picnics! 🧺 Bring a book and lie down all afternoon, no problem ⏰Best time to visit: 🌤️Recommended between 3-5 PM Fewer people + great lighting = perfect photos 100% 🎒Gear suggestions: • Sunscreen or a hat (Don’t ask how I know) • Picnic mat + snacks • Fully charged camera or phone • A casual book 📚 (Perfect for zoning out!)

Still wondering where to take the kids in winter? No need to travel far to Xinjiang or Qinghai. In Weining, the "Sunshine City" of Bijie, Guizhou, you can unlock both "birdwatching" and "snow viewing" in one trip, giving your kids double the joy~ Half is a lively poem of thousands of birds flying over the blue waves, half is the "Ice and Snow Kingdom" of Zhuofu Grassland after the snow. This winter, you must visit Bijie Weining~ 🏞 【Come to Caohai for a family migratory bird rendezvous】 ❄ Winter in Weining Caohai is the main stage for migratory birds. Gulls, black-necked cranes, and others return one after another. The lake surface is lively like a bird party, making birdwatching with kids super healing~ 📷 Great family photo spots👇 ✅️ Xihai Pier: Close to Weining County, convenient transportation, with viewing platforms and rest areas nearby. It's easy to watch birds and rest with kids, and stroller-friendly; ✅️ Jiangjiawan Pier: Located in the new district, a popular spot for photographing gulls, black-necked cranes, and other migratory birds. At sunset, the lake and sky blend into one. Watch the sunset and take family photos with kids here, the scenery is enchanting~ ✅️ Suohuangcang National Wetland Park: Known as the "sister lake" of Caohai, it has a rich variety of birds. The withered yellow reeds combined with elegantly strolling migratory birds feel like walking in a peaceful oil painting. Stroll slowly here with kids and enjoy the beauty of nature; ✅️ Weining Caohai · North Slope Park Seagull Square: Overlooking Caohai, seagulls circle above the square. Feed the seagulls with kids (bring chopped bread). Silhouettes fly by, creating a cinematic atmosphere, and the kids will be super happy! ✅️ Shangdi Temple: 🌅 An excellent spot for sunrise and sunset views, overlooking the county and Caohai together. Sometimes shrouded in mist, sometimes shining golden in the sunset. Watch sunrise and sunset with kids and feel the magic of nature. 🗻 【Come to Zhuofu Grassland and dive into a family ice and snow fairy tale world】 Just a 1.5-hour drive from Caohai to this hidden gem. You can rest at the service area with kids on the way~ ✅️ The entire grassland’s branches are covered with sparkling rime, shining under the sun, like a real-life "Frozen." Build snowmen and have snowball fights with kids, having a blast; ✅️ Step on the soft snow and walk with kids toward the huge windmill on the hillside. Blue sky, white snow, spinning windmill—so pure it’s unreal. Every shot is a perfect family photo full of atmosphere! (For snow and rime, check the weather in January and February, the chances are very high) 🚌 Family transportation: Train to Caohai Station (about 10 yuan by taxi to Caohai, convenient for traveling with kids); 🚗 Self-driving (recommended to take high-speed rail to Bijie then rent a car for more flexible travel with kids, can stop and rest anytime) 💡 Family tips 1. Must-haves for birdwatching with kids: children's binoculars, telephoto lens, warm clothes, warm water, snacks; 2. Snowy weather makes roads slippery, put anti-slip snow boots on kids, hold their hands tightly to avoid falls; 3. The grassland is cold, dress kids in down jackets + thick sweaters + warm pants + hats + gloves + scarves for full warmth; 4. Essential medicines for kids: cold medicine, fever reducer, frostbite cream (to prevent frostbite); 5. Food: Local specialty snacks are available around the scenic area. Order light dishes for kids, such as noodles, fried rice, steamed eggs, etc.

“We wait by the lake on the grassland for the birds to return!” Make this lyric come true with your kids in Weining, Bijie, Guizhou~ This winter, we saw hundreds and thousands of black-necked cranes at Weining Caohai! This is a unique winter scene, miss it and wait a whole year. Bijie is not just about azaleas; winter family trips here are perfect~ 👉 Transportation: After taking the high-speed train to Bijie, rent a car for self-driving. Traveling with kids is more flexible, the road conditions are good, and parking is convenient. 1️⃣ Weining Caohai This is one of the most important wintering grounds for black-necked cranes worldwide. Over 200 bird species come here to spend the winter, along with many seagulls. Birdwatching with kids here is super healing! 📍 Black-necked crane location: Suohuangcang Wetland Park (ask locals upon arrival, location varies) 🕘 Time: 7:00 AM - 9:00 AM (Go early! Fewer people, more birds, good lighting, great birdwatching experience with kids) 🎫 Admission: Free! Free! Free! Must-haves for kids: telephoto lens (200mm+ focal length to help kids see birds clearly), binoculars (children’s version preferred), explain bird knowledge to kids to broaden their horizons. 2️⃣ Baicaoping 📍 About an hour’s drive from Weining, a 10-minute rest stop with kids on the way. 🎫 Admission: Free Huge wind turbines blend with the grassland, offering wide-open views and stone forest landscapes resembling Moxi Park, perfect for taking photos with kids. There are free-range cattle, sheep, and horses that kids love, but it’s very windy, so dress kids warmly to avoid catching a cold. 3️⃣ Axilixi Grassland 📍 Located between Weining and Bijie, a convenient stop without detours. 🎫 Jiucaiping Scenic Area Ticket: 18 RMB/person (free for kids under 1.2 meters) This is a comprehensive tourist area! Besides grassland scenery, there are self-driving experience routes, a small train, and an RV base. Kids can ride the small train for a relaxed tour and enjoy a fun family self-driving experience. 4️⃣ Bijie Gongyuan Road CityWalk Experience Bijie’s local life with kids! Food stalls gather here with tempting aromas, offering kid-friendly snacks like roasted potatoes and sweet rice cakes. The nearby park is a great place for locals to relax; take kids for a stroll or to play on slides. Close by is the Osmanthus Market, a local farmers’ market where kids can learn about various local fruits and vegetables and immerse in small-town daily life. 5️⃣ Zhaoshang Garden City Nightlife The bustling commercial center of the area~ Various food stalls and specialty shops abound. Have dinner with kids, browse small shops, and soak up the city vibe of Bijie—super cozy. ✔️ Family Food Recommendations: Weining ham (cut into small pieces for kids), buckwheat crisps and bitter buckwheat products (easy to digest), roasted/fried potatoes (low salt and spice), lamb noodles (clear broth), tofu hotpot (non-spicy broth) ✔️ Dressing Tips: Big temperature difference between day and night, down jacket + hat + gloves are the family’s lifesaving trio. Dress kids in warm, comfortable shoes. ✔️ Weining Birdwatching Season: November to February next year. Miss it and wait a whole year, hurry and bring the kids!

Crane dancing in the blue sky with the sunset, sharing my Ji Hotel experience in Weining with you✨ The recent crane watching season brought me to Caohai in Weining🌅 Here I witnessed the stunning moment of black-necked cranes dancing at sunset Every frame looks like a movie scene! Sharing my accommodation tips～ 🏨Recommended hotel: Ji Hotel (Bijie Weining Caohai North Slope Ecological Park Branch) 📍Address: Next to the northwest gate of the new campus of Weining Daming Hospital, Weining Yi, Hui, and Miao Autonomous County 🌟Advantages: ✔️Only a 15-minute walk to the best crane watching spot ✔️Super clean rooms + perfect service attitude ✔️Floor-to-ceiling windows with an amazing sunset view😍 Tips: 1️⃣Best crane watching period: November to March of the following year 2️⃣Recommended to go at dusk to see the cranes returning to their nests 3️⃣Be sure to bring a telephoto lens! Black-necked cranes are quite shy I stayed in a scenic room, and opening the curtains revealed the romantic Caohai The staff thoughtfully provided crane watching tips The bedding was so comfortable I slept in naturally～

📝Suohuangcang National Wetland Park in Weining, Bijie, Guizhou is an excellent spot to observe nationally protected first-class animals such as the black-necked crane and bar-headed goose migratory birds. The best viewing season is from November to March of the following year, which is the wintering period for black-necked cranes and other migratory birds. 🕰️Opening hours: Free all day, recommended from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM (soft light after 4:00 PM) 📍Address: Tongxin Village, Binhai Avenue, Weining Yi Hui Miao Autonomous County, Bijie, downstream of Caohai Nature Reserve 🚗Transportation: Drive and navigate to "Suohuangcang National Wetland Park"; take bus route 3 from Weining County to Yinshan Foot Station, then walk about 1.1 km 【⌚Golden Hours for Birdwatching】 🌞Early morning 7:00-9:00: Sunrise + cranes flying in the morning, perfect for backlit silhouettes; black-necked cranes gather to forage with diverse postures 🏙️Evening 4:00-6:00 PM: Sunset warm light, birds returning to nests, rich reflections on the water surface ⏰Noon 1:30-3:00 PM: Cranes gather, feeding time, ideal for capturing the famous scene of "cranes dancing on the plateau" 【🗺️Best Spots and Shooting Points】 1. Main entrance birdwatching platform (enter through the gate of Taifeng Happy World): High vantage point for panoramic wetland views + cranes in the frame, with distant mountains and buckwheat flower sea (summer) in the background 2. Mid-section of the wooden boardwalk: About 50 meters from the bird flock, separated by waterways without disturbing the birds, suitable for telephoto close-ups 3. West side high platform: Side backlight shooting, clear feather texture of black-necked cranes, sparkling water surface 4. Reed area at the wetland edge: Low-angle upward shot, reeds as foreground to highlight the posture of the cranes 【📷Photography Equipment Reference】 📷Camera: DSLR/mirrorless + 200-600mm telephoto lens (essential for crane close-ups); wide-angle lens for wetland panoramas 🧳Accessories: Tripod (for telephoto stabilization), shutter release cable, spare batteries (consume quickly in low temperatures), polarizing filter (to reduce water surface reflections) 🚁Drone: Prefer models like Mini 3 Pro with low noise or those with telephoto lenses; drones are strictly prohibited from close-range shooting of black-necked cranes and other migratory birds, maintain a distance of at least 50 meters 【❗Drone Flight Regulations (Must Read)】 🈲No-fly zones: Core wetland and bird-dense areas strictly prohibited for takeoff; keep away from crane feeding and resting spots 📝Flight parameters: Altitude ≤120 meters, speed ≤5 m/s, hover shooting only, follow mode prohibited 📸Operation: Manual focus lock on target, shutter speed ≥1/500s to avoid blur; wide-angle for vast wetland feel, about 2 meters height to capture ripples and background 🚫If cranes show alertness (raising head or spreading wings), immediately ascend or move away; strictly no low flying, chasing, or diving to avoid disturbing and causing nest abandonment 【📷Shooting Settings and Tips】 Basic settings: Shutter speed 1/500s or faster, aperture f/5.6-f/8, ISO 200-800 (adjust according to light), spot metering, continuous autofocus (AI servo) Backlight shooting: Exposure compensation +0.3-0.7 EV, use small aperture f/11-f/16 for silhouettes while preserving contour details Composition: Low-angle upward shots elongate the subject; use the rule of thirds to leave space for sky/water; use reeds and waterways as leading lines Birdwatching aid: Use 8-10x binoculars to locate birds first, then focus with the camera to improve efficiency 【Core Birdwatching and Photography Precautions】 1. Keep distance: Stay at least 50 meters from black-necked cranes, do not leave the boardwalk, no feeding or loud noises 2. Prohibited: Flash photography, drone low flying and chasing migratory birds 3. Safety: Large temperature difference on the plateau in early morning and evening (-5°C to 15°C), bring windproof jacket, hat, and warm shoes 4. Environmental protection: Take all trash with you, protect the wetland ecosystem 【🗺️Itinerary Suggestions】 Half-day route: Arrive at 6:30 AM → birdwatching platform for sunrise and crane flight → wooden boardwalk for close-ups → west side high platform for backlight shots → leave by 11:00 AM (avoid strong midday light) Full-day route: Add the 4:00-6:00 PM time slot to capture birds returning to nests and sunset, increasing the chance of great shots

On January 6, 2025, bird monitoring at Caohai Nature Reserve brought exciting news: 2,842 black-necked cranes were recorded, setting a new historical high for the number of black-necked cranes wintering in Caohai during this period! During the same period, 918 grey cranes, over 6,000 bar-headed geese, more than 10,000 common cranes, and many other bird species were also monitored, with a total exceeding 30,000 birds. Caohai is the largest natural plateau freshwater lake in Guizhou Province, characterized by shallow waters and a broad lake basin, rich in species resources, and is one of the main wintering grounds for black-necked cranes. In recent years, the number of black-necked cranes wintering here has remained stable above 2,000 and continues to grow, reflecting the remarkable results of ecological protection and comprehensive management in Caohai. Visitors to Caohai can not only admire the elegant posture of the black-necked cranes but also see many rare bird species, experiencing the vitality and energy of nature, enjoying a feast for both the eyes and the soul. Come to Caohai to witness this beautiful scene of harmonious coexistence between humans and nature and embark on an unforgettable birdwatching journey!

While most people chase snow-capped mountains and hot springs, I discovered Caohai in Weining, Guizhou—a seriously underrated winter secret spot. It is one of the "World's Best Wetland Birdwatching Areas." Every winter, thousands of black-necked cranes fly over the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau to spend the season here. Bringing kids here is like opening a vivid, three-dimensional natural textbook. 🌊 Caohai in winter: birdwatching, but more than just birdwatching Flagship species: The black-necked crane, a national first-class protected animal, elegant in posture and ethereal in call, is the star of birdwatching. Migratory bird flock: Over 100,000 migratory birds including grey cranes, bar-headed geese, ruddy shelducks, cormorants, and more gather here, creating a spectacular scene. Best period: Every year from November to March, especially December to January, when the number of migratory birds peaks. Unique experience: Unlike a zoo, this is an excellent window to observe birds’ natural behaviors: courtship, play, foraging, and flying. 🔭 Parent-child birdwatching practical guide (from beginner to novice) • Tools to prepare: Binoculars (8-10x magnification is enough; lighter binoculars for kids). Telephoto camera or smartphone telescope clip (optional but enhances the experience). A "Field Guide to the Birds of China" or a birdwatching app. • Birdwatching spots: Jiangjiawan Dock: Take a boat into the core area of Caohai, where you can observe birds up close (about 20-30 meters), offering the best experience. Xihai Dock: Open views, ideal for watching large flocks of birds take off and land spectacularly. Huanhai Road: While driving or cycling, you may encounter cranes foraging in the fields at any time. • Behavior observation games: Identify birds by sound: Close your eyes, listen to different bird calls, and guess who they are. Dance imitation: Watch the black-necked cranes’ courtship jumping dance and imitate it with your kids for endless fun. Flight dynamics: Observe how different birds take off, land, and glide differently. 🏡 Stay lakeside and be neighbors with the birds Accommodation options in Weining County are limited but comfortable: Weining Yijingyuan Hotel: A well-rounded hotel in the county with spacious rooms, some offering distant views of Caohai. Weining Lanwan Hotel: Conveniently located with standard service, a reliable business choice. Farmhouses around Caohai: For the most authentic experience, choose a farmhouse near the dock. Simple lodging but you can enjoy the freshest lake fish and farmhouse dishes. 🚣 Classic one-day itinerary and transportation Morning (prime time): After breakfast, head to Jiangjiawan Dock and take an eco-friendly boat operated by local villagers (about 1-2 hours). The boatmen know where the birds are and approach carefully. The light is soft and birds are active at this time. Noon: Taste local specialties in the county or near the dock, such as Weining small pancakes, buckwheat rice, and Caohai fine fish (legally farmed). Afternoon: Drive slowly along Huanhai Road, get off at Xihai Dock or the Huyelin birdwatching platform for shore observation. Or visit the Weining Yi, Hui, and Miao Autonomous County Museum to learn about local ethnic cultures. Transportation: Take high-speed rail to Bijie or Liupanshui, then rent a car or charter a vehicle to Weining (about 1.5 hours). Driving yourself is the most convenient. ⚠️ Important birdwatching rules (must teach kids) Keep quiet: Do not shout or chase birds to avoid disturbing them. Keep distance: Follow the principle of "observe from afar, do not disturb," and do not try to feed them. Protect the environment: Take all trash with you; protecting wetlands means protecting the birds’ home. Dress advice: Choose clothing colors close to nature (gray, brown, green), avoid bright colors. At Weining Caohai, there is no amusement park noise, but there is the grandeur of life migration. This is a natural lesson about patience, respect, and life. When a child meets the clear gaze of a black-necked crane through binoculars, the connection to nature is priceless.

The best birdwatching season at Weining Caohai is here! This place is truly a paradise for bird lovers～🌊 🦢 Best Birdwatching Spots: 1️⃣ Caohai Core Area - Watch Seagulls 📍 Address: Caohai Town, Weining County, Bijie City, Guizhou Province ✨ Caohai on rainy days has a unique charm. Amidst the mist and clouds, you can see flocks of seagulls soaring, creating an incredibly soothing scene! 2️⃣ Suohuangcang Park - Watch Black-necked Cranes 📍 Address: Suohuangcang Village, Weining County, Bijie City, Guizhou Province 🕊️ This is a national nature reserve for black-necked cranes. The spectacular sight of flocks of black-necked cranes foraging is breathtaking! You can also often see formations of wild geese flying together～ 📸 Photography Tips: ✔️ Capture bird close-ups clearly on sunny days ✔️ Shoot mist and the horizon where water meets sky on cloudy or rainy days ✔️ Use wide shots to capture the poetic composition of flying wild geese ✔️ Close-ups of black-necked cranes foraging show adorable actions 👗 Outfit Suggestions: It’s recommended to wear light-colored clothes to blend better with the natural environment～ A hat is essential for rain and sun protection! Bring a telephoto lens to get clear close-ups! Be sure to check the weather; birdwatching is best on sunny days with clear visibility, as nothing can be seen on cloudy days✨

Weining Cloud Grassland🌤️ Stunning free camping site! Every photo is a masterpiece!! This forgotten fairyland is simply amazing! Standing on the peak of Wumeng, beneath your feet lies vast grassland wetlands, every shot looks like a Windows desktop wallpaper! And the best part is, it's free!! 🚗 Transportation Guide: 📍 Baicaoping (Main Recommendation) Address: Beside National Highway 326, Weining County ✔️ Drive directly and navigate to "Baicaoping," the scenery along the way is breathtaking beyond words ✔️ About 40 minutes by taxi from the county town, remember to agree on the round-trip fare with the driver 📍 Around the Convention Center Address: Intersection of Guangyuan Road and Gaixia Road ✔️ From here, you can capture the stunning contrast between the city and the grassland 🌄 Must-Visit Spots: 1️⃣ Strange Stone Grassland Area Natural stone sculptures with unique shapes are everywhere; just pick any stone as your foreground, and every shot is a blockbuster! On rainy days, the place is even more ethereal~ 2️⃣ Viewing Platform A 10-minute walk along the wooden boardwalk leads to the highest point! On clear days, you can see the sea of clouds rolling, and the sunset in the evening is absolutely breathtaking! 📸 Photo Tips: ✅ Light-colored clothes look better in photos ✅ The light is softest between 3-5 PM ✅ Be sure to bring a drone! The bird’s-eye view is stunningly beautiful ⚠️ Notes: 🟢 Large temperature difference on the grassland, bring a jacket 🟢 No shops available, bring your own snacks and water 🟢 Protect the environment, remember to take your trash with you This cloud grassland truly has maximum healing power! Standing in the middle of the grassland, feeling the gentle breeze and waves of grass, all worries just drift away with the wind~

Dear friends! If you're still struggling to decide where to travel, then the hidden gem I'm introducing today—Bijie in Guizhou—will definitely surprise you! Bijie is like a secret garden hidden by God, boasting fields of wildflowers, mysterious and deep karst caves, and warm and hospitable ethnic customs. Without further ado, let's embark on this Bijie journey together! Preparations ● Documents: Bring your ID card, student ID (if applicable), senior citizen card, and any other documents that qualify for discounts. ● Clothing: Bijie's climate is changeable. In summer, bring light and breathable clothing, plus a light jacket in case of cold weather; in spring and autumn, the temperature difference between day and night is significant, so a thick coat is essential; in winter, needless to say, bring a warm down jacket, scarf, and gloves. ● Items: Sunscreen, sunglasses, umbrella or raincoat, camera, power bank, and some common medications, such as cold medicine and stomach medicine. Transportation Guide ● External Transportation ○ Airplane: You can fly to Bijie Feixiong Airport first. There are buses from the airport to the city center, or you can take a taxi. ○ Train: Bijie has a train station, making it convenient to travel by train from surrounding cities. ● Internal Transportation ○ Public Transportation: Bijie's public transportation network is extensive, and you can take buses to most surrounding attractions. ○ Taxi: Transportation is relatively convenient, but you may encounter difficulties hailing a taxi during peak tourist season. ○ Car Rental: If you have a large group, renting a car is a good option, allowing for more flexibility in planning your itinerary. Itinerary Day 1: Baili Rhododendron Scenic Area🌺 ● Morning: After arriving in Bijie, head directly to the Baili Rhododendron Scenic Area. This is one of the world's largest natural gardens. From late March to May, various rhododendrons bloom in profusion, covering the mountains and valleys in a myriad of shapes and colors. As soon as you get off the bus, you'll be greeted by a delicate floral fragrance, instantly soothing your soul. 🌸 ● Noon: Enjoy local delicacies at a farmhouse restaurant near the scenic area, such as Bijie Tangyuan (glutinous rice balls) and Weining Buckwheat Crisp. Bijie Tangyuan is soft, chewy, and sweet with rich fillings; Weining Buckwheat Crisp has a light and airy texture, sweet but not cloying. ● Afternoon: Stroll through the flowerbeds, take photos, and feel as if you're in a sea of ​​flowers. You can choose to take a sightseeing bus to visit various attractions, a relaxing and enjoyable experience. ● Evening: Stay at a guesthouse near the scenic area and experience the tranquility and beauty of rural life. Day 2: Zhijin Cave Scenic Area 🕳️ ● Morning: Head to Zhijin Cave Scenic Area, one of China's most beautiful tourist caves, known as the "King of Chinese Karst Caves." The stalactites, stalagmites, and columns inside the cave are diverse in shape and, illuminated by lights, are breathtakingly beautiful, as if you've entered a mysterious underground palace. ● Lunch: Lunch near the scenic area, try the local Zhijin tofu – tender, smooth, and bursting with bean flavor. ● Afternoon: Continue exploring Zhijin Cave, admiring its breathtaking natural wonders. Don't forget to take photos; these beautiful views will be unforgettable. ● Evening: Return to the city and enjoy various snacks at the night market, experiencing Bijie's vibrant nightlife. Day 3: Weining Caohai Nature Reserve 🐦 ● Morning: Head to Weining Caohai Nature Reserve, Guizhou's largest natural freshwater lake and a wintering habitat for rare birds such as the black-necked crane. Take a boat trip on Caohai Lake to observe various birds up close and feel the vitality of nature. ● Lunch: Enjoy fresh and delicious local fish at restaurants around Caohai Lake. ● Afternoon: Stroll along Caohai Lake, admiring the scenery and breathing in the fresh air. If time permits, you can also visit the nearby Bandi Yi Ethnic Town to experience the traditional culture and customs of the Yi people. ● Evening: End your enjoyable trip and prepare for your return journey. Accommodation Recommendations ● City Center: Plenty of hotels available, convenient for transportation, shopping, and dining, perfect for those who enjoy a lively atmosphere. ● Near Scenic Area: If you want to save time and arrive at the scenic area early, staying in a guesthouse or hotel near the area is a good option. Important Notes ● The blooming period at Baili Rhododendron Scenic Area is limited, so be sure to check the blooming time in advance to avoid missing the best viewing opportunity. ● The temperature inside Zhijin Cave is low, so it's best to bring a jacket. ● When visiting Caohai (Grass Sea), please protect the environment and do not feed the birds. Dear friends, the beauty of Bijie awaits your personal experience. Save this guide and start your Bijie trip! Feel free to leave any questions in the comments section 😘.

December must-go! Weining Caohai in Guizhou hides the most healing bird dances and gentleness in winter; Weining Caohai is located 1 km southwest of the county seat of Weining Yi, Hui, and Miao Autonomous County, Bijie City, western Guizhou Province. It lies in the heart of the Wumeng Mountains on the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau. It is the highest natural freshwater lake on the Guizhou Plateau, belonging to the Yangtze River system, and is the upper source lake of Hengjiang, a tributary of the Jinsha River. Over 2,400 black-necked cranes winter here, and the sight of thousands of birds flying together is super stunning! ❶ Must-visit spots: ✅ Jiangjiawan Wharf: Watch black-necked cranes feeding in the early morning, and chase the flock returning to their nests at dusk ✅ Shangdi Temple: Stunning plateau sunset, perfect match of evening glow and bird shadows ✅ Beipo Ecological Park: 360° panoramic view of Caohai, super pleasant for walking on the trails ❸ Warm winter delicacies: mutton noodles, grilled glutinous rice cakes, bitter buckwheat tea, warming and stomach-soothing ❹ Travel guide: ▫️ Transportation: Train directly to Caohai Station, 10-minute taxi to the scenic area; Bijie high-speed rail rental car or self-drive takes 2 hours ▫️ Tickets: Scenic area is free, boat rides are negotiable ▫️ Tips: Keep distance when birdwatching, do not feed or make loud noises Say goodbye to city noise, come to Caohai for a date with migratory birds～

Bijie Weining, the winter scenery of a Guizhou county town, unlock the winter-exclusive birdwatching feast and stunning sunsets in one weekend 🌄 Day 1 Birdwatching at Caohai Winter Caohai is a paradise for migratory birds. You don’t have to squeeze by Dianchi Lake to feed seagulls and enjoy the beautiful scenery. Recommended spots: ✅ Xihai Pier: Close to Weining County Town, about a ten-minute drive, you can enjoy the view from the observation platform. ✅ Jiangjiawan Pier: A popular spot, a golden location for photographing seagulls and black-necked cranes. On good weather days, take a slow walk along the viewing boardwalk, with scenic views everywhere, and feed seagulls up close at the pier. ✅ Weining Caohai · North Slope Park Seagull Square: Offers a panoramic view of Caohai. ✅ Weining Lanwan Hotel: The scenic rooms face Caohai directly. At sunset, head to the 17th-floor restaurant’s sky garden for an unobstructed view and enjoy a leisurely life. Day 2 Hiking to Watch Black-necked Cranes Recommended spots: ✅ Suohuangcang National Wetland Park: The withered yellow reed marshes and black-necked cranes create a beautiful picture of mountains, birds, and lakes, showing a unique vitality amid desolation, with an easy-to-capture oil painting texture!

Returning to Weining Caohai, we came with a more specific goal: to observe the "Plateau Elf" Black-necked Crane and use it as an entry point to understand the operation of the entire wetland ecosystem. This trip elevated birdwatching to the level of scientific exploration enlightenment. 🎯 Focus Species: In-depth Observation of the Black-necked Crane • Identification: Entire body gray-white, black head and neck, with dark red skin on the crown. It is the only crane species in the world that breeds and winters on the plateau. • Behavior Observation: Family Unit: They often move in family units (adults + juveniles), which can guide children to observe interactions within the family. Foraging Behavior: Using their long beaks to dig up plant roots in shallow water or meadows, or catching small fish and shrimp. Alert Posture: Head held high, chest out, looking around; they act as the "sentinels" of the group. Takeoff and Landing: Running start, flapping wings, soaring gracefully, and gliding a bit when landing. • Conservation Significance: Discuss with children why the Black-necked Crane is an endangered species and the importance of wetland protection for their survival. 🧪 Wetland Ecosystem Exploration Activities We can view Caohai as a huge ecological laboratory: • Producers (Plants): Observe various aquatic plants in the lake (water grasses, reeds), which are the foundation of the ecosystem. • Consumers (Animals): Besides birds, there are fish and benthic animals (such as snails and clams). Think about the food chain relationships among them. • Decomposers: Invisible microorganisms responsible for decomposing animal and plant remains, returning nutrients to nature. • Abiotic Environment: Sunlight, water, air, soil. Discuss the impact of winter low temperatures and water level changes on living organisms. 🗓️ Two-day Study Tour Itinerary Day 1: Introduction and Macro Observation Arrive in Weining in the morning and check into the hotel. In the afternoon, visit the Caohai National Nature Reserve Administration Education Center (if open) to systematically learn about Caohai’s ecology. In the evening, take a boat at Jiangjiawan Wharf for the first birdwatching experience and feel the grand scene. Day 2: Fixed-point In-depth Observation and Expansion Early morning, go to Liu Jiaxiang Birdwatching Platform for fixed-point, silent observation with binoculars, recording bird behaviors. Return to the county town for lunch at noon. In the afternoon, visit Baicaoping to compare the two distinctly different ecosystems of plateau wetlands and alpine grasslands. Evening summary: Draw the food web of Caohai in your mind. 🛋️ Localized Accommodation Experience To get closer to local life, you can choose: Weining Yiheju Inn: A characteristic inn located in the old town, renovated from an old house, offering a deeper sense of Weining’s historical atmosphere. Weining Lanwan Hotel: A cost-effective choice, clean and tidy, located in the county center with convenient living. Bijie Hongshan Hotel (located in Bijie City, about 2 hours by car): If you plan to visit Zhijin Cave or Baili Rhododendron afterwards, it can serve as a transit station with guaranteed quality. 🍛 Food Culture Exploration • Ham Production: Visit a ham workshop to learn about the curing and fermentation process of Weining ham, understanding the relationship between food and geographic climate. • The Story of Buckwheat: Weining is the hometown of buckwheat. Taste buckwheat tea and buckwheat rice, and learn about the significance of this cold-resistant crop to people in high-cold mountainous areas. • Market Adventure: Visit the county town’s vegetable market to see various local potatoes and vegetables, experiencing the most authentic local customs. 📦 Study Tour Equipment Pack • Birdwatching guidebook or related apps (such as “Dongniao”). • Notebook and colored pens for recording and drawing. • Simple water quality testing tools (such as pH test strips) to test lake water in safe areas (under parental guidance). • Camera or phone to record observed organisms and behaviors. 💭 Reflection and Action After the trip, you can with your child: • Discuss what we can do to protect wetlands and Black-necked Cranes (such as reducing pollution, saving water, promoting conservation knowledge). • Organize the photos and observation notes into a small “investigation report.” • Support related environmental public welfare projects. At Weining Caohai, we not only see with our eyes but also think with our minds. When children understand that every bird and every blade of grass is part of a vast network of life, they learn to view the world with a connected, systematic perspective. This vivid ecology lesson is far more valuable than the journey itself.

When everything withers in the north, a grand celebration of life is unfolding at Weining Caohai in Guizhou. This is one of the world's top ten birdwatching spots, where over 100,000 migratory birds spend the winter every year. Black-necked cranes, grey cranes, bar-headed geese... flocks of birds skim across the deep blue lake, creating a spectacular scene—an excellent natural education experience for children. 🌊 First Impressions of Caohai: The Plateau Pearl’s Winter Role Weining Caohai is the largest natural freshwater lake in Guizhou, named for its abundant aquatic plants. In winter, parts of the water and marshes freeze, with golden meadows, blue waters, and white ice blending together, making it the ideal habitat and backdrop for migratory birds. 🔭 Birdwatching Essentials: Timing, Locations, and Etiquette • Best Time: From November to March. The two hours after sunrise and two hours before sunset are when birds are most active. • Key Areas: Jiangjiawan Dock / Xihai Dock: Take an eco-friendly boat (with a canopy) into the heart of the lake. Guided by the boatman, you can watch birds up close—this is the easiest and most effective way. Liujiaxiang / Yangguanshan Birdwatching Platform: Located on the northern shore of Caohai, this spot is favored by hikers and photographers. It offers wide views and is perfect for telescope observation. • Birdwatching Etiquette: Quiet: Speak softly, avoid sudden shouting or movements. Keep Distance: Maintain a safe distance from the birds, do not feed or chase them. Protect: Do not damage the birds’ habitat. 👨‍👩‍👧 Fun Family Birdwatching Guide • Gear Upgrade: Prepare a special children’s binoculars for your kids to greatly enhance their engagement and sense of achievement. • Task List: Create a “Migratory Bird Tracking Card” listing pictures and features of several iconic birds (black-necked crane, grey crane, ruddy shelduck, bar-headed goose) for kids to “check off” as they spot them. • Nature Notes: Encourage kids to draw their favorite bird seen today and record its behavior (swimming, flying, feeding). • Sound Memory: Close your eyes and identify different bird calls together with your child. 🚗 Nearby Attractions in Weining Weining is a key hub where nature and culture can be explored together: • Baicaoping: The largest alpine grassland in Guizhou, desolate and bleak in winter, with wind turbines faintly visible in the mist, evoking a lonely planet vibe (about 1 hour by car). • Shimenkan: Visit Shimen Township at the Yunnan-Guizhou border to explore historical sites where Western missionaries established education and medical services in the last century, offering a strong cultural impact (about 1.5 hours by car). • Hexiang Axilisi Jiucaiping: Though no chive flowers bloom in winter, the ice and frost scenery is unique, known as the “roof ridge” of Guizhou (about 2 hours by car). 🏨 Accommodation Options: Comfort and Views in the County Town Weining Wyndham Grand Hotel: The best international brand hotel in Weining, with new facilities and high service standards, ensuring comfortable stays at high altitude. Weining Caohai Hotel: A well-established hotel with a good location; some rooms offer distant views of Caohai. Weining Wusa Hotel: A locally reputable hotel with good value for money. Axilisi Starry Sky Camp (located in Jiucaiping Scenic Area, far by car): Consider this if you plan to visit Jiucaiping and enjoy camping; confirm winter operations in advance. 🍲 Weining Specialty Food Map • Weining Ham: As famous as Xuanwei ham, firm meat texture and unique aroma, a must-try. • Qiaosu: Crispy cakes made from bitter buckwheat flour, sweet but not greasy, a local specialty tea snack. • Xiaobaba: Baked pastries filled with fillings like red bean paste or ham, with a crispy crust. • Caohai Fish and Shrimp: Taste the fresh and delicious small fish and shrimp from the lake. • Potato Feast: Weining potatoes are of excellent quality; try various potato dishes. 📝 Key Preparations Before the Trip • Altitude Sickness: The county town is about 2200 meters above sea level, usually no strong reactions, but avoid strenuous exercise. • Warmth: The lake area is windy, cold, and damp in winter; be sure to dress warmly and protect against wind. • Weather: Winter is often foggy, known as “Guizhou Fog City.” Check weather conditions as heavy fog may affect birdwatching and driving safety. • Transportation: About 4 hours by car from Guiyang to Weining, or take high-speed rail to Bijie/Liupanshui then transfer by bus. At Weining Caohai, what we see is not just birds but a magnificent migration for survival. This lesson is about perseverance, home, and ecological balance—silent yet profoundly meaningful.

🌟Chasing cranes at dawn · Encounter a romantic misty fairyland Be ready at 5:30am😍 Black-necked cranes gracefully dance in the early morning mist Every snap looks like a National Geographic cover! ☁️Bijie Baicaoping, a fairyland on earth A high-altitude grassland over 2000m, perfect for photos Mist swirling like walking on clouds☁️ Wearing bright colors is recommended to stand out~ 📍Address: Baicaoping Scenic Area, Dafang County, Bijie City 🏞️Asia’s largest karst cave · Zhijin Cave A 2-hour magical underground adventure is breathtaking! Wonders like "Tyrant Helmet" and "Silver Rain Tree" are amazing Remember to wear non-slip shoes + bring a light jacket 📍Address: Guanzhai Township, Zhijin County, Bijie City ⏰Opening hours: 8:30-17:00 🍂Osmanthus Market · Full of local life A hidden treasure market in Bijie’s old town area 📍Address: Tianhe Road, Qixingguan District, Bijie City ⏰Recommended time: 6:00-10:00 in the morning 📸Photo outfit tips: 👉Wujiang River Source: Hanfu or plain long dress recommended 👉Baicaoping: denim + Martin boots are suitable 👉Zhijin Cave: wear bright-colored clothes Here are my magical photo spots👇 p1-p3: Wujiang River Source Viewing Platform p4-p6: Under the windmill at Baicaoping p7-p9: Zhijin Cave

Later, I enthusiastically recommend winter in Weining to everyone｜Half migratory birds fluttering, half ice and snow fairy tale Still worried about having nowhere to go in winter? No need to travel far to Xinjiang or Qinghai, the "Sunshine City" Weining hidden in Bijie, Guizhou, can give you double the winter romance! Here you can unlock two great pleasures in one stop: bird watching + snow viewing. On one side is the lively spectacle of tens of thousands of birds flying over the green waves of Caohai Lake, and on the other is the snowy secret realm of Zhuofu Grassland shrouded in mist. This winter, you must visit Weining~ 🏞 Caohai Lake Appointment: Encounter the Winter Carnival of Migratory Birds Winter in Weining Caohai Lake is the exclusive habitat for migratory birds. Flocks of seagulls flutter and dance, rare black-necked cranes stroll leisurely, and the originally quiet lake surface instantly turns into a lively "bird party." 📸 These hidden gem photo spots are perfect for stunning shots: ✅ Xihai Pier: Close to Weining County, super convenient transportation, with viewing platforms and rest areas all available, even beginners can easily capture great photos. ✅ Jiangjiawan Pier: A popular bird-watching spot in the new district, not only can you capture close-up lively moments of seagulls and black-necked cranes, but the sunset blending the lake and sky is so beautiful you won’t want to look away. ✅ Suohuangcang National Wetland Park: The "sister lake" of Caohai, with yellow swaying reeds, migratory birds elegantly weaving through, every step is like a peaceful painting. ✅ Weining Caohai · North Slope Park Seagull Square: Climb high to overlook the entire Caohai Lake, flocks of seagulls circle above the square, and the moment their wingtips cut across the sky, the cinematic atmosphere is instantly maximized. ✅ Shangdi Temple: An excellent spot to watch sunrise and sunset, where you can take in panoramic views of the county and Caohai Lake, and encounter limited-time beautiful scenes of mist swirling or golden sunset. 🗻 Zhuofu Grassland: Step into a Real-Life Frozen A 1.5-hour drive from Caohai brings you to this lesser-known secret spot. ✅ In winter, the grassland transforms into an ice and snow kingdom, with branches covered in sparkling rime, and when sunlight shines, the entire forest glimmers with tiny lights. ✅ Walking on the soft snow, looking at the huge slowly turning wind turbines on the hillside, the blue sky, white snow, and wind turbines create a charming scene, and every shot is a vibe-filled photo that will blow up your social media. (Highlight: January to February is the best time to see snow and rime, with a very high chance!) 🚗 Transportation Guide: ✔ Trains go directly to Caohai Station, and a taxi from the station to Caohai Scenic Area costs about 10 yuan. ✔ For self-driving travelers, it is recommended to take the high-speed train to Bijie, then rent a car to get there for more flexible travel.

📆 The golden period for watching seagulls at Jiangjiawan Pier is from November to March of the following year. These red-billed gulls, which have traveled over 3,000 kilometers from Siberia, instantly make Weining Caohai a popular attraction. ✏️ Jiangjiawan Pier is the core area for seagull watching in the Caohai Scenic Area. The view here is wide open, with thousands of red-billed gulls waiting for visitors to feed them. The reeds of Caohai and the clear lake water complement each other beautifully, creating a healing winter landscape. Feeding seagulls at the birdwatching platform at Jiangjiawan Pier is very interesting and offers a great experience. The gulls are not afraid of people; when you toss bread 🍞 crumbs into the air, the gulls catch them precisely, and some bold ones even swoop over your shoulder. ⏰ Early morning or afternoon light is best for photography 📸, and the bird silhouettes at dusk are stunning. Even a phone 📱 can capture high-quality shots, while a telephoto camera can capture more detailed wing spreads. 📆 Best period: November to March (migratory bird wintering period, also home to the nationally protected black-necked crane) 🎫 Tickets: Free entry to the scenic area; only boat rides and sightseeing buses charge fees 🌡️ Temperature: Daytime 5-15℃, near 0℃ in early morning and evening, dry with little damp cold, so keep warm and windproof 🚗 Transportation Guide 🚞 Train: 5 daily direct trains from Guiyang to Caohai Station (about 5.5 hours). Taxi from the station to the core pier costs under 20 yuan, the most cost-effective option 🚅 High-speed train + 🚌 bus: Guiyang North → Bijie Station (1 hour), then transfer to a bus to Weining (1.5 hours), suitable for travelers in a hurry 🚙 Self-driving: Bijie-Weining Expressway direct access, navigate to Caohai North Slope Ecological Park. Free parking available on Wangyue Road in the county town; walking to the pier is faster ❗ Note: Traffic control is in place on the ring road during the day. It is recommended to park near Wangyue Road or Wusa Square parking lot 🅿️ and walk to Jiangjiawan Pier. ✏️ Must-try experiences 1. Sailboat tour from Xihai Pier ⛵: Charter a boat for 200 yuan; if in a group, about 30-50 yuan per person. The boatman takes you to the core habitat of migratory birds for about an hour and a half. 2. Jiangjiawan Birdwatching Platform: Close interaction with red-billed gulls and bar-headed geese; stunning bird silhouette photos at dusk 3. Caohai North Slope Ecological Park 📸: 360° viewing platform overlooking the panorama 4. Huyelin Wetland Hiking 🚶🏻‍♂️: Wooden boardwalk through the reeds 📌 Dining and Accommodation 🍲 Food: Weining lamb noodles (top breakfast choice), steamed potatoes with ham, buckwheat small pancakes, Mao Kui old pig’s trotters hotpot (slow-cooked in sour soup) 🏨 Accommodation: Choose Black-necked Crane Hotel in the county town for stable heating; for proximity to the lake, select homestays near the pier. Early morning walks to birdwatching spots are possible, but book in advance during birdwatching season. ❗ Practical Tips 📷 Gear: Bring binoculars, telephoto camera, wear a dark windproof jacket 🧥 and non-slip shoes 🈲 Do not disturb the birds, no flash photography, only feed designated gull food, and strictly avoid entering the wetland core area 📝 Recommended one-day itinerary: Early morning birdwatching at Jiangjiawan → boat tour at Xihai Pier in the morning → lamb noodles for lunch → sightseeing at North Slope Park in the afternoon → sunset photography at Caohai in the evening. Around 150 yuan per person covers the core attractions.

We parked our car on the roof of the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau. When we opened the door, to our left were 200,000 black-necked cranes flying over the grassland, their feather tips catching the morning light; to our right was the first snow that had just fallen on the Zhuofu Grassland, the horses' hooves crushing the silver foil, and when the wind blew, the entire mountain plain seemed to shake off diamonds. Weining is not a remote corner of Guizhou, but a 'double-sided mirror' quietly reserved by the earth: one side reflects the sunlight and birdsong, the other the vast expanse of snow-covered fields, and you and I are precisely that warm reflection kissed by both sunlight and frost. ✅ 【Itinerary Overview｜Slow Breathing on the Plateau, Freely Switching Between Two Realms】 Time: Late December – Mid-February (Peak wintering season for black-necked cranes｜Stable snow cover on Zhuofu Grassland｜Over 6.5 hours of sunshine per day, the "Sunshine City" lives up to its name) Number of Participants: 2｜Budget: ¥14,970 (¥30 remaining can be exchanged for a pair of Weining handmade wax seals: crane carrying pine branch + snow-covered grass waves) Style: Off-road vehicle transfer throughout｜One night in a scenic Yi village guesthouse｜Daily activities ≤3 hours｜All itineraries include a local guide｜Refusing to "chase birds and snow," only adhering to the "three waiting periods": waiting for sunlight, waiting for migratory birds, and waiting for the silent snowfall 🪶 Day 1｜Grass Sea · Crane Cries at Dawn • Morning | Guiyang → Weining (High-speed rail + private car | ¥680 | Includes altitude acclimatization tea) → As the car approaches Caohai, the clouds thin. The driver taps out the window: "Look, the first crane has flown into the light." • Noon | Check into 【Heqi·Yunshangju】(Yi village cliffside guesthouse | panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows facing Caohai | ¥2,880/night | Includes a fire pit welcome gift) → Opening the window reveals the horizon where water and sky meet. Butler Aso brings buckwheat wine and roasted potatoes: "The cranes love to fall into the water at this time; they recognize the taste of this fire pit." • Evening | 【Caohai Xihai Wetland·Crane Stroll】(Guide Aso | ¥880 | Includes infrared binoculars + crane hand-drawn atlas) → Stroll along the wooden boardwalk as 200,000 black-necked cranes return to their nests. Aso pointed to the water: "Listen to that clear cry, it's the Crane King calling its oath; that flapping sound, it's the young cranes taking their first flight." In the twilight, the flock of cranes took flight, like black jade scattering gold foil. ❄️ Day 2｜Zhuofu · Snowy Pastoral Song • Morning｜【Zhuofu Grassland · Snowline Chasing Light】(Off-road vehicle + guide｜¥1,280｜Includes snow hiking + herder's home visit) → As the vehicle reached the 2800-meter snowline, the world suddenly became pristine. Herder Jike led out two snow-covered ponies: "Don't be afraid of the cold, the horse's back is warmer than a stove." On the snow slope, hoofprints stretched like ellipses towards the end of the sea of ​​clouds. • Noon｜【Jike's Family Hearth Feast】(¥680｜Includes cured pork and buckwheat cakes + snow-boiled butter tea + Yi embroidery experience) → The hearth crackled, and Jike's mother smoked cured pork with pine needles, the aroma mingling with the snow's chill and seeping into her collar. Douzi takes a bite of buckwheat cake: "This sweetness comes from the highland sunshine that has seeped into the millet." • Evening | [Eastern Shore of Caohai: Cranes and Snow in One Frame] (Guide Aso | ¥480 | Includes dual-camera photography + handmade crane-shaped sealing wax) → The setting sun melts into gold, a flock of cranes skims across the snow-covered meadow, their wings cutting through the rosy light. Aso handed over the sealing wax: "Press this one while it's still hot, to seal in today's light, snow, and flying feathers." 💰 【Cost Breakdown｜Highland Has a Price, Spirituality is Priceless】 Item | Details | Amount Transportation (Round Trip) High-speed rail + private car + off-road shuttle (including highland insurance) ¥1,360 Accommodation (1 night) Crane's Nest in the Clouds (including fire pit welcome + scenic reservation) ¥2,880 Dining (3 lunches, 1 breakfast) Fire pit banquet + grass sea light meal + snow hot drink + guesthouse breakfast ¥1,220 Cultural Experiences (4 items) Crane Shadow Walk + Snowline Light Chasing + Fire Pit Banquet + Crane and Snow Together Photography ¥2,520 Special Permits and Rentals Wetland Access Permit + Snow Hiking Gear + Custom Sealing Wax ¥420 Souvenirs (3 items) Handmade Sealing Wax Seal + Black-necked Crane Feather Bookmark + Snowfield Buckwheat Tea ¥380 Emergency Fund Winter gear, photography supplies, and additional purchases: ¥1,200 Total: ¥14,970 ✨ 【Travel Tips｜For Couples】 The miracle of Weining is not something that can be artificially constructed. It's hidden in the 0.3 seconds it takes for a crane's cry to pierce the morning mist, in the subtle rustling of snowflakes rolling down the grassy slopes, and even more so in the silence of you sitting side by side by the fire pit, watching the pine resin burst and the light and shadow dance. Here, there are no "must-take" spots, only the moment when "the light falls perfectly on your eyelashes"; There are no "standard itineraries," only the tacit understanding of "the snow has just stopped, and the cranes are arriving." When you leave, you won't take away a nine-grid photo album, but rather: a sealing wax stamp with a crane carrying a pine branch, a small packet of buckwheat tea brewed with snow water, and a small piece of heart that quietly grows, capable of simultaneously holding the vastness of thousands of birds in flight and a thousand mountains covered in snow.

🌈Hello, darlings! Today I want to recommend a seriously underrated secret spot in Guizhou—Bijie! Here you’ll find not only the Hundred-Mile Azalea, but also New Zealand-style grasslands, plateau lakes like Dianchi, and bustling treasure markets full of local life! . 🗺️Itinerary: Bijie Osmanthus Market → Baicaoping → Weining Caohai → Return . 🌟The lively Osmanthus Market 📍Location: Bijie Osmanthus Market ⏰Time: All day ✨Must-try: 1️⃣ Glutinous rice cake with chili! The key ingredient for Guizhou spicy chicken🌶️ 2️⃣ Crispy pork cracklings! Fat and lean pork lard fried to crispy perfection 3️⃣ Magical gray tofu! Soaks up hotpot broth and bursts with juice💥 4️⃣ Handmade potato chips! Freshly fried potatoes sprinkled with chili powder, perfect for binge-watching 📸Photo spots: flaky buns steaming with mist, locals carrying bamboo baskets... . 🚗Drive into the windmill grassland 📍Navigation: Baicaoping, Hezhang County (no admission fee) 💫Three stunning highlights: ✅ Giant windmill array! White windmills as tall as 20-story buildings stretch across the hills, like stepping into a scene from The Lord of the Rings ✅ Dark gray stone forest secret spot! Unique Guizhou karst stone buds sprouting from the grass ✅ Free-range cattle and horses! Gentle cows and sheep🐑 grazing nearby—imagine how beautiful it must be in summer~ . ⚠️Notes: 1. Altitude 2500m+, bring sun protection and windproof gear❗️ 2. Sedans can access, but don’t drive onto the grass to protect the ecology 3. No restrooms🚻, bring your own snacks and picnic mat, and please take your trash with you❗️ . 🌿Wait quietly at the black-necked crane habitat 📍Navigation: Jiangjiawan Pier (seagulls), Suohuangcang National Wetland Park (black-necked cranes) 🕊️Birdwatching tips: ❶ Black-necked crane schedule: appear on the lakeshore shallows before 9:00 and after 18:00, stake out your spot; you can also see wild geese, mandarin ducks, and other birds ❷ Seagull area: free admission🆓 with parking🅿️ and restrooms🚾; seagulls fly in flocks, don’t eat bread from your hand, and are quite shy ❸ Best to come near dusk; although you can’t enter Caohai, the sunset views from the outskirts are stunning . 📌Helpful tips: • Bread is sold in the seagull area, no need to bring from far away • It’s windy by the lake, wear hats and scarves • The deep Caohai area is temporarily closed in winter for wildlife recovery, but the seagull area is open . 🍲【Foodie radar】 1. Bean hotpot: wild kidney beans + cured meat broth, dipping wild vegetables is incredibly fresh 2. Live oil griddle: meat fried in the center, potatoes griddled around, dipping in fish mint sauce is the soul 3. Claypot dried tofu: smoked dried tofu + pickled cabbage with pork slices, served with buckwheat rice, super satisfying 4. Small stuffed buns: dough wrapped with tofu filling, baked golden brown . 🚗Driving tips: • Mountain roads all the way, drive carefully • Frequent fog between Baicaoping and Caohai • Book accommodations early in peak season . “Rather than chasing popular spots, I prefer discovering surprises in Guizhou’s folds”

Winter in Weining, encounter an ice and snow fairyland✨ This small town in Guizhou is so stunning with its icy rime that it captivates the heart, especially the red archway at dusk shining brightly in the snowy scene, a perfect photo spot! 🏔️【Top 3 Must-Visit Attractions】 1️⃣ Weining Caohai Rime Corridor A hidden gem around Weining County! Large patches of rime hang on the branches, walking on the wooden boardwalk feels like stepping into a fairy tale. It’s recommended to arrive before 8 AM; the combination of morning light and rime is absolutely beautiful (navigate to "Caohai North Shore Ecological Park"). 2️⃣ Baicaoping Ice and Snow Viewing Platform The red archway here is definitely the photography centerpiece! At dusk, when the archway lights up, the warm light reflecting on the snow is especially dreamy. The viewing platform also offers a panoramic view of the entire Weining Basin (location "Baicaoping Scenic Area East Gate," open until 6:00 PM in winter). 3️⃣ Snow Mountain Town Azalea Sea Famous for azaleas in summer, but the snow-covered flower branches in winter have a unique charm. The best part is fewer people and beautiful scenery, perfect for rolling around in the snow (40 minutes by car from the county seat, car hire recommended). 🏠【Accommodation Guide】 ▪️For hot spring hotel lovers, choose "Weining Plateau Hot Spring Resort Hotel," soaking in the snow is super healing. ▪️Best value recommendation: "Caohai International Hotel," rooms have floor heating and it’s a 10-minute walk to the rime viewing spot. ▪️For star photography, stay at "Baicaoping Starry Sky Tent," but remember to confirm if it’s open in winter. 📸【Photo Tips】 ✔️The golden light from 4 to 5 PM is best for shooting the red archway. ✔️Bring bright scarves and plush hats, they look great in the snow. ✔️Keep warm packs on your camera and phone; low temperatures can cause them to shut down. 🚗【Transportation Tips】 About a 3-hour drive from Guiyang (Hangrui Expressway → Duxiang Expressway), winter requires anti-skid chains. Taxi rides within the county usually cost under 10 yuan, and car hire for touring is about 200-300 yuan/day.

Checked in at Weining's first Ji Hotel! A truly revolutionary hotel experience in the county! 💯 🏨 Environment: The room was huge! The soundproofing was superb. You could see the beautiful ecological park from the bed. The decor continued Ji Hotel's signature minimalist style. The mattress was just the right firmness; I slept soundly until morning! 😴 💁 Service: I was surrounded by warmth from the moment I entered. The receptionist was incredibly nice! She not only proactively introduced nearby attractions but also thoughtfully provided umbrellas and charging cables. She always greeted me with a smile. Truly, "everything is responded to and taken care of!" ✨ 🍽 Breakfast Review: A fusion of Chinese and Western styles with a super wide variety. The freshly cooked noodles and wontons were amazing! Completely exceeded my expectations for a hotel in this county town! They were so thoughtful, even preparing several kinds of side dishes. 📍 Address Tips: 50 meters southwest of Yixing Green Island, Binhai Avenue, Weining County, Bijie City. Only a 10-minute drive from Caohai Scenic Area. Quiet and peaceful surroundings, excellent location. PS: There's an ecological park right next to the hotel. An evening stroll there would be incredibly pleasant!

Address: Opposite the fire station, middle section of Binhai Avenue, Weining Yi, Hui and Miao Autonomous County, Bijie City Recommendation Index: ❤❤❤❤❤ Rating: 💎💎💎💎 Guest Satisfaction: ★★★★★ 🏠Room Information: ［Quantity］【Total 103】Rooms Room Types: Business King Room【34】 Scenic King Room【35】 Business Twin Room【10】 Deluxe Twin Room【13】 Family Room【10】 Deluxe Suite【1】 Amenities: Smart room control system, buffet breakfast, self-service laundry room, self-service jogging room, robot delivery, business meeting room 【Hotel Introduction】Located next to Daming Hospital on Binhai Avenue, Weining County, Guizhou Province, this hotel is conveniently located near a bus stop with bus routes 1, 2, 3, and 5. It is close to the entrance of Weining Beipo Ecological Park, the Convention and Exhibition Center, Weining Caohai, Huanxi Amusement Park, Taifeng Happy World, and Scarecrow Park, among other tourist and entertainment venues. The surrounding area offers a comprehensive range of shopping, dining, entertainment, and tourism options. The hotel belongs to the All Seasons brand of Huazhu Group. Its interior design is based on natural simplicity, blending Eastern aesthetics with modern design concepts to create a unique "natural and comfortable" atmosphere. The hotel prioritizes warmth, comfort, smart convenience, cleanliness, and safety, providing guests with a completely new experience. Amenities include smart toilets, smart robots, a smart room control system, a self-service laundry room, and a gym. High-speed Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel. A 65-inch LCD TV offers a wide selection of movies and TV shows, and smart screen mirroring caters to guests' entertainment needs.

3000 yuan to explore Guizhou’s “Plateau Blue Tears”! Weining Suohuangcang Wetland 3 days 2 nights guide — Sea of clouds, black-necked cranes, 1 The Weining Suohuangcang National Wetland Park in the heart of the Mongolian Plateau is the highest altitude (2100–2300 meters) on the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau, one of the three core wintering areas for black-necked cranes in China, and quietly included by "Chinese National Geography" as one of the "Top 3 Southwest Secret Destinations" — a hidden gem at the top! ✅ 3000 yuan? Enough for you to stay in a birdwatching guesthouse where you can see cranes from your window, enjoy a Yi family firepit feast, hike through tens of thousands of acres of wildflower seas, plus a professional guide and binocular rental — not just a “tourist stop,” but truly living the breath of the plateau. 🎯【Itinerary Overview | Natural Immersion · Light Luxury Without Excess】 Day 1 | First Encounter on the Plateau · From Guiyang to Crane Singing Valley → High-speed train arrives at Guiyang North → Carpool directly to Weining County (¥120/person, 3.5h, enjoy continuous meadows + windmill fields along the way) → Check in at "Heqi · Suohuangcang Birdwatching Guesthouse" (owner is an ecological photographer, rooms equipped with binoculars + crane field guide, ¥468/night including double breakfast + bonfire dinner) → Evening climb to "Suohuangcang Viewing Platform": wait for a golden plateau sunset, watch egrets skim over the reed marsh, listen to a Yi girl sing a segment of "Cuotai Ji" (arranged free by the guesthouse) Day 2 | Soul Strike · Black-necked Cranes + Wildflower Sea Double Trek → Depart at 5:30 AM! Take an off-road vehicle with a guide into the wetland core area (⚠️ by reservation only, ordinary tourists cannot drive in) → "East Shore Grass Sea Crane Watching Spot": stake out the black-necked cranes’ morning flight! When the flock takes off, their wings cut through the mist like ink spreading in the sky (professional telephoto lenses available, provided by the guesthouse) → Morning hike on the "Baihuaping Loop" (6km gentle dirt road): April purple clover, July wolf tail grass, September gesang flowers + quinoa fields, every shot looks like a National Geographic cover → Lunch: Yi village "Firepit Family" — freshly baked buckwheat pancakes + stir-fried cured meat with bracken + homemade bitter buckwheat wine (¥68/person) → Afternoon experience: intangible cultural heritage "Yi lacquerware painting" (learn to paint a little crane, ¥58, take your work home) Day 3 | Slow Ending · Plateau Culture and Lingering Flavors → After breakfast, visit the "Zhongshui Ruins Museum" (free! A 3000-year-old Neolithic settlement, pottery shards engraved with the earliest crane patterns) → Visit the "Old Market next to the Ethnic Middle School": buy handmade batik cloth, freshly ground buckwheat flour, dried plateau roses (all for ¥85) → Before returning, check in at "Weining Caohai Train Station": China’s highest altitude train station (2218 meters), the platform is a viewing deck, perfect for silhouette shots at blue hour 💰【3000 Yuan Detailed Budget | Tested for 2 People】 Transportation (round trip Guiyang + local carpool): ¥960 Accommodation (2 nights birdwatching boutique guesthouse): ¥936 Meals (5 main meals + 2 breakfasts + firepit feast): ¥620 Experiences (guide + off-road vehicle + lacquerware + binoculars): ¥320 Tickets + insurance + souvenirs and miscellaneous: ¥164 ✅ Total: ¥2998 (2 yuan left, just enough to buy a cup of freshly brewed bitter buckwheat milk tea, sitting by Caohai daydreaming) 💡Tips: ❶ Best season: November to March next year (black-necked crane gathering period), but June to September is the wildflower sea peak! We designed it as “beautiful all year round,” with a free digital "Weining Phenology Handbook" (including monthly flower bloom, crane status, and starry sky forecast) ❷ Must-haves: sunscreen (plateau UV is 3 times that of plains) + light down jacket (temperature difference over 15°C between morning and night) + power bank (signal is weak, but the scenery is worth extra photos) ❸ Hidden gem: ask the guesthouse owner for the "Suohuangcang Hand-drawn Map," the back shows 3 unopened but safe stargazing trails — when the Milky Way descends on Caohai, even your heartbeat goes silent. Suohuangcang doesn’t speak, but it tells you with crane calls, waves of flowers, ancient pottery, and starlight: The true faraway place is not elsewhere, but the moment you put down your phone and look up.

In the past two days, the sunset scenes at Weining Caohai have attracted widespread attention online. The sunset at Weining Caohai is truly spectacular, with orange-red clouds like a spilled palette spreading freely across the sky, dyeing the clear lake surface into flowing gold foil. The evening breeze brushes through the reeds, stirring ripples layer upon layer, and the sunset glow shakes with the waves, breaking into sparkling stars across the lake, dreamlike and magical. Here, visitors can experience ultimate romance. Standing by the lake, feeling the sunset glow on your body and the gentle breeze, it feels as if time slows down, allowing complete relaxation of body and mind. Such a breathtaking sunset view is truly a pity to miss. Come to Weining Caohai now, check in to this viral romantic sunset, and create unforgettable memories!

If you miss the winter in Weining, you miss Guizhou’s most poetic fairy tale—here there’s no exhausting long journey, only the whispers of seagulls at Caohai and the breath of Zhuofu snowfields. 🌊【Caohai Secret Realm｜The Healing Blues of the Migratory Bird Paradise】 While the northern lands are frozen for thousands of miles, Weining’s Caohai is staging the most vibrant winter theater!🦅 📸Photo Guide: ✔️Xihai Pier Morning Mist Glow: Stake out at 7 AM, the mist-wrapped pier looks enchanted, seagulls skimming the water create sparkling golden light, every shot looks like a National Geographic masterpiece. ✔️Jiangjiawan Sunset Theater: After 5 PM, the black-necked cranes start their “water ballet,” the sunset dyes the lake honey-colored, remember to wear light-colored sweaters for better photos. ✔️Suohuangcang Wetland Oil Painting Trail: Among the withered yellow reeds hides the wild mandarin ducks’ secret base, crouch low to shoot, the backlit down feathers shimmer with a pearl glow. ✔️Beipo Seagull Square Cinematic Spot: The second-floor viewing platform captures seagulls and distant windmills in one frame, remember to use a telephoto lens to compress the space. ✔️Shangdi Temple Cloud Viewpoint: From the summit, overlook the misty blue tones where the county town and Caohai intertwine, if lucky, you can capture a winter mirage like a “phantom city.” ❄️【Zhuofu Grassland｜The Pure White Poem of the Ice and Snow Kingdom】 A 1.5-hour drive from Caohai, enter the winter secret realm privately kept by Lonely Planet!🌨️ 🌨️Must-Experience Scenes: 🔹Rime Corridor: The entire pine forest transforms into a crystal palace, ice crystals on branches refract rainbow halos under the midday sun. 🔹Windmill Snowfield: A trio of snow mountains, windmills, and snowfields, it’s recommended to wear bright jackets standing on the snow slope while friends shoot from the windmill side against the light. 🔹Snow Picnic Plan: Bring a thermos of hot cocoa, spread a picnic mat in the deserted snowy valley, the moment snowflakes gently fall on your hair will be forever captured by the camera. (⚠️Best time to enjoy snow scenes: late January to early February, remember to check the weather forecast in advance, the morning after fresh snow with clear skies is best for seeing rime.) 🚗【Travel Tips｜A Healing Trip at a Whim】 🚄High-speed rail: Guiyang North → Bijie Station (about 1h), rent a car at the station and drive straight to Caohai (1.5h) 🚂Train: Direct to Caohai Station, a 10 yuan taxi ride to Caohai Scenic Area 🚗Self-drive: 3.5h direct from Guiyang, passing the “Hundred-Mile Azalea” which has a desolate beauty in winter. 💌A final little secret: Winter in Weining comes with a healing buff—the roasted potatoes by Caohai smell fragrant, the grandma’s grilled glutinous rice cakes stretch when pulled, even the wind carries the scent of sun-dried fresh grass. This winter, don’t let your social circle miss the purest blue and white of Guizhou!

Recently, the hit show "Deep in Wumeng" has made Weining Caohai a popular check-in destination. Hidden in the Wumeng Mountains, it is Guizhou's largest natural freshwater lake, known alongside Dianchi Lake and Qinghai Lake as one of "China's Three Major Plateau Lakes," and is also a nationally important first-class wetland. The soul of Caohai lies in its ecology; it serves as an important wintering ground and migratory stopover for over 200 bird species. From November to March each year, first-class nationally protected animals such as the black-necked crane come here to overwinter, and the "Caohai Crane Calls" are a natural wonder. Even outside the birdwatching season, the scenery changes with the seasons: tender green aquatic plants in spring, a natural summer resort in summer, colorful autumn leaves in fall, and snow-covered wetlands in winter. Visitors can stroll along the ecological boardwalk in the North Slope Park to breathe fresh air and watch migratory birds take off from Jiangjiawan Pier. However, fishing and navigation are prohibited in Caohai, so visitors can only explore along the viewing platforms and trails—please do not disturb the birds or enter the core area. Caohai Road is also uniquely charming; driving to the end offers a panoramic view of the entire Caohai, where lake water, wetlands, distant mountains, and the small town coexist, allowing one to experience the vast tranquility unique to the plateau. Come to Weining Caohai and encounter this poetic serenity!

Guizhou Weining Caohai welcomes the seagull season! Every winter, red-billed gulls arrive at Caohai as scheduled, sharing a romantic rendezvous with this highland wetland. When the sunset glow spreads over the lake, flocks of seagulls either circle low in the sky or gently touch the water surface, creating a charming winter scene with the shimmering lake water. Caohai is the largest natural freshwater lake in Guizhou and a national nature reserve. It boasts rich ecological resources, providing an ideal habitat for seagulls. Visitors can stroll along the lakeside, observe the lively postures of the seagulls up close, and experience the beauty of harmonious coexistence between humans and nature. Here, you can slow down, enjoy the tranquility and warmth of winter, capture the wonderful moments of seagulls soaring, and leave unforgettable memories. Come to Guizhou Weining Caohai for a gentle encounter with the seagulls!