Bijie is beautiful, but I don't recommend going in October–November unless you want a rough time. I just got back from Bijie.
Honestly, the scenery is absolutely stunning, but if you go in October–November without doing your homework, you'll definitely run into a lot of pitfalls! The temperature drops suddenly, there are all sorts of hidden costs at scenic spots, and the mountain roads will make you question your life choices... This fresh guide is designed to help you avoid those traps. If you're planning a trip, just follow this itinerary 💯
🍂 The reality of visiting Bijie in October–November
Let's talk about the weather first. In October and November, daytime temperatures in Bijie are around 23°C, but as soon as the sun sets, it drops to 13–16°C. It's even windier on the mountains, and at the top of Jiucaiping, it's only around 10°C at night. A short-sleeved shirt with a light jacket is the standard outfit. Make sure to add layers in the morning and evening; don't try to tough it out.
Regarding the flower season. In early October, Jiucaiping still has some late-season blooms. While the purple flower fields aren't as dense as in September, the upside is that there are fewer people, so you can take photos without waiting in line. After mid-October, the flowers are mostly gone, so if you want to capture the purple fields, make sure to go early.
Finally, the crowds. After the National Day holiday, the number of tourists drops off a cliff. You don't have to wait in line at scenic spots, and hotel prices have dropped significantly, making for a much better experience than during peak season.
🗺️ 4-day, 3-night itinerary
Day 1: Arrival + exploring the city
After arriving in Bijie, drop your bags at the hotel first. In the afternoon, head to Tongxin Pedestrian Street. It's a waterfront district with an antique style, and it's very pleasant to walk along the lake. In the evening, go straight for a tofu hotpot. The clay pot bubbles with steam, and the tofu absorbs all the broth. You can eat your fill for about 30 yuan per person.
Day 2: Zhijin Cave + Zhijin Ancient Town
You must visit Zhijin Cave. It might be just over 10°C outside, but the cave maintains a constant temperature of 16°C, making it a natural warm room. The stalactites are colorful under the lights. The 3.6-kilometer tour route takes at least three to four hours to walk and photograph. Note that starting October 8, entry times are adjusted to 8:30 AM–5:00 PM, and you need to book by time slot, so don't wait until the afternoon or you might not get in. After exploring the cave, go to Zhijin Ancient Town for a "Luoguo" (griddle pot). Pork belly and Dafang tofu sizzle in the clay pot, and dipping them in the chili sauce is so delicious you won't want to stop.
Day 3: Jiucaiping + Weining Caohai
Wake up early and head to Axi Lixi Jiucaiping, the world's largest contiguous wild chive flower belt. At an altitude of 2,777 meters, white windmills spin amidst the sea of clouds, and herds of cattle graze on the meadows. In early October, you can still catch the tail end of the flower season, and it's easier to take photos with fewer people. Note that it's very windy at the top, so be sure to bring a thick jacket—don't be like me and almost catch a cold. In the afternoon, head to Weining Caohai. The highland wetlands are quiet and peaceful. Wait for the sunset, when the reed marshes are gilded in golden yellow—it's incredibly healing.
Day 4: Wujiangyuan Gallery + return
On the last day, visit the Wujiangyuan Gallery. A hundred-meter cliff embraces a bay of clear water, and Huawu Village is hidden right here. The mountains and water complement each other, creating a very picturesque scene. Take a boat ride to enjoy the breeze, then head back slowly to draw a perfect end to this trip.
🍜 Food: Don't just look for viral spots
First, breakfast. Lamb rice noodles are the lifeblood of Bijie people. The broth, boiled in a clay pot, is rich and not gamey, served with mint and pickled vegetables. One bowl will warm you up completely. Locals often go to Yelang Clay Pot Lamb Rice Noodles or Xu Pangzi Clay Pot Lamb Rice Noodles, which cost about 15 yuan per person. Crispy pork noodles (Cuishao noodles) are also a must-eat. Kangjia Crispy Pork Noodles is a long-established brand in Bijie; the crispy pork is fresh, fragrant, and crunchy, fatty but not greasy.
For main meals, tofu hotpot is Bijie's signature. Both locals and tourists love Wangji Liulong Tofu Hotpot, where you can eat your fill for 30 yuan per person. You can't miss the Luoguo either; Ju'er Luoguo is a time-honored brand on Tianhe Road and the soul of late-night snacks for locals. If you come across snacks like Zhijin Faba or Weining Xiaobaba on the road, just buy them. They cost a few yuan each and are perfect for eating on the go.
🏠 How to choose accommodation
Bijie City (Qixingguan District): The most recommended area to stay. There are many hotel options in the city, and you can stay in a chain hotel with a parking lot for 150 to 200 yuan. It's convenient to get to all the scenic spots. Kaiman International Hotel is right next to the high-speed railway station, a two-minute walk to the entrance, which is very convenient if you're catching an early train.
Zhijin County: If you're going to Zhijin Cave early the next morning, staying in the county is the biggest time-saver. You don't have to rush in the morning and can enjoy breakfast slowly before setting off.
Homestays around scenic spots: There are also homestays near Jiucaiping and Baili Dujuan, where you can enjoy the scenery with the morning mist, but the prices are much higher than in the city. During peak season, they can cost 300–400 yuan a night with average conditions, so choose according to your needs.
📸 Photo spots
Jiucaiping: White windmills + purple flower fields + sunrise over the sea of clouds. Take photos of the windmills and sunset silhouettes around 5:00 PM for maximum atmosphere.
Wujiangyuan Gallery: Cliffs embracing clear water. Just standing on the viewing platform makes for a great shot. The canyon is very windy, so remember to secure your hat.
Zhijin Cave: The stalactites inside are colorful under the lights, so you can get sci-fi quality photos without needing extra lighting.
Jinhai Lake Park: Lawns paired with green lake water—every shot feels like "Little Erhai."
Shexiang Ancient Town: After the lights come on at 7:30 PM, the warm yellow light strips outline the curves of the terraced fields. The view from the top viewing platform in the North District is the most stunning.
⚠️ Pitfalls/Tips
1. Renting a car is much more cost-effective than taking the bus. The scenic spots in Bijie are far apart; it takes an hour and a half from the city to Jiucaiping and about the same to Zhijin Cave. Bus schedules are infrequent, so you can't afford to wait. Renting a car costs 150 to 200 yuan a day, which is less stressful than waiting for buses.
2. Ask about hidden costs outside of scenic spot tickets in advance. The Zhijin Cave ticket is 110 yuan, but the 20 yuan sightseeing bus and 10 yuan safety service package are basically mandatory; you can't get in without them. The cable car and sightseeing bus at Jiucaiping are also charged separately, which adds up to a significant amount.
3. Sunrise tickets for Jiucaiping can only be bought on-site. If you want to photograph the sunrise, you have to line up at the East Gate Visitor Center at 5:00 AM. Online tickets don't work, and you have to book in advance.
4. Don't trust "specialty restaurants" recommended by viral posts. Some viral shops in the city charge 120 yuan per person, and the taste isn't as good as the small shops next to the market. A 15-yuan bowl of lamb rice noodles is filling and authentic.
5. Don't go to Baili Dujuan when it's not the flower season. In October–November, the azaleas have long since faded. The scenic area is bare and not worth seeing, and the sightseeing bus costs 50 yuan, which isn't worth it.
6. The temperature difference between day and night is absurd. It's over 20 degrees during the day, so you can wear short sleeves, but it's only in the teens at night, and even colder on the mountain top. Bring a light jacket, a folding umbrella, and a thick jacket—don't worry about the weight.
7. Be careful when driving on mountain roads. Most of Bijie's scenic spots are in mountainous areas with many curves and narrow roads. Try not to drive into the mountains yourself on rainy or foggy days. If you're not familiar with the road conditions, it's safer to choose a car from a reputable rental company.
---
Bijie is truly a severely underrated treasure of a small city. The spicy aroma of tofu hotpot, the purple flower fields of Jiucaiping, and the sunset glow of Caohai—everything makes you want to go back again 🌿 If you go in October or November, bring a thick jacket and a good mood, and just go for it!