When it comes to summer retreats in Guizhou, Liupanshui is often the first name that comes to mind, famously known as the “Cool Capital of China.” However, Guizhou has more to offer. Bijie, a prefecture-level city, is considered a budget-friendly alternative to Liupanshui, with all eight of its counties offering excellent summer resorts. The coldest summer counties in Guizhou, Weining and Hezhang, are also located here, making Bijie an ideal destination to escape the heat.
1. Cool and Comfortable Climate
Bijie sits at an altitude of around 1,500 meters. While Liupanshui is slightly higher at approximately 1,750 meters, Bijie’s summer temperatures average 21–24°C—still refreshingly cool. With milder ultraviolet exposure and moderate humidity, Bijie offers a more comfortable experience compared to the occasional damp chill in Liupanshui.
2. Diverse Landscapes
Bijie boasts rich tourism resources:
- Zhijin Cave, hailed as the “King of Karst Caves in China,” maintains a steady 16°C year-round inside.
- Axilisi Grassland, at 2,500 meters, is perfect for camping in cool open spaces.
- Baili Azalea, vibrant even in summer, is a natural summer retreat.
- Weining’s Caohai Wetland, the largest plateau wetland in Guizhou, is ideal for birdwatching and photography.
- Mu’ege Ancient City in Dafang, offers an authentic Yi ethnic cultural experience.
Compared to Liupanshui, Bijie provides more diverse landscapes and cultural experiences.
3. Cost-Effective Travel
Summer accommodations in Liupanshui can be expensive, especially in July and August. City-center apartments can cost up to 4,000 RMB/month, and hotels charge premium rates. In contrast, Bijie is more affordable:
- City-center apartments in Qixingguan District: 800–1,200 RMB/month for a one-bedroom, 1,500 RMB for a two-bedroom
- Budget hotels: around 100 RMB/night
- Baili Azalea homestays: 1,500 RMB/month
- Weining three-bedroom apartments: 1,500 RMB/month
Overall, accommodation and food costs in Bijie are about 30% lower than Liupanshui, offering better value for money.
4. Fewer Crowds, Better Experience
Liupanshui’s popularity attracts large summer crowds, often leading to long queues and traffic jams at popular attractions. Bijie, with fewer visitors, allows for a more relaxed and peaceful experience at its scenic spots.
5. Convenient Transportation
- Flights: Bijie Feixiong Airport offers flights to over 20 cities, including Shanghai, Shenzhen, Kunming, and Xi’an, roughly twice the flight options compared to Liupanshui.
- High-speed rail: Bijie connects to Guiyang in 1 hour and Chengdu in 2.5 hours via the Chengdu–Guiyang high-speed railway, shorter than travel from Liupanshui.
- Highways: Both cities have comparable highway networks, but Bijie’s scenic spots are more concentrated, making short-distance drives more efficient.
6. Distinctive Local Cuisine
Both Bijie and Liupanshui share Guizhou’s signature sour, spicy, and fresh flavors, but Bijie’s dishes focus on highland ingredients with a milder, more natural taste:
- Zhijin Buckwheat Jelly
- Weining Ham
- Dafang Hand-Pulled Tofu
Liupanshui’s cuisine, influenced by mining and immigrant culture, is heavier, oilier, and spicier, famous for Shuicheng Lamb Noodles, Grilled Pan Dishes, Lotus Leaf Sticky Rice Chicken, and Gailu Rice.
Overall, Bijie combines a cool climate with low costs, diverse landscapes, and authentic local culture. As a budget-friendly alternative to Liupanshui, it’s well worth considering for summer getaways. What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
