How to get to Bijie

If you are planning to visit Bijie, get ready to discover a picturesque region in southwest China, famous for its grand karst caves and magnificent flower parks. This city attracts travellers with a unique blend of natural beauty and distinctive culture, offering itineraries for both peaceful contemplation and active tourism. When figuring out how to get to Bijie, you will find a variety of convenient options, including flights, high-speed trains, and bus services.

The fastest and most convenient way to reach the region is by air. The city is served by its own airport, Bijie Feixiong (BFJ), located just 18 kilometres from the centre. This allows travellers to fly directly to their destination, bypassing long transfers from neighbouring provinces.

The air hub receives regular domestic flights from many major metropolises in China, including Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. For international tourists, this means the opportunity to reach Bijie with one comfortable connection at one of the country's international hubs.

Rail travel is a convenient and modern way to travel to Bijie. The city station is integrated into the high-speed network, so today tourists can arrive here quickly and comfortably, avoiding complicated transfers.

The station receives regular high-speed trains from major regional centres. The most popular routes connect the city with Guiyang and Chengdu. The trip from Guiyang takes very little time, making this option optimal for many travellers. Furthermore, the journey by rail allows you to enjoy the scenic mountain landscapes of southwest China right from the carriage window.

Bus services connect Bijie with key cities in the region, turning a standard transfer into a small journey amidst picturesque karst hills and green valleys. The most popular route departs from the provincial administrative centre, Guiyang: comfortable buses cover the distance of about 200 kilometres in an average of 2.5–3 hours. This is an excellent alternative for those who wish to observe the colourful life of the Chinese countryside and the changing landscapes right from the window.

Regular services are also established from other important transport hubs in the southwest. The road from Anshun takes approximately 3 hours, allowing you to easily plan a complex itinerary across the province. If you are coming from neighbouring Yunnan, the route from Zhaotong will suit you: the journey of about 180 kilometres takes 3–4 hours and passes along highways with impressive panoramic views.

Travelling by car offers an excellent opportunity to explore the region's scenic expressways at your own pace. The drive from the administrative centre, Guiyang, takes about 2.5 hours, covering around 200 kilometres, while the journey from Anshun (160 km) requires just 2 hours of driving. The trip from neighbouring Zhaotong is also comfortable: the distance of 180 kilometres along winding but high-quality roads can be covered in 3 hours.

Opting for a taxi or private transfer saves you from having to adhere to public transport schedules, although it will be significantly more expensive. For intercity travel in China, it is recommended to use official taxi aggregator apps where the price is fixed in advance, or to agree on the fare with the driver before starting the journey.

Thorough preparation will make your trip to Bijie as comfortable and carefree as possible, allowing you to focus on the beauty of the karst caves and flower fields. We have compiled a list of practical recommendations to help you adapt quickly to local specifics and avoid common difficulties during your journey.

1. Clothing and Essentials: The climate in the region is humid and changeable, especially in the mountain areas. Even in summer, it is worth bringing a light windbreaker and a raincoat, as rainfall is a frequent occurrence here. For excursions to caves and national parks, comfortable, non-slip shoes are mandatory, as there will be a lot of walking.
2. Transport: Public transport in the city is reasonably developed, but route maps and stops are rarely duplicated in English. For tourists, it is most convenient to use taxis or specialized Chinese car-hailing apps. If you plan to visit remote natural attractions, the wisest choice is to hire a car with a driver for the entire day.
3. Finances: Cards from international payment systems (Visa, Mastercard) are not accepted everywhere, mostly only in major hotels. The best solution is to install Alipay or WeChat Pay on your smartphone in advance and link your card to them. Also, always carry a supply of cash yuan, especially small notes, for payments in small shops and transport.
4. Health and Safety: Bijie is a safe city, but the language barrier can be a problem when looking for medicines. Assemble a first-aid kit with necessary medications while still at home. Please note that the local cuisine can be quite spicy, so keep digestion aids handy.
5. Communication: Few people speak English here, so you should not rely on it. It is vital to download an offline translator to your phone with photo translation functions (for menus and signs) and voice input. This will be your main tool for communicating with locals.
6. Local Etiquette: In China, restraint and respect for elders are highly valued. Greetings are usually limited to a slight bow or nod. Be prepared for locals to show curiosity towards foreigners and ask to take photos—react to this in a friendly manner and with a smile.
7. What to Avoid: It is strongly recommended not to drink tap water, even if boiled—buy only bottled water in stores. Also, try to avoid the services of private drivers soliciting at station exits; it is safer to go to the official taxi rank.
8. Seasonal Tip: If you are travelling for the famous "Hundred Mile Azalea" park, remember that the peak bloom occurs in late March and April. During this period, the city is crowded with tourists, so transport tickets and hotel rooms should be booked several months before the trip.

Following these simple rules will help you avoid unnecessary stress and fully enjoy the unique atmosphere and natural wonders of this corner of Guizhou province. May your acquaintance with the city leave only the warmest memories!