Location: Bijie Region is located in the northwest of Guizhou Province. It neighbors Anshun and Guiyang in the south, Yunnan Province in the east and Sichuan Province in the north.

History: Before the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) established an administrative unit in this area, Bijie was governed by several kingdoms of ethnic minorities.

Physical Features: Bijie has a typical karst land formation. It is located on the versant from the plateau in southern Yunnan to the hilly area in the central part of the province. The terrain is mountainous and descends from the west to the east.

Climatic Features: Most parts of the region belong to the subtropical zone, enjoying a humid monsoon climate. The weather is moderate without bitter chilliness in the winter and intense heat in summer. Its rainfall mainly concentrates in the period from May to September.

When to Go: Bijie is an ideal summer resort. If visitors come to see the flaming azaleas, March and April are the months when the land is aflame with red color. If visitors come for bird-watching, November to April is the best time to visit. Keeping warm should be given the first priority at this time!

Local Highlights: Bijie is inhabited by many ethnic minorities, so the customs of these ethnic minorities make up the main characteristics of this region. Apart from the Torch Festival of the Yi nationality and the reed panpipe dances of the Miao nationality, visitors can also admire the song-tying, horse racing and folk dances of other ethnic minorities.

Special Local Products: Lacquer of Dafang County, dictyophora indusiata (Chinese mushroom) of Zhijin County, wine of the Yi ethnic minority

Scenic Spots:
Zhijin Cave Scenic Area: Consisting of the Zhijin Old Town, Zhijin Cave, Jiehe Gorge and Hongjia Ferry, this scenic area features one of the most spectacular and noted karst caves in China. Zhijin Cave is regarded as the 'karst museum'.
Caohai Lake: It is the largest plateau freshwater lake in Guizhou and an ideal habitat for birds, such as the black-necked crane, red-crowned crane, white stork and the white-tailed sea-eagle. The lake is definitely a kingdom of birds.
One-Hundred-Li Azalea Belt: It is the largest primeval azalea forest in China where some festivals of Yi and Miao ethnic minorities are held.

Tourist Tips: About three hours are needed to get from Bijie to Guizhou. There are no trains operating in the Bijie Region, so visitors should get to Guiyang, Liupanshui and other cities in Guizhou Province, then take buses to Bijie and scenic spots in the region.