01City Guide
Zhijin Cave
织金洞
All Ages
Admission
CNY 110 daytime ticket, plus CNY 28 sightseeing bus and CNY 10 safety service package.
Typical Visit
2-3 hours; allow half a day with transfers
Quick Facts
Ticket
Open lake viewpoints vary by access point; reference boat charter cost is about CNY 200 for half an hour.
Hours
Open lake area; visit in daylight and follow on-site lakeside management rules.
Transport
No metro. Self-driving or a hired car is the practical option from Bijie city, Zhijin, or nearby routes.
Duration
30-60 minutes for photos; 1-2 hours with a boat ride
Best Time
Clear spring to autumn days; avoid heavy rain and unsafe lakeshore conditions
Visitors
All ages
How to Visit
1
Treat it as a quiet lake area, not a strong scenic area
Zhiga Alu Lake works for self-driving, a short stop, and wide lake views. The lake area feels more like open natural scenery, and public transport is inconvenient.
Tip:If your time is tight, Wujiang River Source Gallery or Zhijin Cave is usually a higher priority.
2
Self-driving or hiring a car is more realistic
The drive from Bijie city to Zhiga Alu Lake takes about 2-2.5 hours. The lake area has scattered viewpoints, so driving along the lake and stopping where the view is good works best.
Tip:Without a car, you will depend heavily on local transport, and the itinerary becomes much less flexible.
3
A boat ride is optional, but keep expectations moderate
You can charter a boat on the lake, with a reference cost of about CNY 200 for half an hour. It suits travelers who want a quiet lake view, not those expecting dramatic canyon scenery.
Tip:If you already plan to take a boat at Huawu or Wujiang River Source Gallery, the Zhiga Alu Lake boat ride does not need to be a priority.
4
Pay attention to water level and lakeside management
Water levels can affect camping, parking, and how close you can safely get to the lake. Do not stay on lakeshore areas where camping is not allowed or where the ground is unsafe.
Tip:Open lake areas can feel loose, but safety and management boundaries still matter.
Highlights
- The wide lake surface makes it useful for a short self-driving stop.
- Visitor numbers are usually lower than at famous scenic areas, so the pace is quieter.
- On clear days, the lake and mountain views are good for photos.
- It can be combined with Zhijin or Wujiang River Source Gallery routes.
- It suits travelers who like quiet lake scenery more than strong entertainment projects.
Insider Tips
✦Sunny days are much more worthwhile than rainy days.
✦The lake area can be windy, so bring a jacket in spring and autumn.
✦Do not park on soft lakeshore ground or unpaved slopes.
✦If you only want photos, 30-60 minutes is enough.
✦Do not go down to the lakeshore for camping unless the site clearly allows it.
More Bijie Attractions
02City Guide
Baili Azalea Scenic Area
百里杜鹃风景名胜区
All Ages
Admission
CNY 130 flower-season through ticket; CNY 70 sightseeing bus for Pudi and Jinpo.
Typical Visit
Full day for one main area; 2 days for Pudi and Jinpo
03City Guide
Jiudongtian Scenic Area
九洞天风景区
All Ages
Admission
CNY 80 ticket, CNY 20 sightseeing bus, and CNY 60 one-way boat ticket.
Typical Visit
3-4 hours
04City Guide
Wujiang River Source Gallery
乌江源百里画廊
All Ages
Admission
Open river and viewing areas are generally free; short boat routes can be budgeted around CNY 50-60, with longer routes costing more.
Typical Visit
1-2 hours for a short river stop; longer with boat ride or Huawu village time
05City Guide
Zhijin Grand Canyon
织金大峡谷
All Ages
Admission
CNY 45 ticket, CNY 20 sightseeing bus, and CNY 40 sightseeing elevator; budget CNY 105 for the package.
Typical Visit
2-3 hours; half day with Zhijin Cave transfer
06City Guide
Caohai Wetland, Weining
威宁草海
All Ages
Admission
Caohai itself does not charge a main entrance ticket; boat or local pier services are separate if used.
Typical Visit
1-2 hours for a simple walk; longer for birdwatching