40℃, go away! These 3 secret 19℃ summer retreats in Guizhou have fewer people and beautiful scenery—hurry up and go~

🌡️ While the whole country is being scorched by 40℃ heat, Guizhou is hiding a 19℃ summer! Here are 3 lesser-known cool spots privately recommended by experienced travelers. With fewer crowds and stunning views, you can still avoid the rush if you go now—this guide not only includes detailed routes and money-saving tips but also hidden activities you've definitely never heard of. After reading, you'll want to pack up and leave immediately! 🔥 Beat the heat! These 3 secret spots in Guizhou will cool you down to the bone 1. Axilisi Grassland: Cloud-level wavy road + purple miracle in August Navigate to Hezhang County, Bijie. The grassland here is not gentle at all—driving on the "wavy road," your car body rises and falls with the terrain like a roller coaster. Press the accelerator, and the wheels kick up grass dust and mountain wind, making you feel like you're in New Zealand! The highlight is Jiucaiping in August, where 200,000 acres of wild chives bloom into a purple sea. Stand in the flower field wearing a white dress, and no filter is needed—it's like a scene from Provence. At 2 a.m., it's even more amazing. Wrapped in a down jacket (real 12℃), set up your camera outside the tent. The windmill spins, slicing through the starry river. The moment you press the shutter, even your breath is afraid to disturb the silence. 2. Weining Caohai: The water ballet theater of black-necked cranes Guizhou's highest-altitude county town hides a "mirror of the sky." Every winter, black-necked cranes come to dance, but summer at Caohai is the locals' secret cool retreat. Spend 5 yuan to buy a bag of roasted water caltrops, squat by the shore peeling and watching fishing boats pass by. When the water caltrops are so sweet you smack your lips, just in time for the evening pig trough boat ride—the boat's bow parts the reeds, startling a flock of egrets. The boatman at the stern sings ancient Miao songs, the voice blending with the water sounds, instantly pulling you into the scene of "Border Town." By the way, be sure to bargain at the Miao embroidery market. Rent a traditional outfit for 20 yuan to take photos, and the vendor will teach you how to say "beautiful" in Miao language! 3. Wujiangyuan Hundred-Mile Gallery: A wilder ink painting than the Three Gorges Don't believe the "cheap substitute" talk. Here, the cliffs plunge straight into the river. Passing boats can see thousand-year-old hanging coffins on the rock walls, adding a mysterious vibe beyond the Three Gorges. The best photo spot is Huawuji Miao Village. Climb to the ancient theater's stilted building terrace, shoot downward with a telephoto lens, and the emerald river, reddish cliffs, and black-tiled Miao village all fit into the frame, resembling an ink wash landscape painting. At dusk, you must eat sour soup fish by the river. The owner catches fish fresh from the river, and the sour soup is made with wild chili peppers soaked for three years. The fish meat is so tender it falls apart with chopsticks. Drinking a bowl of soup with the river breeze, sweating slightly on your forehead, is pure bliss! 🚗 6 days 5 nights reverse route: skip the tourist spots, only visit locals' secret places Day 1-2: Guiyang → Wujiangyuan → Zhijin Cave Rent an SUV (200 yuan/day, don't skimp on mountain roads!) and head straight to Wujiangyuan. Stay at a riverside guesthouse with a view from your window. The next morning, take a boat to check out the "Great Roc Spreading Wings" cliff. In the afternoon, rush to Huawuji Miao Village. When drinking the welcome wine, pretend you have a low tolerance, or you'll be flooded with "High Mountain Flow" wine until you need to lean on the wall. Stay overnight in Zhijin County. Pre-order the iron pan meal with the guesthouse owner. Potatoes and stinky tofu sizzle on the iron plate; dip them in chili powder and lick your fingers. Day 3-4: Zhijin Cave → Axilisi Grassland You must wear a jacket inside Zhijin Cave! The 16℃ cave has "Tyrannosaurus helmets" stalagmites taller than people. The lights on the stalactites look like a crystal palace. Remember to bring a lens cloth; your camera lens fogs up in seconds. In the afternoon, drive to Axilisi. After driving the wavy road, don't rush to leave. Rent a horse from a herder (50 yuan/hour). Ride at dawn chasing the windmill, horse hooves stepping on dew-covered grass, with the rising sun behind you. This experience is worth 100 times more than popular spots. Day 5-6: Weining Caohai → Nayong Diaoshuiyan → Guiyang Rent a bike (20 yuan/hour) on the north shore of Caohai and ride along the lake. Stop when you meet locals selling thorn pears. The fruit is freshly picked and eaten on the spot for 10 yuan per 3 jin, sour enough to squint but you can't stop. In the afternoon, shop at the Miao embroidery market. Buy a piece of batik fabric as a shawl. For dinner, try fish stuffed with shrimp—crucian carp belly filled with shrimp meat and glutinous rice, steamed to perfection, even the bones are fragrant. On the last day, visit Nayong Diaoshuiyan. The waterfall during the rainy season looks like the Milky Way crashing into a deep pool. Standing on the viewing platform, the mist hits your face, instantly dropping the temperature by 10℃! On the way back to Guiyang, be sure to eat Siwawa—roll up more than 20 kinds of side dishes, pour sour soup, and eat it all in one bite for a perfect ending. 💰 Money-saving + pit-avoidance guide: locals will praise your savvy - What to wear: Windproof jacket + waterproof shoes are must-haves! The cave floor is slippery, and the grassland can have fierce winds in the evening. A Guangdong girl tested buying thermal pants in Axilisi—not a joke. - What to eat: Always say "no to fish mint" when ordering! But you must try Weining ham (35 yuan/jin), Zhijin buckwheat jelly (5 yuan/bowl), and sour soup fish. When buying potato cakes at the night market, say "crispy edges" to impress the vendor. - How to play: Jiucaiping's flower season lasts only half of August, book your flight now while you still can; Zhijin Cave night tour light show starts at 8 p.m., fewer people and better photos; don't rent pig trough boats at the dock in Caohai, walk 500 meters upstream, locals charge 30 yuan for an hour ride. 💡 Pro-level insider tips: 99% of guides don't mention these - Mu'ege Ancient City hides the story of "chili for peace." The tofu hotpot under the ancient city wall is a must-order. The tofu is pan-fried in a clay pot until crispy outside and tender inside, dipped in dry chili powder. It's so spicy you sweat but can't stop eating. - Next to Nayong Diaoshuiyan waterfall is a natural hot spring. After climbing the waterfall, soak your feet to relieve fatigue. Best of all, it's free! - Qingyan Ancient Town near Guiyang Airport waives admission after 7 p.m. Stroll the old streets and eat rose jelly, which feels more lively than during the day. This guide contains the essence of my three self-driving trips to Guizhou, revealing all the hidden spots and secret eats! With the nationwide heatwave, Guizhou is just 19℃. Save this route now, invite friends for a spontaneous summer escape—and remember to share your check-in photos in the comments. I'll pick 3 lucky ones to send Guizhou thorn pear snacks!