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Bijie Travel Resources

Bijie Travel Resources

Bijie Guizhou, China Travel Guide

Essential Digital Tools

Communication & Navigation

  • WeChat (微信):

    An all-in-one app for communication, payments, and many services. It is virtually indispensable in China.

  • Alipay (支付宝):

    A main mobile payment platform, widely accepted across China.

  • Didi Chuxing (滴滴出行):

    The main ride-hailing app, for convenient intra-city travel.

  • The Baidu maps app / Gaode Maps:

    For accurate navigation within China, superior to international map apps locally.

  • Pleco:

    An excellent offline Chinese dictionary application.

Information & Access

  • Google Translate:

    Download the Mandarin offline pack before your trip for on-the-go translation.

  • VPN:

    Required for reaching blocked international sites and apps like Google. Install and test NordVPN before you arrive.

  • Trip.com (Ctrip):

    For flights, hotels, and trains in China (offers an English interface).

  • Travel China Guide:

    Provides comprehensive information on travel in China.

  • UNESCO Global Geoparks:

    For detailed information on Zhijin Cave and its geological significance.

Further Digital Exploration

Planning Resources

Check for an official English version of the Guizhou Provincial Tourism Development Committee for regional information.

Community Insights

Follow official Guizhou tourism accounts on WeChat if accessible, or international travel bloggers who cover Guizhou for inspiration.

Audio & Visual Guides

Search for podcasts or YouTube channels focused on travel in rural China or Guizhou province for inspiration and practical tips.

Print Resources

Guidebooks & Maps

  • Lp China or Rough Guides China are recommended. Check for recent editions.
  • The local city maps may be available at hotels or tourist information centers (likely in Chinese).
  • Books about Bijie's history, culture, or local fiction provide valuable context.
  • Area newspapers or magazines, in Chinese, offer insight into daily life.

Further Reading

  • Documentaries and films concerning the region offer visual context for your travels.
  • Explore traditional Miao and Dong music (Lusheng, folk songs) and appreciate Guizhou batik.
  • Engage with expat forums in China, TripAdvisor forums, or Reddit travel communities for shared advice.
  • Language Learning Resources: Consider apps like Babbel, Duolingo or HelloChinese to Mandarin skills.

Emergency & Medical Information

Emergency Numbers

  • Police: 110
  • Fire: 119
  • Ambulance: 120
  • Local Tourism Hotline: 12301

Hospital Locations

  • Bijie Municipal Hospital (毕节市第一人民医院)
  • Bijie Municipal Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital (毕节市中医院)
  • Carry a small first aid kit for minor incidents.
  • Know your blood type for emergencies.

Consular Services

  • Locate your country's embassy in Beijing or consulates in major cities.
  • Keep their contact information readily available.
  • They assist with lost passports or other consular services.
  • Register your trip with your embassy for additional support.

Safety & Security

Critical Alerts

Lost Document Procedures

  • Report a lost or stolen passport to local police (call 110).
  • Obtain a police report, which is necessary.
  • Contact your embassy or consulate to apply for an emergency travel document.
  • Keep photocopies or electronic copies of all key documents.

Natural Disaster Protocols

  • Familiarize yourself with your hotel's evacuation plans.
  • Monitor local weather forecasts, especially during monsoon season for flood or landslide warnings.
  • Follow instructions from local authorities in case of an emergency.
  • Identify emergency exits and assembly points at your accommodation.

Health Precautions

  • Consult your doctor regarding recommended vaccinations.
  • Pack any essential medications you need, with a doctor's note.
  • Stay hydrated and stick to bottled water.
  • Be aware of food hygiene in local eateries.

Personal Safety Measures

General Advice

  • Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas.
  • Keep valuables secure and out of sight.
  • Share your itinerary with someone, especially for solo excursions.

Nighttime Safety

  • Avoid walking alone in poorly lit or unfamiliar areas at night.
  • Use licensed taxis or ride-hailing apps for late-night transport.
  • Limit interactions with strangers who seem overly persistent.

Travel Insurance

Coverage Recommendations

  • Comprehensive medical coverage for emergencies.
  • Trip cancellation and interruption protection.
  • Baggage loss, theft, and delay coverage.

Provider Suggestion

  • World Nomads is a popular choice among independent travelers.
  • They offer flexible policies suitable for adventurous trips.
  • 24/7 emergency assistance is typically included.

Pre-Departure Safety Check

Document Readiness

  1. Make digital copies of passport, visa, and tickets.
  2. Email copies to yourself and a trusted contact.
  3. Have physical photocopies separate from originals.
  4. Note down embassy/consulate contact details.
  5. Register your trip with your country's embassy.

Financial Security

  1. Notify your bank about your trip dates.
  2. Carry a mix of payment methods (mobile, card, small cash).
  3. Note down emergency contact numbers for your bank.
  4. Set up transaction alerts on your mobile banking app.
  5. Keep emergency funds separate from your main wallet.

Travel Insurance Essentials

Health Protection

Coverage for medical emergencies, hospital stays, and unforeseen health events. Important for international travel.

Trip Disruption

Protection for unforeseen cancellations, delays, or interruptions to your travel plans. Minimizes financial loss.

Luggage Security

Compensation for lost, stolen, or damaged baggage and personal belongings. Offers peace of mind.

Important Safety Note

Always carry copies of your passport, visa, and important documents, both physical and digital. Share copies with a trusted contact back home. Travel insurance is highly recommended. You can explore options with World Nomads.

Cultural Immersion

Local Traditions & Customs

Cultural subtleties

  • Punctuality:

    Valued for appointments, but social gatherings can be more fluid.

  • Social Gatherings:

    Often more relaxed regarding exact timings; be patient.

  • Respect for Elders:

    An important cultural value; politeness always appreciated.

Etiquette & Interactions

  • Modesty:

    Dress and behavior are appreciated in public contexts and at religious sites.

  • Photography:

    Always ask for permission before photographing people, especially in rural or ethnic areas.

  • Language:

Festivals & Events

Miao New Year

Experience traditions, colorful costumes, and festive gatherings. Dates vary based on the lunar calendar.

Dong Grand Song Festival

Hear the unique multi-part choruses of the Dong people, often performed without instrumental accompaniment.

Torch Festival

Witness traditional rituals and bonfires, celebrated by the Yi ethnic group, often involving dancing and singing.

Culinary Exploration

Guizhou Cuisine

  • Famous for its 'sour and spicy' flavors, an unique regional characteristic.
  • Dishes often use fermented ingredients, adding depth to the taste.
  • Try local specialties like 'siwawa' (vegetable wrap) and 'huaxi wang' (beef rice noodles).
  • Street food vendors provide various, budget-friendly options.

Dining Etiquette

  • Wait for elders or hosts to begin eating before you start.
  • Never stick chopsticks upright in your rice bowl; it has funerary connotations.
  • It is common to share dishes from the center of the table.
  • Offer toasts with respect, especially during group meals.

Local Crafts & Arts

Textile Arts

  • Miao batik and embroidery are renowned for their intricate designs.
  • Expect colors and complicated patterns.
  • Often depict nature, mythical creatures, and local legends.
  • Purchase directly from artisans for authentic souvenirs.

Folk Music & Dance

  • Experience Lusheng (reed pipe) music, central to Miao celebrations.
  • Traditional Dong and Miao dances tell stories and histories.
  • Performances are often during festivals and special events.
  • Seek out community cultural centers for live shows.

Cultural Immersion Tip

Engage respectfully with local communities. A small effort to speak Mandarin or learn about customs enriches your experience and shows appreciation for their heritage.

Bijie Travel Resources. Apps, Maps, Emergency Contacts