Weining

Weining is a city of over a million people in Guizhou. Weining is on the tourist circuit solely because of its proximity to Cao Hai Lake. The city and nearby country side are also home to significant populations of several minority groups, including Miao, Hui and Yi.

Get around

Taxi meters are obsolete in Weining. The typical fare is ¥5 within town. Fares from further away typically range from ¥10-15 depending on the distance traveled and the number of passengers.

See

• Cao Hai Lake. Over 170 species of birds have been sighted at Cao Hai Lake. It's most famous as a wintering ground for the Black-necked crane. Wintering birds begin to arrive in late October. Narrow boats paddled by local farmers can be hired near the lake's main entrance. Rates are standard and posted, beginning at ¥120/hour. The Preserve police enforce those rates, but tourists may have trouble securing the posted rate. One hour on the boat gives you enough time to wend your way through the marsh grass out into the center of the lake.

Do

• Wander old town.  The oldest and quaintest part of town is near the junction of Zhongshan, Jiefang and Jian West Roads. There's some nice old architecture and stores selling items from seeds and farming implements to baked goods and clothes.
• Dragon King Temple. 

Buy

Market days occur on days that end with 3, 6 or 9. There is no central market. Rather, farmers pour into the city and set up in a handful of areas.

Otherwise, there are three main fruit and vegetable markets in town, the largest near Caiyuan Lu and the mosque, one on the eastern edge of town off of Minheng Lu.

• Feng Shan Si Temple. 

Eat

There are a handful of good restaurants and noodle places down the street from the main entrance to the lake.

Weining is also known for its excellent cured ham.