China is a vast country. There is so much here to offer to the travelers. Even during the scorching summer days, we can still find some great destinations in this country for a fun vacation. Here below are the top five picks for your summer escape in China.
Top Summer Destinations in China - Yunnan
Located in the Southwest China, Yunnan province has most of its part sitting on Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau, which makes it a wonderful travel destination for all year round. In many places of this province, it is cool in summer, and warm in winter. So its capital city Kunming got its nickname as the “City of External Spring”. However, we do recommend you to go further to the northwest of province, where some lovely small towns with different characters can be found. Dali, Lijiang and Shangri-la are featured with the stunning landscape and ethnic cultures.
The good thing is that you don’t have to stay at the downtown of these cities, but at a smaller village to enjoy the tranquility and slowed paced lifestyle of locals. In Dali, a major habitat for ethnic Bai people, 1000 years old they established their own country in the region. It is not a bad idea to have an excursion to Erhai Lake, visit a typical batik workshop of Bai people or hike on the Cang Mountain. It is also worth a visit to adjacent Weishan and Shaxi old town. Lijiang is absolutely a gem hidden at the foot of snow-capped mountains. You will not only witness the splendid natural scenery here, but also experience the well preserved culture and tradition of ethnic Naxi people. Shangrila is a great substitute for those who failed to visit Tibet as it is a region resided by Tibetans, Naxi, Lisu, Yi and other minority groups. Right here you can visit the largest Tibetan lamasery of Yunnan – Songzanlin Monastery. What is more, the breathtaking scenery at Pudacuo National Park awaits you to explore.
Top Summer Destinations in China - Guilin
Guilin is a subtropical city in South China. Actually it is quite hot in summer, its temperature may reach 35+ degree Celsius outdoors. But it doesn’t mean there is nothing travelers can do here, on the contrary, you will enjoy a lot of fun in nature. For example, you can consider a waterfall climb at Gudong Scenic Spot, try the bamboo rafting down the Yulong River, hike or bike in the picturesque countryside of Yangshuo in the early morning. Probably just to look for a hotel with a pool for swimming in the middle of nowhere is not a bad idea at all.
About 90km northwest of Guilin, Longji Rice Terraces is another highlight of Guilin. You can stay at an ethnic minority village for a couple of nights. There are two sections here: Pingan Scenic Spot and Dazhai Scenic Spot. The former is the residence of ethnic Zhuang people, while the latter is the habitat for Yao people. Both places are good for photography. Besides the spectacular view of rice terraces, some active travelers can try some hiking routes along the farmers’ paths on the mountain.
Top Summer Destinations in China - Huangshan
Strategically situated in South Anhui Province, Huangshan boasts so much to see and explore for international travelers. The Yellow Mountain has been eulogized as a top travel destination for hundreds of years. The pine trees, oddly-shaped rocks, sea of clouds and hot springs are the “Four Natural Wonders” of the Yellow Mountain. You will enjoy the breathtaking sceneries at a comfortable temperature as it is always around 17-18°C on the mountain in summer. It is also a perfect place for photographers to capture some unique images. Appreciating the sunrise and sunset here becomes a good reason for the visitors to come and enjoy a special moment.
Not far from the Yellow Mountain, a few small villages like Hongcun, Xidi and Lucun are quite impressive, and worth a stay for a couple of nights. All these places are filled with a mesmerizing vibe as the time ceases to flow here. The locals lead a peaceful and slow paced life without much disturbance from outside world. Here is a perfect destination to experience the traditional lifestyle of Chinese people.
Top Summer Destinations in China - Chengdu and neighboring areas
As a 2300-year-old city, Chengdu is the capital of Sichuan province and a gateway to the neighboring scenic areas. There are 3 UNESCO World Heritage sites around the city: Dujiangyan Irrigation Project – Mt. Qingcheng, Mt. Emei & Leshan Giant Buddha, Jiuzhaigou - Huanglong Scenic and Historic Interest Areas. They are all the perfect destinations for summer escape. Don’t forget to visit the research base of giant panda breeding in the north of the city if you are a panda fan.
If you are a little more adventurous, you may also consider a trip to the wild west of Sichuan province, like Mt. Siguniang, Jiaju Tibetan village of Danba County, Yading of Daocheng County. These places are located in a relatively high altitude with a comfortable temperature in summer.
Top Summer Destinations in China - Gansu
Less known to the outside world, Gansu can be a low profile destination in China. But it will never let you down in terms of natural wonders, historical relics and colorful cultures. During the sweltering summer days, quite a few places of interest await you to discover and explore from southeast to northwest of the province.
If you are interested in Tibetan culture, Gannan (South of Gansu) is definitely a good option. Labrang Tibetan Lamasery at Xiahe county is one of the six major temples of the Gelug Sect of Tibetan Buddhism. You can also go to the Sangke Grassland to see the traditional lifestyle of Tibetan herders’ family. If you prefer to see the natural scenery, then Ganjia Grassland is another option. For those who want to go off the beaten path, they can drive overland to Langmu Tibetan Temple and cross the border with Sichuan province and reach Jiuzhaigou. If heading for the northwest of Gansu province, you can visit Zhangye, together with other cities like Jiayuguan, Dunhuang and Wuwei in one trip. A long time ago, these places used to be the outposts on the Silk Road with a glorious past. In summer, you can freely enjoy the excursions to the historic sites along the way without harsh heat you could experience in eastern parts of China.