10 Places to chill out in China this summer

May

10 Places to chill out in China this summer

Summer in China is hot, humid and rainy. This makes it a great time to escape to the mountains, lakes and grasslands. China is a huge country with endless attractions and cool places to keep you busy throughout the summer. There are so many things to do and places to see! Here are some of our favourite places to visit in China during the summer.

Harbin

Not everyone thrives in scorching temperatures. And if you fall into that category, Harbin offers the best possible summer getaway for you. Harbin may conjure up images of snow and ice, but there is much more to explore, including a remarkable recent history of foreign influence. Harbin was partly colonised by the Russians in the 20th century. As a result, much of the city’s architecture, cuisine and culture are influenced by Russian traditions. The centre is Zhongyang Dajie, a street lined with early 20th century buildings in a hodgepodge of European architectural styles. Some are now hotels, such as the 1906 Art Nouveau-inspired Modern Hotel. Harbin is also home to the vast Sun Island Park and a Siberian Tiger Park. Best of all, Harbin is a surprisingly relaxed and friendly place.

Weather: Temperature is around 22℃(71.6℉) to 24℃(75.2℉).

Seasonal Activities

Admire the beauty of St. Sophia Cathedral.
Overlook Songhuajiang River in a cable car.
Hike up Yangcaoshan Hill to enjoy beautiful sunset.
Meet animals in Harbin Polarland and Siberian Tiger Park.
Feast your stomach with food in Zhongyang Pedestrian Street.
Explore the history of Harbin in Flood Control Memorial Tower and Lao Daowai.
Visit Sun Island with the attractions of Ice and Snow Art Gallery, Sun Waterfall and Squirrel Island.

Qingdao

Qingdao is a picturesque port city. It is known for its beer and as the home of Tsingtao Beer. The Tsingtao Brewery was founded by German occupiers who left behind the know-how to produce light, crisp lagers in the German tradition. Every summer, the city hosts the Qingdao International Beer Festival, and Beer Street is the epicentre of the event. Dine on freshly cooked fish at one of the many huge open-air food tents with improvised grills, washed down with a signature draft beer. The mix of concession-era and modern architecture also puts China’s standard white-tile-and-blue-glass developments to shame. The winding cobbled streets, German colonial architecture and red-roofed hillside villas are captivating.

Weather: Temperature is around 22°C(71.6℉) to 26°C(79°F).

Seasonal Activities

Enjoy seafood and beer.
Experience many kinds of water activities.
Admire the Former German Governor’s Residence.
Learn the history of Tsingtao Beer in the Beer Museum.
Enjoy sun and sand on the Qingdao No.1 Bathing Beach.
Get the best view of Qingdao on top of Laoshan Mountain.
Appreciate the enthusiasm of the locals, all the best beers and marvelous shows.

Inner Mongolia

Inner Mongolia is an excellent destination for those wishing to explore Mongolian culture. The region boasts the world’s most extensive natural grassland, offering visitors the chance to observe nomadic people living in Mongolian yurts. The Inner Mongolia Museum is a valuable resource for those wishing to gain insight into Mongolian history, culture and art. The museum is particularly recommended for those interested in learning about the mysterious nomadic tribes of the Mongol Empire. The museum also boasts an impressive collection of artefacts unearthed at archaeological sites in Inner Mongolia. Summer is the most comfortable season in Inner Mongolia, with its lush emerald grassland, dense forest, winding rivers, flourishing wetlands and grazing herds. It is also a popular time to explore the deserts in the middle and western parts of Inner Mongolia.

Weather: Temperature is around 20°C(68 °F) to 23°C(73.4 °F).

Seasonal Activities

Visit stunning grasslands and Volcanoes.
Experience the Jubilant Naadam Festival.
Visit meaningful museums like the Inner Mongolia Museum and Ordos Museum.
Enjoy different activities in the desert such as camping, off-road driving and sand sliding.

Qinghai

Qinghai is a large province in northwest China with a lot to offer. The capital city, Xining, is a fascinating blend of Tibetan culture and architecture. The area is also home to numerous lakes, which are a popular attraction during the summer months. The name “Qinghai” is derived from the “Blue Sea” due to the numerous lakes in the region. One of the most popular destinations in the province is Qinghai Lake, the largest salt lake in China. It offers unparalleled views and breathtaking landscapes that are sure to leave a lasting impression.

Weather: Temperature is around 9°C(48.2 °F) to 23°C(73.4 °F).

Seasonal Activities

Bird watching in Qinghai Lake.
Enjoy rapeseed flowers all over the mountains.
Admire beautiful scenery via the Qinghai Tibet Railway.
Discover the Danxia landform in Kanbula National Forest Park.
Lean some Tibetan culture and history in Tibetan Medicine & Tibet Culture Museum.
Visit one of the four greatest mosques in northwest China – Dongguan Mosque.

Zhangjiajie

Zhangjiajie is renowned for its awe-inspiring mountainous landscape. This destination is a popular summer vacation spot due to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, the country’s inaugural national forest park. The park’s soaring mountains, crystalline streams, and fresh air have made it a hub for rock climbers, hikers, and individuals seeking relaxation and scenic enjoyment. Another notable attraction is the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon. The park’s waterfalls and trees will take your breath away. You can also reach the highest point of Zhangjiajie, atop Tianmen Mountain, by riding the world’s longest cable car.

Weather: Temperature is around 28°C (82°F) to 33°C (91°F).

Seasonal Activities

Meet wild monkeys in Tianzi Mountain.
Hike Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area.
Enjoy the glass walkway on top of Taimen Mountain.
Experience the 326-meter high Bailong elevator in Yuanjiajie Scenic Area.

Gansu

Gansu is a narrow province that flows from east to west along the Hexi Corridor. This is where goods and ideas used to flow between China and Central Asia. Gansu has a lot of Buddhist statues, beacon towers, forts, parts of the Great Wall and ancient trading towns. Gansu is very diverse in terms of culture and geography. Historians love the Silk Road, art fans love the Buddhist art, and adventurers love hiking in the desert, climbing sand dunes, and walking on high mountain paths.

Weather: Temperature is around 10 °C (50 °F) to 25 °C (77 °F).

Seasonal Activities

Enjoy the Zhangye Sand Dance Show.
Overlook the Hexi Corridor on top of Matisi Temple.
Discover the natural wonderland of Pingshanhu Grand Canyon.
Admire specially shaped rocks and landforms in Binggou Danxia Geopark.
Hike the beautiful Zhangye National Geopark to enjoy the rainbow mountains.
Discover Buddhism sculptures and architectures in Mati Temple and Dafo Temple.

Xiamen

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kulangsu Island is the perfect place to rest your mind, marvel at beautiful colonial buildings, take a romantic walk by the sea and explore illuminated artistic sculptures. The famous straw and mud Hakka village is where the Hakka people still live, with a great history going back hundreds of years. This is definitely one of the highlights of Fujian Province not to be missed. Climbing to the top of Wuyi Mountain or bamboo rafting down the Nine Bend Stream are great ways to beat the summer heat during your trip.

Weather: Temperature is around 15°C (59 °F) to 23°C (73.4 °F).

Seasonal Activities

Wonder around the Gulangyu Island.
Admire the beauty of Fujian Tulou Cluster.
Biking along the Xiamen Huandao Road.
Enjoy seafood snacks and dishes everywhere.
Bamboo rafting and hiking in the Wuyi Mountain.
Relax and have a picnic in Xiamen Botanical Garden.
Enjoy the sand and sun in Meihua Beach and Junru Beach.

Guilin

If you prefer the mountains to the sea, then Guilin is the place for you. The closeness to nature is one of the main reasons why a holiday in the countryside is becoming more and more popular. Here you will be fascinated by the turquoise Yulong River, the gigantic Red Flute Cave and the colourful Longji Rice Terraces. Leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind and immerse yourself in authentic rural life.

Weather: Temperature is around 10 °C (50 °F) to 25 °C (77 °F).

Seasonal Activities

Have nice street foods in Xingping Ancient Town.
Biking riding to enjoy idyllic scenery in Yangshuo.
Hike and meet ethnic people in Longsheng Rice Terraces.
Enjoy the cruise on Li River or bamboo rafting on Yulong River.
Discover natural wonders such as Elephant Trunk Hill and Reed Flute Cave.

The Yangtze River

During the summer, a cruise on the Yangtze River is one of the most extraordinary things to do in China. The Yangtze River Cruise is a great way to take in some of China’s most beautiful scenery. You can see the Three Gorges Dam and its attractions, including Fengdu Ghost City and the famous White Emperor City. If you’re looking for an authentic experience during your summer holiday in China, there’s no better place to go than the Yangtze River.

Seasonal Activities

Hike up the White Emperor City.
Experience hill walkway in Shibaozhai.
Relax and have fun on the Yangtze River cruise.
Discover natural beauty of the surrounding mountains, rivers, and valleys in Three Gorges Tribe.
Wonder in 30 different styles of traditional architecture and 208 carved deity sculptures in Fengdu Jade Emperor.
Enjoy the stunning view of the Three Gorges Dam Project and the surrounding scenery on top of Quyuan Temple.

Yunnan

With snow-capped mountains, clear blue skies and abundant wildlife, Yunnan is a spectacular summer destination. Lijiang is home to the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Lijiang Ancient Town, which are ripe for exploration. The trek along Tiger Leaping Gorge is hailed as one of the best multi-day treks in the world. Along the way you can visit the most remote and one of Yunnan’s true treasures, Shangri-La, which offers a truly wild escape where you can get lost among mountains and lakes.

Weather: Temperature is around 16 °C (60.8 °F) to 25 °C (77 °F).

Seasonal Activities

Enjoy the best hiking trail in Tiger Leaping Gorge.
Hike to take a cable car up to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
Discover the bond of nature and animals in Pudacuo National Park and Jingmai Mountain.
Experience various of old town for example Dali Old Town and Lijiang Old Town.
Visit some famous attractions such as Stone Forest, Three Pagodas, Ganden Sumtseling Monastery and Erhai Lake.