In a little-known town, I personally experienced a temperature drop of 5 degrees Celsius.
1️⃣ Hanzhong|Shaanxi
Hanzhong is my secret summer retreat. Summer temperatures hover around 30 degrees Celsius, but the mornings and evenings are incredibly cool. At 7 AM, I went to the Shimen Plank Road. The plank road hugs the Baohe Valley, and the wind blowing from the water, carrying moisture, instantly lowers the temperature by five degrees.
📍 Enter from the South Gate and walk along the Baohe River. The coolest section is near the Shimen Tunnel; the stone path is perpetually damp, and the river water is crystal clear right at your feet. Tickets are around 70 yuan. Before 8 AM, it's less crowded, and you can hear birds chirping.
At noon, I returned to the city and visited the Ancient Hantai. It's surrounded by old trees, and the sycamore trees in the courtyard completely block out the sun. Sitting on the edge of the platform, the breeze instantly cools you down. Ancient Hantai is free; just scan your ID card to enter. It's closed on Mondays, so don't make a wasted trip! After exploring, I walked to the Han River on Zhongshan Street and found a teahouse to spend the afternoon. The breeze from the Han River is much more comfortable than air conditioning.
In the evening, take another walk across the Hanjiang Bridge. At sunset, the river is bathed in golden-red hues, and locals stroll along the banks; you might want to join them.
🍜 Don't miss the hot noodles and vegetable tofu at the riverside night market. A bowl costs only five yuan, and the sour and spicy flavor is incredibly appetizing. After eating, head back to the hotel; you'll need a light blanket at night.
2️⃣ Quzhou|Zhejiang
Quzhou summers are truly cool, especially Kaihua. The entire Kaihua county is surrounded by mountains, making the temperature four or five degrees lower than in the city center. In the morning, visit the Gengong Buddhist Cultural Park, filled with giant root carvings. The halls are high-ceilinged, and the shade makes it feel much cooler than the 38-degree weather outside.
📍 Enter from the south gate. After seeing the Hall of Five Hundred Arhats, head straight to the bamboo forest behind the mountain. That area is less crowded, with bamboo leaves providing ample shade. The wind rustles through the bamboo tips, making you want to stay. Tickets are 120 yuan; buying online in advance saves ten yuan. After 4 pm, the light softens, making it the best time to photograph the root carvings. In the afternoon, we drove to Jianglang Mountain, a one-and-a-half-hour drive. Jianglang Mountain is a Danxia landform, with three stone pillars rising abruptly from the ground. There's a large meadow at the foot of the mountain, but the wind was incredibly strong, making it difficult to open your eyes.
⏰ Entering the mountain after 6 PM, the light is softer, and the climb isn't too hot. Reaching the summit to watch the sunset, the entire mountain is bathed in orange-red hues.
⚠️ Don't rush down the mountain after dark; the mountain path is steep, and it gets dark quickly after 7:30 PM. The ancient town of Ershibadu at the foot of the mountain is less crowded in the evening, and the old houses are cool and breezy. Staying overnight there is much more comfortable than in the city.
3️⃣ Zhumadian|Henan
Zhumadian is hot in summer, but the mountains offer a different experience. Chaya Mountain is a rocky mountain. Entering before 9 AM, when you reach the Tianmo Lake section, the lake water absorbs all the heat, and the breeze blowing from the lake is refreshingly cool.
📍 Enter from the North Gate, walk along the lakeside boardwalk, and circle to the Flying Stone. This section is shaded and perfect for a leisurely stroll. Tickets are 70 yuan, half price for students. ⏰ After 11 AM, the boardwalk gets crowded, so go early.
In the afternoon, head to Laole Mountain, a 40-minute drive from Chaya Mountain. Laole Mountain is at a high altitude, and the wind at the summit is strong, causing the temperature to drop by 10 degrees Celsius. You can drive up to the halfway point; the remaining section of the boardwalk offers views of the plains below, but the wind is so strong you can't even keep your hat on. There's an old temple at the summit; sitting on the stone steps at the temple entrance, the wind makes you sleepy.
🍜 There's a farmhouse restaurant at the foot of the mountain serving stewed chicken with mushrooms. The portions are large; one pot is enough for two people, costing 40 yuan per person.
⚠️ Laole Mountain gets foggy in the evening; it's safer to descend before 5 PM. The mountain roads are winding, so drive slowly.
4️⃣ Jinzhong|Shanxi
Summers in Jinzhong aren't extremely hot, but you should know the temperature difference between the ancient city and the mountains. In Pingyao Ancient City, the sun is blazing during the day, making the stone paths scorching hot. However, after 6 PM, the shadows cast by the city walls lengthen, and the wind blows in through the city gates, cooling you off quickly.
📍 Enter through the South Gate, first stroll along the Ming and Qing Dynasty Street, then climb the city wall. It's windy at the top of the wall; a complete circuit takes about an hour, offering panoramic views of the city's gray-tiled rooftops. A combined ticket for the ancient city costs 120 yuan, including the city wall and various shops, valid for two days. Don't rush to see everything in one day.
Choose either the Qiao Family Compound or the Wang Family Compound; I chose the Wang Family Compound. Located in Jingsheng Town, the Wang Family Compound is built against the mountain and is three times larger than the Qiao Family Compound. The walls are high, and the alleys are narrow; in summer, it's as cool as a cave. The Qiao Family Compound is more famous, but it's crowded with tourists and heavily commercialized; 📷 there are always people taking photos. The Wang Family Courtyard entrance fee is 55 yuan. It's less crowded, allowing you to leisurely appreciate the brick carvings.
Mianshan Mountain in Jiexiu is a true summer retreat. Due to its high altitude and dense forests, a jacket is essential for entering the mountain.
🚄 From Pingyao, take the high-speed train to Jiexiu (20 minutes), then a taxi to the mountain (40 minutes). The Mianshan entrance fee plus the sightseeing bus is 110 yuan. Shuitaogou Valley in the mountains is the coolest spot; walking along the boardwalk, you'll hear only the sound of water. Wear long pants in summer, as there are many mosquitoes in the forest.
5️⃣ Leshan|Sichuan
Leshan is hot in summer, but Emei Mountain is another world entirely. The foot of the mountain is 38 degrees Celsius, while the Golden Summit is only 12 degrees Celsius—can you believe it?
🚄 Take the high-speed train to Emeishan Station, then take the scenic bus up the mountain. It takes two hours to reach Leidongping. As soon as you get off the bus, a blast of cold air hits you, so you need to quickly put on a jacket. The Golden Summit is 3,000 meters above sea level; the wind is strong, and the sea of clouds surges. When the sun comes out, the entire mountaintop is bathed in golden light.
⚠️ No matter how hot it is, bring a down jacket to the Golden Summit. You can rent a coat on the mountain for 30 yuan, but they get dirty.
In the afternoon, descend the mountain to visit the Leshan Giant Buddha. The core of the Giant Buddha scenic area is the Nine-Bend Plank Road. Go down from the side of the Buddha's head and walk around the Buddha. The river breeze is blowing strongly, but the plank road is narrow and can be very congested when crowded.
⏰ Go in as soon as it opens at 8 am to avoid crowds and take your time. Tickets are 80 yuan. ⚠️ On weekends and holidays, queues can be at least two hours long; try to go on a weekday.
After seeing the Giant Buddha, head straight to Zhanggong Bridge for some "Qiaojiao Beef" (a type of beef soup). The beef broth is delicious, and you can eat your fill for 40 yuan per person with the dry dipping sauce.
🍜 After eating, go to the riverbank for the night view. The outline of the Sleeping Buddha on the opposite bank is clearly visible in the lights.
6️⃣ Fuyang|Anhui
Fuyang summers aren't cool, but Balihe is an exception. Balihe is a large wetland park with a wide expanse of water. The wind blowing from the lake carries moisture, making it three or four degrees cooler than the city.
📍 Enter from the east gate and walk along the lakeside boardwalk. Both sides are lined with lotus flowers, which are in full bloom in late July and early August. The lotus leaves rustle in the wind, filling the air with their fragrance. Tickets are 80 yuan. ⏰ Enter the park after 3 pm when the sun is setting and the lake is shimmering, making for the best photos.
There's a small island in the park covered with willow trees. Benches are placed under the shade, and you won't want to move once you sit down.
⚠️ Don't take the boat tour; it's stuffy inside. Walk along the boardwalk instead.
🍜 Outside the park, there's a Balihe Fish Restaurant. Their fish head stew with tofu is incredibly delicious, costing around 50 yuan per person. Back in the city in the evening, the food at Fuyang's night market is cheap; skewers are 5 yuan a skewer, but don't eat too much, as it's too hot.
7️⃣ Dalian|Liaoning
Summer in Dalian is in the twenties Celsius, but with the sea breeze, you don't even feel the heat. On the first day, we went to Jinshitan Beach. 📍 It's directly accessible by Light Rail Line 3, a one-hour ride. The seawater at Jinshitan is clear, and the sand is soft and cool to the touch when walking barefoot.
⏰ Go after 4 PM; the sun isn't too strong, the sea breeze is just right, and you can capture the golden hues of the beach. Be sure to pull your hat down on the boardwalk near the Geological Park as it can be windy.
On the second day, we went to Tiger Beach Ocean Park. The ticket is 220 yuan, not cheap, but there are many shows, and you can see dolphins and beluga whales.
⚠️ Don't buy food inside the park; it's expensive and not very good. Bring your own snacks. In the afternoon, we went to Xinghai Square, the most comfortable place in Dalian. A walk along the coastal path is wonderful; the sea breeze is strong enough to blow you away. The sunset in the evening, with its orange-purple sky and the sea, is a photographer's dream.
Tangli Lake Park is located west of the city center. It's less crowded, the lake is calm, and a walk around the lake takes about an hour. It's a popular spot for locals to stroll.
🍜 In the evening, head to Zhongshan District and find a seafood stall. Try the spicy stir-fried clams and grilled squid—around 80 yuan per person, incredibly fresh!
8️⃣ Chifeng | Inner Mongolia
In Chifeng, summers are hot during the day but cool in the mornings and evenings. You'll need to close the windows and cover yourself with a blanket at night. The Hasihatu Stone Forest Scenic Area was the furthest stop on this trip, 📍 a two-hour drive from Chifeng city. The road conditions are good, but avoid driving at night. The stone forest is on the grassland, with towering boulders and a very strong wind—even in August, the wind is cool and refreshing.
⏰ Arrive after 3 PM. The light shines obliquely on the stones, highlighting their textures and lengthening the shadows. No filters are needed for photos. The entrance fee is 110 yuan. There's no shade inside the scenic area, ⚠️ so bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.
🍜 There's a Mongolian yurt restaurant near the scenic area entrance, serving hand-pulled mutton with milk tea for about 60 yuan per person—the meat was incredibly delicious.
On the way back to the city, the sunset over the grassland was spectacular; the entire sky was orange-red, and the wind blowing into the car was so refreshing it made you want to sing. We stayed overnight in Chifeng city and found a hot pot restaurant. The mutton was freshly sliced, and the broth was clear; it cost about 50 yuan per person. After eating, the wind on the street made it necessary to wear a jacket.
1️⃣ Hanzhong|Shaanxi
Hanzhong is my secret summer retreat. Summer temperatures are just over 30 degrees Celsius, but the mornings and evenings are incredibly cool. At 7 am, I went to the Shimen Plank Road. The plank road hugs the Baohe Valley, and the wind blowing from the water, carrying moisture, instantly lowered the temperature by five degrees.
📍 Enter from the South Gate and walk along the Baohe River. The coolest part is near the Shimen Tunnel; the stone path is always damp, and the river water is crystal clear right at your feet. Tickets are around 70 yuan. Before 8 am, there are fewer people, and you can hear birds chirping.
Returning to the city center at noon, I visited the Ancient Han Terrace. Surrounded by old trees, the sycamores in the courtyard completely blocked the sun. Sitting on the edge of the terrace to rest, the breeze dried all my sweat. The Ancient Han Terrace is free; just scan your ID to enter. It's closed on Mondays, so don't make a wasted trip! After exploring, I walked to the Han River on Zhongshan Street and found a teahouse to spend the afternoon. The breeze from the Han River was much more comfortable than air conditioning.
In the evening, I walked across the Han River Bridge again. At sunset, the river was a golden-red color. Locals strolled along the bank, and I was tempted to join them.
🍜 Don't miss the hot noodles and vegetable tofu at the riverside night market. A bowl costs only five yuan; it's sour, spicy, and appetizing. After eating, I went back to the hotel, and I needed a light blanket at night.
2️⃣ Quzhou|Zhejiang
Quzhou summers are truly cool, especially Kaihua. The entire Kaihua county is surrounded by mountains, and the temperature is four or five degrees lower than in the city center. In the morning, I went to the Root Palace Buddhist Cultural Park, which is full of giant root carvings. The halls have high ceilings, making it surprisingly cool compared to the 38-degree Celsius weather outside.
📍 Enter from the south gate. After seeing the Hall of Five Hundred Arhats, head straight to the bamboo forest on the back mountain. That area is less crowded, with bamboo leaves providing ample shade. The wind rustles through the bamboo tips, making you want to stay. Tickets are 120 yuan, but buying online in advance saves 10 yuan. The light softens after 4 pm, making it the best time to photograph the root carvings.
In the afternoon, I drove to Jianglang Mountain, a one-and-a-half-hour drive. Jianglang Mountain is a Danxia landform, with three stone pillars rising abruptly from the ground. There's a large lawn at the foot of the mountain, but the wind is incredibly strong, making it difficult to open your eyes.
⏰ Enter the mountain after 6 pm. The light is softer, making hiking less sunburnt. Reach the summit to watch the sunset; the entire mountain is bathed in orange-red hues.
⚠️ Don't try to descend in the dark; the mountain path is steep, and it gets dark quickly after 7:30 pm. The ancient town of Ershibadu at the foot of the mountain is less crowded at night, and the cool breeze flows through the old houses, making it much more comfortable to stay overnight than in the city.
3️⃣ Zhumadian|Henan
Zhumadian is hot in summer, but the mountains offer a different experience. Chaya Mountain is a rocky mountain. If you enter before 9 am and reach the Tianmo Lake section, the lake water absorbs all the heat, and the breeze blowing from the lake is refreshingly cool.
📍 Enter from the North Gate, walk along the lakeside boardwalk, and circle to Feilai Stone. This section has plenty of shade, perfect for a leisurely stroll. Tickets are 70 yuan, half price for students. ⏰ After 11 am, the boardwalk gets crowded, so go early.
In the afternoon, head to Laole Mountain, a 40-minute drive from Chaya Mountain. Laole Mountain has a high altitude, and the wind is strong at the summit, causing the temperature to drop by 10 degrees Celsius. You can drive up to the halfway point; the remaining section of the boardwalk offers views of the plains below, and the wind is so strong you can't even keep your hat on. There's an old temple on the mountaintop. Sitting on the stone steps at the temple entrance, the wind makes you sleepy.
🍜 There's a farmhouse restaurant at the foot of the mountain. Their stewed chicken with mushrooms is a large portion; one pot is enough for two people, costing around 40 yuan per person.
⚠️ The fog is heavy on Laole Mountain in the evening. It's safer to descend before 5 pm. The mountain road is winding, so drive slowly.
4️⃣ Jinzhong|Shanxi
Summers in Jinzhong aren't extremely hot, but you should know the temperature difference between the ancient city and the mountains. Pingyao Ancient City is scorching hot during the day, the sun is directly overhead, and the stone paths are burning your feet. But after 6 pm, the shadows cast by the city walls lengthen, and the wind blows in through the city gates, making it cool quickly.
📍 Enter through the South Gate. First, stroll along the Ming and Qing Dynasty Street, then go up the city wall. It's windy at the top of the wall. A complete walk takes about an hour, offering panoramic views of the city's gray-tiled rooftops. A combined ticket for the ancient city costs 120 yuan, including the city wall and various shops, valid for two days. Don't rush to see everything in one day.
Choose between the Qiao Family Compound and the Wang Family Compound; I'd choose the Wang Family Compound. Located in Jingsheng Town, it's built against a mountain and is three times larger than the Qiao Family Compound. The walls are high, the alleys are narrow, and in summer, it's as cool as a cave. The Qiao Family Compound is famous, but it's crowded and commercialized; taking photos is a struggle. The Wang Family Compound costs 55 yuan for admission, is less crowded, and allows for a more leisurely appreciation of the brick carvings.
Mianshan Mountain in Jiexiu is a true summer retreat. It's at a high altitude, and the mountain is covered in trees; a jacket is necessary.
🚄 From Pingyao, take the high-speed train to Jiexiu (20 minutes), then a taxi to the mountain (40 minutes). The Mianshan Mountain entrance fee plus the sightseeing bus costs 110 yuan. Shuitaogou Valley in the mountains is the coolest spot; walking along the boardwalk, you'll hear only the sound of water. Wear long pants in summer; there are many mosquitoes in the forest.
5️⃣ Leshan|Sichuan
Leshan is hot in summer, but Emei Mountain is a completely different world. It's 38 degrees Celsius at the foot of the mountain, but only 12 degrees Celsius at the Golden Summit—can you believe it?
🚄 Take the high-speed train to Emeishan Station, then take the scenic bus up the mountain. It's a two-hour ride to Leidongping. As soon as you get off the bus, a blast of cold air hits you—you need to put on a jacket immediately. The Golden Summit is 3,000 meters above sea level; the wind is strong, and the sea of clouds is surging. When the sun comes out, the entire mountaintop is bathed in golden light.
⚠️ No matter how hot it is, you need to bring a down jacket to the Golden Summit. You can rent a coat for 30 yuan on the mountain, but they get dirty.
In the afternoon, descend the mountain to visit the Leshan Giant Buddha. The core of the Giant Buddha scenic area is the Nine-Bend Plank Road. Go down from the side of the Buddha's head and walk around the Buddha. The river breeze is blowing fiercely, but the plank road is narrow, and it can be very congested when it's crowded.
⏰ Go in as soon as it opens at 8 am; there are fewer people, so you can take your time. Tickets are 80 yuan. ⚠️ On weekends and holidays, the queue can be as long as two hours or more; try to go on a weekday.
After seeing the Giant Buddha, head straight to Zhanggong Bridge for some "Qiaojiao Beef" (a type of beef soup). The beef broth is delicious, and dipped in a dry sauce, it's a satisfying meal for around 40 yuan per person.
🍜 After eating, head to the riverbank for the night view. The silhouette of the Sleeping Buddha on the opposite bank is clearly visible in the lights.
6️⃣ Fuyang|Anhui
Fuyang summers aren't cool, but Balihe is an exception. Balihe is a large wetland park with a wide expanse of water. The wind blowing from the lake carries moisture, making it three or four degrees cooler than the city.
📍 Enter from the east gate and walk along the lakeside boardwalk. Both sides are lined with lotus flowers, which are in full bloom in late July and early August. The wind rustles the lotus leaves, filling the air with fragrance. Tickets are 80 yuan. ⏰ Enter the park after 3 pm when the sun is setting and the lake is shimmering, making it the best time for photos.
There's a small island in the park covered with willow trees. Benches are placed under the shade of the trees, and once you sit down, you won't want to move.
⚠️ Don't take the cruise ship; it's stuffy inside. Walk on the boardwalk instead.
🍜 There's a restaurant called Balihe Fish Restaurant outside the park. Their fish head stew with tofu is incredibly delicious, and it costs around 50 yuan per person. Back in the city in the evening, the food at Fuyang Night Market is cheap; skewers are 5 yuan a skewer, but don't eat too much, it's too hot.
7️⃣ Dalian|Liaoning
In Dalian's summer, it's in the twenties (Celsius). With the sea breeze, you don't even feel the heat. On the first day, go to Jinshitan Beach. 📍 It's directly accessible by Light Rail Line 3, a one-hour ride. The seawater at Jinshitan is clear, and the sand is soft and cool to the touch when you walk barefoot.
⏰ Go after 4 pm; the sun isn't too strong, the sea breeze is just right, and you can get great photos of the golden beach. Be sure to pull your hat down on the boardwalk near the geological park, as it can be windy by the sea.
On the second day, go to Tiger Beach Ocean Park. The ticket is 220 yuan, not cheap, but there are many shows, and you can see dolphins and beluga whales.
⚠️ Don't buy food in the park; it's expensive and not very tasty. Bring your own food. In the afternoon, head to Xinghai Square, the most comfortable place in Dalian. Take a walk along the coastal path; the sea breeze is so strong it could blow you away. The sunset in the evening, with its orange-purple sky and the sea, is a photogenic sight.
Tangli Lake Park is located west of the city. It's less crowded, the lake is calm, and a walk around the lake takes about an hour. It's a popular spot for locals to stroll.
🍜 In the evening, go to Zhongshan District and find a seafood stall. Try the spicy stir-fried clams and grilled squid; it's about 80 yuan per person, and the seafood is incredibly fresh.
8️⃣ Chifeng|Inner Mongolia
In Chifeng, summers are hot during the day but cool in the mornings and evenings. You need to close the windows and cover yourself with a blanket at night. The Hasihatu Stone Forest Tourist Area was the furthest stop on this trip, 📍 a two-hour drive from Chifeng city. The road conditions are good, but avoid driving at night. The stone formations are situated on the grassland, with towering boulders and a particularly strong wind. Even in August, the wind carried a chill, invigorating the senses.
⏰ Arrive after 3 PM. The sunlight shines obliquely on the stones, clearly revealing their textures and lengthening the shadows. No filters are needed for photos. The entrance fee is 110 yuan. There's no shade inside the scenic area, so bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.
🍜 There's a Mongolian yurt restaurant near the entrance. Hand-pulled mutton with milk tea costs around 60 yuan per person, and the meat is incredibly delicious.
On the way back to the city, the sunset over the grassland was spectacular. The entire sky was a vibrant orange-red, and the wind blowing into the car was so refreshing it made you want to sing. We stayed overnight in Chifeng city and found a hot pot restaurant. The mutton was freshly sliced, and the broth was clear. It cost around 50 yuan per person. After eating, the wind picked up, and you needed a jacket.