The coolest places from July to September? Add them to your travel plans
1. Liupanshui, Guizhou
Cool introduction
Known as China’s cool capital, the average temperature from July to September is 19℃. The plateau climate is dry and not humid, with almost no hot or stuffy weather. Gentle breezes make day and night comfortable.
Transportation
High-speed trains from major cities across the country go directly to Liupanshui Station. You can carpool or drive to nearby grasslands and lakes. City buses cover local attractions.
Must-see attractions
Wumeng grassland, Jiucaiping, Yeyuhai mountain resort, Shuicheng ancient town, Beipan River viewing platform.
Recommended accommodation
Economy chain hotels in the city, farm stays near the grasslands, and monthly rental apartments for long stays offer great value.
Local specialties
Shuicheng lamb noodles, baked pot, buckwheat jelly, Panxian ham.
Tips to avoid pitfalls
Strong UV rays on the plateau require good sun protection. Agree on a total price before horseback riding on the grasslands to avoid last-minute charges. It gets cool in the mountains early and late, so carry a light jacket.
2. Xining, Qinghai
Cool introduction
Known as the summer capital of the plateau, the average temperature from July to September is 18℃. The climate is cool and dry with few mosquitoes. Its high altitude perfectly avoids the intense heat of inland areas.
Transportation
High-speed trains and flights from major cities arrive directly in Xining. Tourist buses or self-driving are available for trips to Qinghai Lake and Chaka Salt Lake loop.
Must-see attractions
Ta’er Monastery, Huangyuan Danggar ancient city, Nanshan viewing platform, Huangzhong countryside trail, Beichan Temple.
Recommended accommodation
Business hotels in the east and west city districts, Tibetan-style guesthouses in the suburbs, and hostels suitable for budget short trips.
Local specialties
Hand-pulled lamb, niangpi (cold noodles), sweet fermented barley drink, baked pot lamb, Qinghai old yogurt.
Tips to avoid pitfalls
Do not enter private pastures for photos without permission to avoid fees. Move slowly on the plateau to prevent mild altitude sickness. Buy yak meat products from scenic spots cautiously.
3. Yichun, Heilongjiang
Cool introduction
Surrounded by the Lesser Khingan Mountains’ forest sea, dense woods provide shade and cooling. Temperatures stay around 20℃ from July to September. It’s a natural forest oxygen bar with little direct sun exposure.
Transportation
High-speed trains from Harbin reach Yichun West Station in 2.5 hours. City buses are convenient. For the forest park, short-distance car rentals or self-driving are recommended.
Must-see attractions
Tangwang River forest and strange stones, Wuying red pine forest, Maolangou, Jinshan deer park, Xishui forest park.
Recommended accommodation
Express hotels in the city, forest guesthouses near attractions, and quiet countryside inns.
Local specialties
Northeast iron pot stew, wild vegetable platters, blueberry products, sticky bean buns, cold water fish.
Tips to avoid pitfalls
Do not leave trails to enter wild forests. Bring long sleeves for large temperature differences between day and night. Avoid buying unknown wild mountain products from roadside vendors.
4. Shennongjia, Hubei
Cool introduction
The original subtropical dense forest creates a natural constant temperature zone. Summer average temperature is 19℃. Deep valleys and cool streams keep the environment refreshing.
Transportation
High-speed trains arrive at Xingshan Station. Transfer to tourist buses to enter the forest area. Self-driving offers the most freedom.
Must-see attractions
Shennong Peak, Dajiuhu wetland park, Tiensheng Bridge, Guanmen Mountain, Tianyan primitive ecological area.
Recommended accommodation
A wide range of hotels and guesthouses in Muyutown, and farm inns near Dajiuhu for easy morning mist viewing.
Local specialties
Shennongjia cured meat, lazy tofu, spicy pepper paste, cold water fish hot pot.
Tips to avoid pitfalls
Bring rain gear as the forest area is rainy. Do not follow unlicensed guides on undeveloped wild trails. Beware of overpriced “wild man souvenirs.”
5. Arxan, Inner Mongolia
Cool introduction
A high-latitude forest town with an average temperature of 18℃ from July to September. Large temperature differences between day and night. Forests and volcanic landforms provide double cooling. Nights are cool, so a light blanket is needed.
Transportation
Flights arrive directly at Arxan Airport, or take a high-speed train to Ulanhot and carpool. Self-driving or car rentals are recommended inside the forest park.
Must-see attractions
Arxan National Forest Park, Unfrozen River, Bailang Peak, Oronbukan, Arxan European-style town.
Recommended accommodation
European-style hotels in the city, guesthouses at the forest park entrance, and budget inns in Yiershi town.
Local specialties
Hand-pulled meat, Northeast iron pot stew, wild vegetables, wild blueberry drinks.
Tips to avoid pitfalls
Avoid low-priced roadside horseback riding sales. The forest park is vast; plan your route to avoid traveling at night. Bring a windbreaker.
6. Shangri-La, Yunnan
Cool introduction
A high-altitude river valley with an average temperature of 17℃ from July to September. The rainy season has short showers. The temperature is cool without stuffiness, and the plateau scenery is very atmospheric.
Transportation
High-speed trains arrive in Lijiang, then transfer by bus or self-drive. Direct flights to Shangri-La Airport are also available. Ideal for touring the northwest Yunnan loop.
Must-see attractions
Potatso National Park, Dukezong ancient town, Songzanlin Monastery, Napahai lake trail, Shika Snow Mountain.
Recommended accommodation
Tibetan-style guesthouses in the old town, hotels near Moonlight Square, and many budget hostels.
Local specialties
Yak meat hot pot, butter tea, highland barley cakes, Nixi native chicken.
Tips to avoid pitfalls
Slow down to prevent altitude sickness. Do not accept khata scarves without consent to avoid forced fees. Be cautious when buying high-priced plateau specialties.
7. Zhagana, Diebu, Gansu
Cool introduction
A deep mountain canyon with enclosed terrain. High mountains and dense forests block heat waves. The climate from July to September is cool and comfortable with constant mountain breezes, making it an excellent summer retreat.
Transportation
Take a high-speed train to Diebu Station, then a short carpool ride to the village. The entire Gannan route offers excellent scenery for self-driving.
Must-see attractions
Four hiking trails in Zhagana, Fairy Beach, Dongwa Village, Locke viewing platform, Yeri Village terraced fields.
Recommended accommodation
Guesthouses in Dongwa Village at the mountain base, inns halfway up the mountain for sunrise views, and budget hotels in the county seat.
Local specialties
Tibetan steamed buns, yak meat hot pot, bracken rice, butter tea.
Tips to avoid pitfalls
Hike within your limits and avoid crossing uninhabited deep mountains. Agree on guide fees at the village entrance in advance. Watch for falling rocks during the rainy season.
8. Barkol, Xinjiang
Cool introduction
A grassland basin in the eastern Tianshan Mountains with an average temperature of 20℃ from July to September. It features both grasslands and lakes, backed by snow-capped mountains. Temperatures are much lower than the northern Xinjiang Gobi, cool and dry.
Transportation
Fly into Hami, then rent a car or self-drive to Barkol. Short-distance buses cover town attractions.
Must-see attractions
Barkol grassland, Gaojia Lake wetland park, Barkol Lake, Strange Stone Mountain, ancient city ruins.
Recommended accommodation
County hotels, grassland yurts, and cost-effective farmhouses in the pastoral area.
Local specialties
Hand-pulled rice, clear stewed lamb from the grasslands, milk skin, baked buns.
Tips to avoid pitfalls
Night temperatures in grassland yurts are very low, so bring warm clothes. Be cautious when choosing private boats by the lake. Do not chase cattle or sheep in the pastoral area.