Where to go in August? Save these 8 lesser-known cool summer getaway towns to avoid any pitfalls
🌾1. Ruoergai (Sichuan)
Ruoergai: In August, the Huahu wetland blooms with wildflowers, the Yellow River’s nine bends offer spectacular sunsets, and the plateau climate is dry and comfortable. The self-driving loop has few people and offers a peaceful experience.
Best time: August for lush wetland flowers, September for yellowing grasslands, and evenings for the best sunset light along the river
Transport: Take high-speed rail to Chengdu, then self-drive or carpool along the western Sichuan loop to explore all of Ruoergai
Must-do summer activities: Walk around Huahu Lake, watch the sunset at the Yellow River’s nine bends, hike the grasslands around Langmu Temple
Photo tips: Shoot aerial views of the winding Yellow River, backlight wetland water birds, use wide-angle for panoramic grasslands
Food: Tibetan-style earthen hot pot, highland barley cakes, yak beef noodles. Local restaurants are affordable
Avoid pitfalls: Strong UV on the plateau—use sun protection. Large temperature difference between day and night—bring a jacket. Do not trample private herders’ grasslands
🌾2. Sunan Kangle Grassland (Gansu)
Sunan Kangle Grassland: Backdropped by snow-capped Qilian Mountains, rich in Yugur ethnic culture, summer average temperature is 18°C, few tourists for a relaxing visit
Best time: August for green grass and wildflowers everywhere, early mornings with sea of clouds in the mountains create a strong scenic atmosphere
Transport: High-speed rail to Zhangye, then short self-drive to the Sunan Kangle grassland area
Must-do summer activities: View snow mountains and grasslands from the grassland lookout, visit the outskirts of Matisi Temple, hike gentle mountain boardwalks
Photo tips: Capture distant views of snow mountains and meadows together, frame prayer flags against blue sky, catch panoramic shots of misty grasslands in the morning
Food: Hand-pulled yak meat, butter tea, Yugur specialty noodles. Rural family restaurants offer great value
Avoid pitfalls: Slow your pace on the plateau and bring sun protection. Respect local Yugur customs
🌊3. Gouqi Island (Zhoushan, Zhejiang)
Gouqi Island: Clear blue sea, unique marine ranch scenery, abandoned village covered in greenery, fewer tourists in September for a quiet, comfortable vacation
Best time: August–September on clear evenings, soft light on the sea, perfect for sunset shots over the water
Transport: High-speed rail to Zhoushan Shengsi, then ferry to the island. Rent an electric scooter to get around
Must-do summer activities: Enjoy mountain and sea views, explore the abandoned village on foot, beachcombing and shell collecting on rocky shores
Photo tips: Aerial shots of mussel farms, long exposure of waves hitting rocks, silhouette portraits at sunset over the sea
Food: Fresh mussels, fisherman's mixed fish stew, seafood noodles. Buying seafood at the market and cooking yourself is cheaper
Avoid pitfalls: Book ferry tickets in advance. Island prices are high—bring your own drinking water and snacks. Watch out for slippery rocks
🌊4. Qushan Island (Zhoushan, Zhejiang)
Qushan Island: Giant wind turbines line the coast, pristine and quiet bays, small salt-drying villages, low travel costs and a relaxed pace
Best time: August–September during low tide for beachcombing, beautiful sunset views with wind turbines along the coast
Transport: High-speed rail to Ningbo, then combined bus and ferry to Qushan Island. Use electric scooters to tour the island
Must-do summer activities: Bike along the coastal road by the wind turbines, swim at Huangsha Beach, experience traditional salt drying at ancient salt fields, stroll through fishing villages
Photo tips: Horizontal framing of wind turbines along the coast, backlit sunset silhouettes at the bay, distant shots of ancient salt fields
Food: Steamed sea fish, seaweed soup, fisherman's rice cakes. Local village shops are affordable
Avoid pitfalls: Check ferry schedules in advance. Be careful on slippery coastal rocks. Leave tidal flats promptly at high tide
🌲5. Maolan (Qiannan, Guizhou)
Maolan: Pristine karst peak forest with intersecting valleys, streams and caves throughout the forest. August has abundant water, making mountain hiking cool and pleasant
Best time: August for lush trees and full streams, September for dry weather and comfortable valley temperatures
Transport: High-speed rail to Sandu County, then self-drive or local bus to Maolan Nature Reserve
Must-do summer activities: Hike and wade in Qinglongtan Gorge, stroll across Wuyan Bridge, explore caves lightly, enjoy views from the peak forest lookout
Photo tips: Aerial shots of emerald pools, portrait shots with forest light spots, long exposure for silky stream water
Food: Buyi ethnic sour fish soup, fern cakes, sticky rice, bayberry juice. Local rural restaurants are inexpensive
Avoid pitfalls: Do not leave trails when exploring caves. Wear non-slip shoes for water crossings. Protect electronics from water damage
🌲6. Baishanzu (Qingyuan, Lishui, Zhejiang)
Baishanzu: Thousand-year-old fir forest offers shade and coolness, mountain streams are refreshing, small ancient covered bridge villages, convenient for short trips from Jiangsu and Zhejiang
Best time: August–September mornings with swirling mountain mist, daytime forest temperatures steady around 20°C for comfort
Transport: High-speed rail to Lishui Station, direct bus to Qingyuan County, self-drive to Baishanzu Scenic Area and nearby ancient villages
Must-do summer activities: Walk wooden boardwalks in Baishanzu forest, wade in shallow mountain streams, leisurely stroll the ancient Rulong covered bridge
Photo tips: Shoot tall fir trees from below, capture panoramic misty mountain forests, frame the depth of ancient covered bridges
Food: Qingyuan mushroom stew with free-range chicken, yellow rice cakes, stir-fried wild vegetables with eggs. Rural dishes are hearty and affordable
Avoid pitfalls: Bring mosquito repellent for dense forest insects. Stay on marked trails. Avoid steep slopes during rainy season
🍃7. Dashanbao (Zhaotong, Yunnan)
Dashanbao: Vast highland alpine meadows, Ji Gongshan Grand Canyon often covered in sea of clouds, summer average temperature 19°C, ideal for quiet, slow travel
Best time: August for blooming meadow wildflowers, early mornings with canyon cloud seas, excellent lake mist viewing
Transport: High-speed rail to Zhaotong Station, then short carpool or self-drive to Dashanbao Dahai Wetland area
Must-do summer activities: Walk around Dahai Lake, view Ji Gongshan Grand Canyon, picnic and relax on alpine meadows
Photo tips: Aerial panoramic shots of canyon cloud seas, backlit shots of plateau lakes, wide shots of meadows with blue sky and white clouds
Food: Zhaotong small meat skewers, roasted mountain potatoes, buckwheat porridge. Street food in town offers great value
Avoid pitfalls: High altitude—slow your pace. Strong UV—use sun protection. Bring a light jacket for mornings and evenings
🍃8. Qiyue Mountain (Lichuan, Enshi, Hubei)
Qiyue Mountain: Qinba mountain highland grasslands dotted with wind turbines, Tenglong Cave with constant cool temperature, low overall cost for a worry-free summer stay in a small town
Best time: August for dry mountain climate, beautiful sunset views of wind turbines on grasslands, cave temperature is always comfortable
Transport: High-speed rail directly to Lichuan Station, accessible by local bus or self-drive to Qiyue Mountain and Tenglong Cave areas
Must-do summer activities: Self-drive and walk the Qiyue Mountain grasslands, explore Tenglong Cave for cool relief, hike gentle mountain trails to relax
Photo tips: Wide-angle shots of wind turbine grasslands, atmospheric cave light and shadow shots, silhouette portraits at sunset on grasslands
Food: Tujia-style gege (steamed buns), cured pig’s trotters hot pot, Baiyang dried tofu. Local small restaurants have moderate prices
Avoid pitfalls: Cave temperature is low—bring a light long-sleeve shirt. Mountain roads have many bends—drive slowly and carefully