Four cool and refreshing destinations for family trips from June to August
Four Cool Family-Friendly Destinations for Summer Retreat (June-August) ✌️
🧊 Introduction
The weather starts getting hot at the end of June 🔥, and kids can't stay home during summer vacation. Instead of forcing yourselves to brave the heat to visit tourist attractions, why not choose naturally cool destinations—forests, wetlands, bamboo forests, and grasslands 🌿? Temperatures are all in the low 20°C, perfect for short sleeves during the day and a jacket at night 🧥. The following four destinations offer experiences like chasing golden monkeys in a primeval forest 🐒, playing in lotus ponds on a small boat 🪷, boating and feeding deer in a royal garden 🦌, and trekking through bamboo forests to see pandas 🐼. Kids will have a blast, and adults won't have to sweat while taking care of them.
🌲 Shennongjia | A Nature Classroom in a 20°C Primeval Forest
Shennongjia is nestled in the mountains of western Hubei Province. The average summer temperature is only 20°C. Vast primeval forests block out the heat, resulting in an incredibly high concentration of negative oxygen ions. Children from the city often remark that "the air is sweet."
The most exciting place for children is Golden Monkey Ridge. Walking along the gentle forest trails, you might be lucky enough to spot wild golden monkeys leaping among the trees. Staff will explain the monkeys' habits, making it much more engaging than watching a documentary. At the deer park, you can feed the free-roaming deer. The baby deer are gentle and friendly; children squat down to feed them carrots, and the deer nuzzle their hands – a scene that adults and children alike find hard to leave.
Dajiuhu Wetland is another world entirely. Take the scenic train around the lake. The lake reflects the blue sky and meadows, and black swans glide slowly through the reeds. Children can feed them bread. The wetland boardwalk is gently sloping, making it easy to push a stroller. The short hiking trail at Shennongding is densely shaded, with streams and wildflowers along the way, allowing you to learn about rare plants as you walk – like an outdoor biology lesson.
A sightseeing bus connects all the core attractions within the scenic area, eliminating the need for driving or carrying heavy loads, making it easy for both the elderly and children to enjoy. In the evening, check into Pingqian Ancient Town. The temperature is cool, and the night market is bustling with activity. The light and nourishing medicinal dishes like Tianma chicken and cured pork ribs are perfect for children to enjoy while adults feel the mountain breeze, washing away the day's fatigue.
As for food, Shennongjia's Tujia cuisine mainly features stews and steamed dishes, not too spicy, making it popular with children. Local specialties include cured pork stir-fried with wild vegetables, stir-fried potatoes with Zha Guangjiao (a type of chili), and lazy tofu, all available for a large meal for around 40-50 yuan per person.
Accommodation suggestion: Stay in Pingqian Ancient Town or Muyu Town. There are many guesthouses to choose from nearby. Book a week in advance during peak season. Three days is just right to visit Jinhouling, Dajiuhu, Shennongding, and Luyuan – a leisurely pace. The temperature difference between day and night is significant in the mountains, so bring a light jacket for the children; short sleeves are fine during the day.
🪷 Puzhehei | 22°C Boat Trip into a Sea of Lotus Flowers
Puzhehei is located in Wenshan Prefecture, Yunnan Province. The average summer temperature is 22°C, neither too hot nor too cold. June to August is the peak season for lotus blossoms, with over 30,000 acres of lotus ponds covering the water, pink and white flowers crowding together. Sitting on the boat, the view is like stepping into a painting 🎨.
The most fun is taking a small willow-leaf boat through the lotus ponds 🚣. The boat is small, just right for a family. The boatman uses a bamboo pole to navigate through the lotus leaves, the splashing water feeling cool and refreshing. Children have water fights with other children on nearby boats 🔫, while adults lie at the bow watching the lotus flowers and blue sky. Laughter and the sound of water blend together – this is what summer should be like. The lake is relatively shallow, making it safer for children to play in the water, but remember to bring two sets of clothes as they'll definitely get soaked during water fights 👕.
Besides the lotus flowers, the karst landscape of Puzhehei is also worth seeing. Climbing Qinglong Mountain offers a panoramic view of the entire lake area; the mountain isn't high and can be reached in half an hour. The summit provides a wide vista, encompassing peaks, lakes, and villages. Swan Lake Scenic Area has a migratory bird habitat, where children can get up close to egrets and moorhens—a peaceful and wild experience 🦆.
The food is a hidden gem in Puzhehei ✨. Lotus leaf omelets are fragrant and crispy, and the colorful rice, dyed with natural plants, is a favorite with children. Lotus flower pastries are a local specialty dessert. There's also sour soup pig's feet and grilled wild fish—the flavors are tangy and spicy, appetizing but not overpowering; the clear soup version is perfect for children.
Accommodation suggestion: Stay in Puzhehei Village or Xianrendong Village; guesthouses offer views of the lotus ponds right from the window. Two days and one night is just right. The first day is spent boating to admire the flowers and having a water fight; the second day involves climbing Qinglong Mountain for panoramic views and visiting Swan Lake. The pace is relaxed and not rushed. Be sure to protect yourself from the sun; Yunnan's UV rays are strong, so a hat and sunscreen are essential 🧴.
🦌 Chengde Bashang | 22°C Royal Summer Resort + Grassland Fun
Chengde was the summer retreat of the Qing Dynasty emperors, a fact that speaks volumes. The Mountain Resort boasts an average temperature of 22°C, with ancient trees reaching for the sky and expansive lakes. Enjoy boat rides to admire the mountains, rocks, and pavilions, and children can even feed deer on the islands. This "royal summer retreat" experience is unique in China 👑.
The Mountain Resort itself is a huge family paradise. You can boat on the lake to see lotus flowers, roam freely among sika deer and peacocks 🦚 in the mountains, and fly kites and run laps on the wide grasslands of the plains 🪁. Children under 12 years old can enter most scenic areas free of charge, saving a family of three several hundred yuan on entrance fees alone 💰. The colorful Tibetan-style architecture of the Eight Outer Temples is a fascinating subject for children, offering stories of ethnic integration during the Qing Dynasty that are far more engaging than textbooks.
A two-hour drive north of Chengde lies the Bashang Grassland. Saihanba is a vast man-made forest with over 80% forest coverage, boasting incredibly fresh air. The Ulan Butong Grassland is even more expansive, offering horseback riding, grass skiing, and archery. Children riding horses across the grassland are so excited they'll tell their classmates for days. The shallow, flat shores of Shandian Lake provide a delightful spot for splashing and collecting stones. Watching the sunset over the grassland in the evening is a must, with the sky ablaze with color, and at night you can even see the Milky Way – a starry sky unlike anything you'll see in the city.
As for food, Chengde's roasted lamb leg and hot pot lamb are must-try dishes, the meat tender and not gamey. Chengde cold noodles, sliced pork, and Nansha cakes are local specialties that children love. The Mongolian yurt restaurants on the Bashang Grassland offer a unique experience of hand-pulled mutton and milk tea, a truly immersive experience 🥛.
Accommodation suggestion: Spend one night in Chengde city to visit the Mountain Resort and the Eight Outer Temples, and one night on the Bashang Grassland for horseback riding and stargazing. A three-day, two-night stay is just the right pace, avoiding rushing and fatigue. Families from Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei can reach Chengde directly by high-speed rail in one hour, or by car 🚗. Be aware of the significant temperature difference between day and night on the grassland; a light jacket or windbreaker is essential.
🎋 Anji | A Cool World Amidst 22°C Bamboo Forests
Anji, located in Huzhou, Zhejiang, is entirely covered by bamboo forests, with a forest coverage rate exceeding 70%. Summer temperatures are 6 to 8°C lower than in Hangzhou and Shanghai. Stepping off the high-speed rail from the city into the bamboo forest, the lush greenery blocks out the heat, and the air is filled with the fresh scent of bamboo 🍃, providing a moment of respite for both adults and children.
The Bamboo Expo Park is a favorite among children. This place is home to giant pandas, a national treasure 🐼, whose leisurely munching on bamboo in the bamboo forest is incredibly soothing. Next door, there's a bamboo weaving workshop where children can make their own bamboo ornaments – a simple and fun intangible cultural heritage experience, and they can even take their creations home as souvenirs 🎁. The Anji branch of the Zhejiang Museum of Natural History is free to enter 🆓, offering a comprehensive collection of dinosaur fossils, marine life, and geological science exhibits, making it an excellent indoor option for families with children on hot days.
Canglong Hundred Waterfalls is a water paradise 💦. The entire valley is filled with flowing streams, and gentle, shallow beaches are everywhere. Bring water guns and fishing nets for some fun and water activities. The shade of the trees completely blocks out the sun, allowing children to soak in the cool streams and catch small fish, while adults sit on nearby rocks enjoying the breeze – a cool and comfortable experience without getting sunburned or tired.
Jialebi Amusement Park features a children's water playground, a steam train, and a rainbow slide 🎢 – a perfect way to burn off energy. During the summer holidays, there are also molten iron fireworks performances at night! 🔥 The molten iron is shot out, creating a shower of golden sparks that leave children mesmerized.
Anji's cuisine is light and easy on the stomach, making it especially suitable for children. Bamboo rice is made by steaming glutinous rice wrapped in fresh bamboo tubes; the aroma of bamboo fills the air when the lid is opened. 🍚 White tea chicken is made by stewing local free-range chicken with Anji white tea, resulting in a clear and flavorful broth. Stir-fried bamboo shoot soup and dried bamboo shoot and old duck soup are local specialties, low in oil and spice, and loved by children.
Accommodation Recommendation: Anji boasts abundant homestay resources, ranging from family-friendly themes to secluded bamboo forest retreats. Book three days in advance during peak season. A two-day, one-night stay is perfect: the first day includes visits to the Bamboo Expo Park and Natural History Museum, and the second day features canyon trekking and water activities at Canglong Waterfall – a relaxed pace. It's within an hour's high-speed rail journey from Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai, making it suitable for weekend getaways. Be aware that there are many mosquitoes in the mountains, so mosquito repellent is essential. 🦟
💡 Travel Tips📝
Common characteristics of the four destinations: average temperature 20-22°C, wear short sleeves during the day, and a jacket in the morning and evening. Mosquitoes are plentiful in mountainous and grassland areas, so bring mosquito repellent for children and a light long-sleeved jacket. For water-related destinations, pack two extra sets of clothes and non-slip sandals. June to August is peak season, so be sure to book guesthouses and attraction tickets online in advance. Travel with children at a slower pace; one main attraction per day is enough, and don't skip lunchtime rest 😴, a well-rested child means a quieter family.
During summer vacation, avoid crowded tourist spots with your kids. Find a cool, small town to relax in, let the children run wild among the mountains, forests, lakes, and grasslands, and enjoy the cool 20°C breeze 🌿
Four Cool Family-Friendly Destinations for Summer Retreat (June-August)✌️
🧊 Introduction
The weather starts getting hot at the end of June 🔥, and the kids can't stay home during summer vacation. Instead of braving the heat to visit tourist attractions, why not choose naturally cool destinations—forests, wetlands, bamboo forests, and grasslands🌿? Temperatures are all just over 20°C, perfect for short sleeves during the day and a jacket at night🧥. The following four destinations offer fun experiences: chasing golden monkeys in a primeval forest🐒, playing in lotus ponds on a small boat🪷, boating and feeding deer in a royal garden🦌, and tracing streams in a bamboo forest to see pandas🐼. Kids will have a blast, and adults won't have to sweat while taking care of the kids.
🌲 Shennongjia | A Natural Classroom in a 20°C Primeval Forest
Shennongjia is located in the mountains of western Hubei. The average summer temperature is only 20°C. Vast primeval forests block out the heat, resulting in an incredibly high concentration of negative oxygen ions🌬️. Children from the city exclaimed, "The air is sweet!"
The most exciting place for children is Golden Monkey Ridge. Walking along the gentle forest trails, you might be lucky enough to spot wild golden monkeys leaping among the trees. Staff will explain the monkeys' habits, making the experience far more engaging than watching a documentary. At the deer park, you can feed the free-roaming fawns. The baby deer are gentle and friendly; children squat down to feed them carrots, and the fawns nuzzle their hands – a scene that adults and children alike won't want to leave.
Dajiuhu Wetland is another world entirely. Take the scenic train around the lake, where the blue sky and meadows are reflected in the water. Black swans glide slowly through the reeds, and children can feed them bread. The wetland boardwalk is entirely flat, making it easy to push a stroller. The short hiking trail at Shennongding is densely shaded, with streams and wildflowers along the way. Learn about rare plants as you walk, like attending an outdoor biology class.
The entire scenic area is connected by a sightseeing bus, linking all the core attractions. No need to drive or carry heavy loads, making it easy for both the elderly and children to enjoy the area. We checked into Pingqian Ancient Town in the evening. The temperature was cool, and the night market was bustling with activity. The local dishes, like Tianma chicken and cured pork ribs, were light and nourishing. The kids enjoyed hot soup while the adults felt the mountain breeze, completely washing away the day's fatigue.
As for food, the Tujia cuisine in Shennongjia mainly features stews and steamed dishes, not too spicy, making it popular with children. Stir-fried cured pork with wild vegetables, stir-fried potatoes with chili peppers, and lazy tofu are all local specialties. A large meal can be had for around 40-50 yuan per person.
Accommodation suggestion: Stay in Pingqian Ancient Town or Muyu Town. There are many guesthouses to choose from nearby. Book a week in advance during peak season. Three days is just right to visit Jinhouling, Dajiuhu, Shennongding, and Luyuan – a leisurely pace. The temperature difference between day and night in the mountains is significant, so bring a light jacket for children; short sleeves are fine during the day.
🪷 Puzhehei | A Boat Trip into a Sea of Lotus Flowers at 22°C
Puzhehei, located in Wenshan Prefecture, Yunnan Province, boasts an average summer temperature of 22°C, perfect for its mild climate. From June to August, the lotus flowers are in full bloom, covering over 30,000 acres of ponds. Pink and white blossoms crowd together, creating a scene straight out of a painting from a boat 🎨.
The most fun activity is navigating the lotus ponds in a small willow-leaf boat 🚣. The boats are small, just right for a family. The boatman navigates through the lotus leaves with a bamboo pole, the splashing water feeling refreshing. Children have water fights with kids on neighboring boats 🔫, while adults relax at the bow, enjoying the lotus flowers and blue sky. Laughter mingles with the sounds of water – this is what summer should be like. The lake is relatively shallow, making it safer for children to play in the water, but remember to bring two sets of clothes – you'll definitely get soaked during the water fights 👕.
Besides the lotus flowers, Puzhehei's karst landscape is also well worth seeing. Climbing Qinglong Mountain offers panoramic views of the entire lake area. The mountain isn't high, taking only half an hour to climb. The summit provides a breathtaking vista, encompassing peaks, lakes, and villages. Swan Lake Scenic Area features a migratory bird habitat, allowing children to get up close to egrets and moorhens – a tranquil and wild experience.
The food is a hidden gem in Puzhehei! Lotus leaf omelets are fragrant and crispy, while the colorful rice, dyed with natural plants, is a favorite with children. Lotus flower pastries are a local specialty dessert. There's also sour soup pig's feet and grilled wild fish, all with a tangy and spicy flavor that's appetizing but not overpowering. For children, the clear soup version is perfect.
Accommodation Recommendation: Stay in Puzhehei Village or Xianrendong Village. Guesthouses offer views of the lotus ponds right from the window. A two-day, one-night stay is ideal. The first day can be spent boating and water play with the flowers, followed by a hike up Qinglong Mountain for panoramic views and a visit to Swan Lake – a relaxed and unhurried pace. Remember to protect yourself from the sun; Yunnan's UV rays are strong, so hats and sunscreen are essential.
🦌 Chengde Bashang | 22°C Royal Summer Resort + Grassland Fun
Chengde was the summer retreat of the Qing Dynasty emperors, a fact that speaks volumes. The Mountain Resort boasts an average temperature of 22°C, with ancient trees reaching for the sky and expansive lakes. Enjoy boat rides to admire the mountains, rocks, and pavilions, and children can even feed deer on the islands – this "royal summer retreat" experience is unique in China 👑.
The Mountain Resort itself is a huge family-friendly paradise. Boat trips on the lake to see lotus flowers, free-range deer and peacocks 🦚 in the mountains, and wide lawns in the plains perfect for kite flying and running laps 🪁. Children under 12 get free admission to most scenic spots, saving a family of three several hundred yuan on entrance fees alone 💰. The colorful Tibetan-style architecture of the Eight Outer Temples offers children a fascinating tale of ethnic integration during the Qing Dynasty, far more interesting than textbooks.
A two-hour drive north of Chengde lies the Bashang Grassland. Saihanba is a vast man-made forest with a forest coverage rate exceeding 80%, offering air so fresh it's practically a lung-cleansing experience. Ulanbutong Grassland is even more expansive, offering horseback riding, grass skiing, and archery – kids will be thrilled after a ride across the grassland, telling their classmates for days. The shallow waters and gentle beaches of Shandian Lake provide endless fun for splashing and collecting stones. Watch the sunset over the grassland in the evening, with the sky ablaze with color, and at night you can even see the Milky Way – a starry sky unlike anything you'll see in the city.
As for food, roasted lamb leg and hot pot lamb in Chengde are must-try dishes, the meat tender and not gamey. Chengde cold noodles, sliced pork, and Nansha cakes are local specialties that kids love. At the Mongolian yurt restaurants on the Bashang Grassland, you can experience hand-pulled mutton and milk tea, a truly special experience.
Accommodation suggestion: Stay one night in Chengde city to visit the Mountain Resort and the Eight Outer Temples, and one night on the Bashang Grassland for horseback riding and stargazing. A three-day, two-night trip is just the right pace—not rushed, not tiring. Families from the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region can reach Chengde in just one hour by high-speed rail, or conveniently by car. Be aware of the significant temperature difference between day and night on the grasslands; a light windbreaker or jacket is essential.
🎋 Anji | A Cool World in a 22°C Bamboo Forest
Anji, located in Huzhou, Zhejiang, is entirely covered by bamboo forests, with a forest coverage rate exceeding 70%. Summer temperatures are 6 to 8°C lower than in Hangzhou and Shanghai. Stepping off the high-speed rail from the city into the bamboo forest, the lush greenery blocks out the heat, and the air is filled with the fresh scent of bamboo. Adults and children alike can breathe a sigh of relief.
The Bamboo Expo Park is a favorite among children. Home to giant pandas, the sight of them leisurely munching on bamboo in the forest is incredibly soothing. Next door, there are bamboo weaving workshops where children can make their own bamboo ornaments—a simple and fun intangible cultural heritage experience, and they can even take their creations home as souvenirs. The Anji branch of the Zhejiang Museum of Natural History is free to enter 🆓, offering a comprehensive collection of dinosaur fossils, marine life, and geological science exhibits—a perfect indoor option for families with children on hot days.
Canglong Hundred Waterfalls is a water paradise 💦. The entire valley is filled with flowing streams and gentle, shallow beaches; bring water guns and fishing nets for a fun-filled day of swimming and wading. The shade of the trees completely blocks out the sun, allowing children to soak in the cool water and catch small fish while adults relax on nearby rocks in the breeze—a comfortable and stress-free experience.
Jialebi Amusement Park features a children's water playground, a steam train, and a rainbow slide 🎢—perfect for burning the midnight oil. During summer evenings, there's also a spectacular iron-sparkling performance 🔥, where molten iron is shot out, creating a shower of golden sparks that will leave children mesmerized.
Anji's cuisine is light and easy on the stomach, making it especially suitable for children. Bamboo rice, made by steaming glutinous rice wrapped in fresh bamboo tubes, releases a wonderfully fragrant aroma when the lid is opened 🍚. White Tea Chicken uses local free-range chicken stewed with Anji white tea, resulting in a clear and flavorful broth. Stir-fried Bamboo Shoot Soup and Dried Bamboo Shoot and Old Duck Soup are local specialties, low in oil and spice, and loved by children.
Accommodation Recommendation: Anji boasts abundant homestay resources, ranging from family-friendly themes to bamboo forest retreats. Book three days in advance during peak season. A two-day, one-night stay is perfect: Day 1 at the Bamboo Expo Park and Natural History Museum, Day 2 for Canglong Hundred Waterfalls (stream tracing and water activities) – a relaxed pace. It's within an hour's high-speed rail journey from Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai, making it suitable for weekend trips. Be aware of mosquitoes in the mountains and forests, so mosquito repellent is essential.
💡 Travel Tips📝
Common characteristics of the four destinations: Average temperature between 20-22°C; wear short sleeves during the day and a jacket in the mornings and evenings. Mosquitoes are more prevalent in mountainous and grassland areas, so bring children's mosquito repellent and a light long-sleeved jacket. For water-related destinations, pack two sets of clothes and non-slip sandals. June to August is peak season; be sure to book homestays and attraction tickets online in advance. Traveling with kids requires a slower pace. One main attraction per day is enough, and don't skip lunchtime naps 😴. A well-rested child means a quieter family.
During summer vacation, avoid crowded tourist spots. Find a cool, small town to relax in, let the kids run wild amidst the mountains, forests, lakes, and meadows, and let yourself breathe in the cool 20°C breeze 🌿