Explore 10 cool summer destinations across China, featuring mild temps (10-33°C), family-friendly hikes, and cultural sites. Ideal for a refreshing escape.
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Summer in China can be hot and humid. That is why many travelers head up to the mountains or vast grasslands, where the air is cooler and the scenery is refreshing.
China offers countless destinations that are perfect for a summer escape. If you are looking for a relaxing family holiday or a nature retreat, here are some of our favorite places to visit in China during the summer.
Harbin
If summer heat is not your thing, Harbin is one of China's best warm-weather escapes. You might think of its spectacular ice and snow festival, but summer reveals a completely different side of Harbin.
The city has a fascinating international heritage. In the early 20th century, Harbin developed under Russian influence. At the heart of the city is Zhongyang Dajie, a lively pedestrian street lined with elegant European-style buildings.
Beyond the city centre, you can stroll through the expansive Sun Island Scenic Area to enjoy peaceful riverside scenery. The pleasant summer temperatures combine with a unique blend of Chinese and European charm make Harbin an ideal destination for travelers seeking a refreshing summer escape.
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 a beautiful sunset.
Meet animals in Harbin Polarland and Siberian Tiger Park.
Satisfy your appetite with food on Zhongyang Pedestrian Street.
Explore the history of Harbin in the 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 one of China's most attractive coastal cities. Famous as the home of Tsingtao Beer, the city blends seaside charm with a fascinating international history.
The Tsingtao Brewery was established by German settlers in the early 1900s, and their brewing traditions helped create the crisp lager that is still enjoyed around the world today.
Each summer, the city comes alive during the Qingdao International Beer Festival. Beer Street is at the heart of the celebrations, where you can enjoy freshly grilled seafood, local specialties, and an ice-cold glass of Tsingtao beer in a lively outdoor setting.
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 a wonderful destination for travelers looking to experience wide-open landscapes. Home to some of the world's largest natural grasslands, the region offers an unforgettable glimpse into the nomadic way of life.
Summer is the best time to visit. The grasslands are at their most beautiful time with rolling green meadows and grazing horses stretching to the horizon. It is also an ideal season to venture into the deserts of central and western Inner Mongolia, where dramatic sand dunes create a striking contrast to the lush landscapes elsewhere in the region.
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 one of northwest China's most spectacular summer destinations. This province offers a refreshing escape from the summer heat. Known for its crystal-clear lakes and rich Tibetan heritage.
The province takes its name from Qinghai, meaning "Blue Sea," a reference to its magnificent lakes. The highlight is Qinghai Lake, the largest saltwater lake in China. Surrounded by rolling grasslands and distant snow-capped mountains.
It is one of the country's most breathtaking landscapes. During summer, wildflowers bloom along the shoreline, making it an ideal destination for a peaceful walks in nature.
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 a paradise for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Hike up to the towering rock pillars and pass through the lush forests. Cool mountain air creates the perfect conditions for hiking. The park's extraordinary landscapes are inspired by the floating mountains featured in the film Avatar.
Another must-visit attraction is the stunning Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, famous for its dramatic cliffs. If you want to enjoy an unforgettable panoramic view, take the world's longest cable car to the summit of Tianmen Mountain. Standing high above the clouds, you'll enjoy one of the most remarkable views in all of China.
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 one of China's most fascinating provinces, stretching along the historic Hexi Corridor. It was once a vital section of the ancient Silk Road, connecting China with Central Asia and beyond.
The province is rich in historical treasures. You can discover from ancient trading towns and centuries-old forts to beacon towers and sections of the Great Wall. Gansu is also home to remarkable Buddhist grottoes that showcase some of China's finest religious art.
Its landscapes are just as diverse as its history. Explore vast deserts, climb rolling sand dunes, hike through rugged mountain scenery, or discover colourful geological formations that seem almost otherworldly.
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
A visit to Kulangsu Island is a highlight of any trip in Fujian. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is special for its elegant colonial-era architecture with a vibrant artistic atmosphere. It is the perfect place for a leisurely stroll while enjoying a cup of coffee in a relaxing cafés.
Another must-see is the remarkable Fujian Tulou, the traditional earthen homes of the Hakka people. These unique circular and square buildings have sheltered generations of families for centuries. This building offers a fascinating insight into one of China's most distinctive cultural traditions.
For those seeking nature, Wuyi Mountain provides a refreshing escape from the summer heat. Hike through lush forests to enjoy spectacular mountain views or drift along the famous Nine Bend Stream on a traditional bamboo raft. Together, these unforgettable experiences make Fujian an uniqle destination like no other in China.
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 mountains to the coast, Guilin is the perfect summer escape. Renowned for its breathtaking karst peaks and timeless countryside.
Hop on a bamboo raft on the fresh Yulong River, and the journey offers stunning views of the karst landscape. Explore the spectacular Reed Flute Cave, filled with colourful limestone formations that have been shaped over millions of years. Another highlight is the magnificent Longji Rice Terraces, where layers of emerald-green fields cascade down the mountainsides.
Far from the crowds of the big cities, Guilin invites you to slow down and experience the charm of rural China. You can either walk through traditional villages or cycle along country lanes; Guilin offers a refreshing summer retreat.
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
For families with senior members, a Yangtze River cruise is one of the most relaxing and rewarding ways to experience China during the summer.
As your ship glides through the magnificent Three Gorges, you will enjoy dramatic cliffs, misty mountains, and picturesque riverside towns. Along the way, you will visit remarkable attractions such as the Three Gorges Dam, the mysterious Fengdu Ghost City, and the historic White Emperor City.
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
Yunnan's cool climate and natural beauty make it the perfect escape from the summer heat. Begin your journey in Lijiang, home to the magnificent Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and the beautifully preserved Lijiang Ancient Town.
For adventure seekers, Tiger Leaping Gorge offers one of the world's most rewarding hiking experiences. This dramatic canyon is carved by the Jinsha River, features unforgettable trails.
Continue to Shangri-La, one of Yunnan's true hidden gems. Surrounded by majestic mountains, alpine lakes and vast grasslands. This peaceful region offers a unique blend of Tibetan culture and unspoiled nature. Yunnan promises a summer journey you will never forget.
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 between nature and animals in Pudacuo National Park and Jingmai Mountain.
Experience various 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.
For more travel inspiration and more details about your summer trip, Chat with one of our friendly local travel consultants on WeChat: Expatsholiday or email: [email protected] for personalized itineraries.
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