I personally tested six routes for avoiding the summer heat; they were so quiet you could hear the wind.
Everyone says that to escape the summer heat, you have to flock to western Sichuan and Guizhou, but all you'll find are crowds of people and infuriating traffic jams. I, however, refused to believe it. These six routes are genuinely cool, with so few people you can hear the wind rushing through the canyons. Without further ado, from southwest to northeast, and then back to the southeast coast, I've tested the waters at every stop.
01 Qianxinan Buyi and Miao Autonomous Prefecture | Guizhou
In Xingyi during summer, the temperature is only in the mid-twenties Celsius in the mornings and evenings. The midday sun is intense, but the wind is cool. Head straight to the Maling River Canyon. Don't take the elevator; walk down the trail. Waterfalls burst overhead, and the spray is much more comfortable than an air-conditioned room.
⏰ I recommend arriving before 9 am when the sunlight shines obliquely into the canyon, allowing you to capture rainbows at the waterfalls. After 10 am, tour groups flood in, and queues start forming on the boardwalk. In the afternoon, head to Wanfenglin. Don't rush to take the sightseeing bus; first, ride an electric scooter into the narrow paths between the rice paddies. The Buyi ethnic villages are scattered throughout the rice fields. After 6 PM, when the tourists have left, the entire peak forest is yours to enjoy.
⚠️ Remember, don't trust the touts at the scenic area entrance offering "panoramic views through back paths." Use your GPS to navigate to "Xia Nahui Village"—the free viewing platform there offers a more expansive view than the paid ones. Stay overnight in a guesthouse within the Wanfenglin scenic area; you'll hear the frogs croaking in the rice paddies right outside your window—much better value than staying in the city.
02 Lingshui County | Hainan
Who says coming to Hainan means only going to Sanya to catch sand clams? Lingshui's sea is more pristine, and there are fewer people. The water visibility at Fenjiezhou Island is extremely high; don't choose scuba diving, snorkeling is enough—the fish will be right at your feet.
⏰ Arrive on the island before the first ferry, before 9:30 AM. You can relax on the beach freely. After 10 AM, the day tour crowds arrive, and you'll only see heads. Nanwan Monkey Island was a pleasant surprise. Taking the cross-sea cable car there, you'd see densely packed fishing rafts below, where the Tanka fishermen made their living on the water. The monkeys on the island are truly wild; if your backpack zipper isn't fastened properly, it'll be snatched away in a second.
⚠️ Don't buy bananas to feed the monkeys on the island; they'll swarm you. Don't ask me how I know. In the afternoon, head back to Lingshui County and have a bowl of sour rice noodles. The sour and spicy flavor, paired with fried shrimp cakes, is even more delicious than a seafood feast. If you're bringing children, you can easily spend half a day on Monkey Island, but don't bring strollers—the stairs are so numerous you'll question your existence.
03 Mudanjiang City | Heilongjiang
In August, Mudanjiang is so cold you need a blanket at night—an experience that southerners can't even imagine. The Diaoshuilou Waterfall at Jingpo Lake has an incredibly powerful flow; standing on the viewing platform, the mist will soak you through.
⏰ There are diving performances every day at 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM. Make sure you go at the right time and don't miss them. Don't take the full cruise; turn back at Baishilazi. The scenery is repetitive in the second half, but the ticket price isn't cheap. Mudanjiang city is actually underrated. Take a walk along the riverside path in the evening; the breeze is refreshing, and you'll see locals swimming in the river. One old man suddenly dove in, which made my heart skip a beat.
🍜 I recommend trying the traditional Guo Bao Rou (sweet and sour pork) at a well-established restaurant on Dongyi Road. It's made in the old style, with a wonderfully fragrant vinegar aroma—completely different from the Harbin version.
⚠️ Eating in the Jingpo Lake scenic area is expensive and the food is terrible. Bring your own snacks and have a good meal later.
04 Quanzhou | Fujian
Quanzhou isn't the kind of city that immediately wows you; you have to explore slowly. Don't climb the entire Qingyuan Mountain. Take a taxi to Laojunyan, see the Song Dynasty stone statues, and then head down. The view from the top is so-so; save your energy for the old town. Quanzhou's cliff carvings are scattered across Jiuri Mountain and Qingyuan Mountain. Don't bother looking for them; just take a look when you pass by. The true essence lies in the ancient city. Chongwu Ancient City is worth a special trip. It's a stone city by the sea, with the beach right below the city walls. At high tide in the evening, the waves can reach the base of the walls.
⏰ The light is softest at dusk, perfect for taking stunning silhouette photos of the ancient city. Visit Kaiyuan Temple in the morning when there are fewer tourists. The East and West Pagodas look particularly solemn in the morning light, and the ancient banyan trees inside provide ample shade, making it a comfortable place to sit and daydream.
⚠️ You can take photos of the twin pagodas from the rooftop of the visitor center on West Street, but it's backlit in the afternoon; go in the morning for better lighting. Eat as much Quanzhou snacks as you like—rice noodle soup with fried dough sticks, crispy fried pork with vinegar—don't just focus on the trendy shops; any stall in the alleys is delicious.
05 Manzhouli City | Inner Mongolia
Manzhouli is a magical place, full of Russian-style buildings, even the streetlights are shaped like matryoshka dolls. You might feel like you're in a foreign country. Honestly, the Matryoshka Doll Scenic Area is expensive. It's basically a large amusement park; an hour is enough for taking photos and checking in. Don't spend a whole day there.
⚠️ The real surprise is the Northern Xinjiang Pearl Tower next to the National Gate Scenic Area. Climbing the tower offers a panoramic view of the tri-border area, far more worthwhile than the Matryoshka Doll Scenic Area. In the evening, be sure to stroll along the Sino-Soviet Golden Street, lined with Russian goods shops. But don't rush to buy anything; prices are inflated. Compare prices before making a purchase.
⏰ The sunset in Manzhouli is particularly late. It's still light at 8 pm, and the blues begin at 9 pm when all the streetlights come on, making the whole city look like a fairytale.
🍜 I recommend trying the hand-pulled mutton at the "Grassland Restaurant," a local favorite. Dipped in wild leek flower sauce, the aroma is irresistible and much more authentic than the Russian food in the scenic area. Manzhouli has a large temperature difference between day and night, so remember to wear a jacket when going out at night.
06 Haidong City | Qinghai
Haidong is an overlooked gem on the way to Qinghai Lake. At the Huzhu Tu Ethnic Homeland Park, the Tu women's embroidery skills are captivating; colorful silk threads embroider sunflower patterns on black cloth, each stitch with its own story.
⏰ There's a Tu ethnic wedding performance at 10 AM, where visitors can participate and enjoy a lively atmosphere—much more interesting than simply viewing an exhibition. Youning Temple is hidden deep in the mountains, with few tourists, only devout believers circumambulating the temple. Built halfway up the mountain, the prayer flags flutter overhead as you climb the stairs, overlooking the villages in the valley—a truly tranquil experience.
⚠️ Haidong is at an altitude of over 2,000 meters. Most people don't experience altitude sickness, but avoid strenuous activity. Climb the stairs to Youning Temple slowly, taking breaks as needed.
🚄 It only takes half an hour by high-speed train from Xining to Haidong, more convenient than driving, and a day trip is possible.
07 Yulin City | Guangxi
Yulin may not be widely known in Guangxi, but Darongshan National Forest Park is a true gem. Known as the "Southern Alpine Meadow," it sits at an altitude of over 1000 meters, with summer temperatures ten degrees Celsius lower than at the foot of the mountain; you'll need a quilt at night.
⚠️ Navigate directly to "Darongshan Lotus Peak" to avoid the visitor center and save half an hour. There's a camping site on the mountain; bringing your own tent incurs a site fee, while tent rentals are slightly expensive.
⏰ The best time to see the sea of clouds is at dusk. After rain, the rolling clouds in the valleys are comparable to those in western Sichuan. There are farmhouses at the foot of the mountain offering freshly killed free-range chicken soup—it's incredibly delicious.
🍜 I recommend ordering a plate of Bobai water spinach; it's crisp, tender, and fiberless—you won't find this texture outside of Yulin.
⚠️ Signal strength is weak on the mountain; download an offline map beforehand to avoid getting lost. Suitable for driving up the mountain, but the roads are winding, so beginners should proceed with caution.
08 Wuxi City | Jiangsu Province
Wuxi summers are sweltering, but Nianhua Bay is an exception at night. This Tang Dynasty-style street features light shows and performances at night, with flowing water and Zen-inspired lighting creating a fantastic atmosphere. However, avoid going during the day; the sun makes the replica ancient buildings look very fake.
⚠️ Tickets are over 100 yuan. If you're just taking photos, two hours is enough. Don't buy a combined night ticket, as the content is repetitive. The Lingshan Grand Buddha is worth half a day; the murals and dome in the Brahma Palace are breathtaking. The Nine Dragons Bathing Buddha performance is punctual and gives you goosebumps. Visit Huishan Ancient Town in the evening; the old houses in the ancestral halls are covered with trumpet creeper vines, and the setting sun turns the stone paths a warm orange.
🍜 For snacks, I recommend Huishan tofu pudding, a savory dish served with crispy fried cakes. Relax in an old teahouse by the river, listening to locals play the erhu; life moves at a leisurely pace. The CCTV Film and Television Base, specifically the Three Kingdoms and Water Margin City, is worth visiting with children, but the entrance fee is expensive, and it's heavily commercialized. A quick visit is sufficient.
Of the eight routes I visited, Haidong and Manzhouli were the most surprising. One was unbelievably quiet, the other as magical as a movie. Escaping the summer heat doesn't have to be about famous mountains and rivers; finding a less-traveled spot for a couple of days can be cool and peaceful. Where are you planning to go this summer? Share your thoughts in the comments; maybe I can help you avoid some pitfalls.
Everyone says that to escape the summer heat, you have to flock to western Sichuan and Guizhou, but you'll only find crowds and infuriating traffic jams. I refused to believe it. These six routes were genuinely cool, with so few people you could hear the wind rushing through the valleys. No more suspense! From southwest to northeast, then back to the southeast coast, we've tested the waters at every stop.
01 Qianxinan Buyi and Miao Autonomous Prefecture | Guizhou
In Xingyi during summer, the temperature is only in the mid-20s Celsius in the mornings and evenings. The midday sun is intense, but the wind is cool. Head straight to the Maling River Canyon. Don't take the elevator; walk down the trail. Waterfalls burst overhead, and the spray is much more comfortable than an air-conditioned room.
⏰ We recommend arriving before 9 am. The sunlight shines obliquely into the canyon, and you can capture rainbows at the waterfalls. After 10 am, tour groups flock in, and queues start forming on the boardwalk. In the afternoon, go to Wanfenglin. Don't rush to take the sightseeing bus; first, ride an electric scooter into the paddy fields. Buyi villages are scattered among the rice paddies. After 6 pm, the tourists leave, and the entire peak forest is yours to enjoy.
⚠️ Remember, don't believe the touts at the scenic area entrance offering "a panoramic view via back paths." Navigate to "Xia Na Hui Village" yourself; the free viewing platform there is even more expansive than the paid ones. Staying in a guesthouse within the Wanfenglin Scenic Area at night, with the sounds of frogs croaking in the rice paddies right outside your window, is much better value than staying in the city.
02 Lingshui County | Hainan
Who says coming to Hainan means only going to Sanya to catch sand clams? The sea in Lingshui is more pristine, and there are fewer people. The water visibility at Fenjiezhou Island is extremely high; don't choose scuba diving, snorkeling is enough, and schools of fish will brush against your feet.
⏰ Arrive on the island before the first ferry, before 9:30 AM, and you can relax on the beach freely. After 10:00 AM, the day tour crowds arrive, and you'll only see heads. Nanwan Monkey Island is a pleasant surprise. Take the cross-sea cable car there; below, densely packed fishing rafts stand, where the Tanka fishermen live their lives on the water. The monkeys on the island are truly wild; if your backpack isn't properly zipped up, it'll be snatched away in a second.
⚠️ Don't buy bananas to feed the monkeys on the island; they'll swarm you. Don't ask me how I know. In the afternoon, head back to Lingshui County and have a bowl of sour rice noodles. The sour and spicy flavor, paired with fried shrimp cakes, is even better than a seafood feast. If you have children, you can spend most of the day on Monkey Island, but don't bring strollers—the stairs are so numerous you'll question your existence.
03 Mudanjiang City | Heilongjiang
In August, Mudanjiang is so hot you need a blanket at night—an experience southerners can't even imagine. The Diaoshuilou Waterfall at Jingpo Lake has an incredibly powerful flow; the mist will soak you through when you stand on the viewing platform.
⏰ There are diving performances every day at 10 AM and 2 PM. Make sure you go at the right time and don't miss them. Don't take the entire boat tour; turn back at Baishi Lazi. The scenery is repetitive in the second half, but the ticket price isn't cheap. Mudanjiang city proper is surprisingly underrated. A stroll along the riverside path in the evening is refreshingly cool. Locals swim in the river; one old man suddenly dove in, which startled me.
🍜 I recommend trying the traditional Guo Bao Rou (sweet and sour pork) at a well-established restaurant on Dongyi Road. The old-fashioned preparation and the aroma of vinegar are irresistible—completely different from Harbin's version.
⚠️ Eating in the Jingpo Lake scenic area is expensive and the food is terrible. Bring your own snacks and have a good meal later.
04 Quanzhou | Fujian
Quanzhou isn't the kind of city that immediately wows you; you have to explore it slowly. Don't climb the entire length of Qingyuan Mountain. Take a taxi to Lao Jun Yan, see the Song Dynasty stone statues, and then head down. The view from the summit is so-so; save your energy for the old town. Quanzhou's cliff carvings are distributed on Jiuri Mountain and Qingyuan Mountain. Don't specifically look for them; just glance at them as you pass by. The real essence is in the ancient city. Chongwu Ancient City is worth a special trip. It's a stone city by the sea, with the beach right beneath the city walls. At high tide, the waves can reach the base of the walls.
⏰ The light is softest at dusk, perfect for taking stunning silhouette photos of the ancient city. Visit Kaiyuan Temple in the morning when there are fewer tourists. The East and West Pagodas look particularly solemn in the morning light, and the ancient banyan trees inside provide ample shade, making it a comfortable place to sit and daydream.
⚠️ You can take photos of the twin pagodas from the rooftop of the visitor center on West Street, but it's backlit in the afternoon; go in the morning for better lighting. Eat as much Quanzhou snacks as you like—rice noodle soup with fried dough sticks, crispy fried pork with vinegar—don't just stick to the trendy shops; any stall in the alleys is delicious.
05 Manzhouli City | Inner Mongolia
Manzhouli is a magical place, full of Russian-style buildings, even the streetlights are shaped like matryoshka dolls; it feels like you're abroad. The Matryoshka Doll Scenic Area is honestly expensive; it's basically a large amusement park. An hour is enough for taking photos; don't spend a whole day there.
⚠️ The real surprise is the Northern Frontier Pearl Tower next to the National Gate Scenic Area. Climbing the tower offers a panoramic view of the tri-border area, far more worthwhile than the Matryoshka Doll Scenic Area. In the evening, be sure to stroll along the Sino-Soviet Golden Street, lined with Russian goods shops, but don't rush to buy; prices are inflated, compare prices before making a purchase.
⏰ The sunset in Manzhouli is exceptionally late. It's still light at 8 pm, and the blues begin at 9 pm when all the streetlights come on, transforming the city into a fairytale world.
🍜 I recommend trying the hand-pulled mutton at the local favorite "Grassland Restaurant," dipped in wild leek flower sauce. The aroma is absolutely divine, much more authentic than the Russian food in the scenic areas. Manzhouli experiences significant temperature differences between day and night, so remember to wear a jacket in the evening.
06 Haidong City | Qinghai
Haidong is an overlooked gem on the way to Qinghai Lake. At the Huzhu Tu Ethnic Homeland Park, the Tu women's embroidery skills are captivating; colorful silk threads embroider sunflower patterns on black cloth, each stitch with its own story.
⏰ There's a Tu ethnic wedding performance at 10 AM, where visitors can participate and enjoy a lively atmosphere—much more interesting than simply viewing an exhibition. Youning Temple is hidden deep in the mountains, with few tourists, only devout believers circumambulating the temple. Built halfway up the mountain, the prayer flags flutter overhead as you climb the stairs, overlooking the villages in the valley—a truly tranquil experience.
⚠️ Haidong is at an altitude of over 2,000 meters. Most people don't experience altitude sickness, but avoid strenuous activity. Climb the stairs to Youning Temple slowly, taking breaks as needed.
🚄 It only takes half an hour by high-speed train from Xining to Haidong, more convenient than driving, and a day trip is possible.
07 Yulin City | Guangxi
Yulin may not be widely known in Guangxi, but Darongshan National Forest Park is a true gem. Known as the "Southern Alpine Meadow," it sits at an altitude of over 1000 meters, with summer temperatures ten degrees Celsius lower than at the foot of the mountain; you'll need a quilt at night.
⚠️ Navigate directly to "Darongshan Lotus Peak" to avoid the visitor center and save half an hour. There's a camping site on the mountain; bringing your own tent incurs a site fee, while tent rentals are slightly expensive.
⏰ The best time to see the sea of clouds is at dusk. After rain, the rolling clouds in the valleys are comparable to those in western Sichuan. There are farmhouses at the foot of the mountain offering freshly killed free-range chicken soup—it's incredibly delicious.
🍜 I recommend ordering a plate of Bobai water spinach; it's crisp, tender, and fiberless—you won't find this texture outside of Yulin.
⚠️ Signal strength is weak on the mountain; download an offline map beforehand to avoid getting lost. Suitable for driving up the mountain, but the roads are winding, so beginners should proceed with caution.
08 Wuxi City | Jiangsu Province
Wuxi summers are sweltering, but Nianhua Bay is an exception at night. This Tang Dynasty-style street features light shows and performances at night, with flowing water and Zen-inspired lighting creating a fantastic atmosphere. However, avoid going during the day; the sun makes the replica ancient buildings look very fake.
⚠️ Tickets are over 100 yuan. If you're just taking photos, two hours is enough. Don't buy a combined night ticket, as the content is repetitive. The Lingshan Grand Buddha is worth half a day; the murals and dome in the Brahma Palace are breathtaking. The Nine Dragons Bathing Buddha performance is punctual and gives you goosebumps. Visit Huishan Ancient Town in the evening; the old houses in the ancestral halls are covered with trumpet creeper vines, and the setting sun turns the stone paths a warm orange.
🍜 For snacks, I recommend Huishan tofu pudding, a savory dish served with crispy fried cakes. Relax in an old teahouse by the river, listening to locals play the erhu; life moves at a leisurely pace. The CCTV Film and Television Base's Three Kingdoms and Water Margin City is worth visiting with children, but the entrance fee is expensive, and it's heavily commercialized. A quick visit is sufficient.
Of the eight routes I visited, Haidong and Manzhouli were the most surprising. One was incredibly quiet, the other was like something out of a movie. Escaping the summer heat doesn't have to be about famous mountains and rivers; finding a less-traveled spot for a couple of days can be cool and peaceful. Where are you planning to go this summer? Let's chat in the comments; maybe I can help you avoid some pitfalls.