Avoid the summer crowds! This hidden gem has beautiful scenery, fewer people, and saves you money
People say summer is only for hiding in air-conditioned rooms? But some places stay just above 20°C in July, with scenery that looks like it’s filtered. These 8 spots—from the picturesque landscapes of Zhejiang and Anhui to the cool grottoes in the northwest—are reachable by high-speed train within 2 hours, and flights are also very affordable. Pick a place and go enjoy the breeze.
01 Quzhou | Zhejiang
You’ll understand why locals avoid saying “summer getaway” here—it’s just too comfortable in summer, and they don’t want the secret out.
⏰ At 9 AM, start at the Gen Palace Buddhist Culture in Kaihua. Don’t be put off by “Buddhist kingdom”—it’s actually a huge root carving art park. Indoors, root carvings are densely displayed, with light filtering through the skylights onto the ancient wood, filling the air with the scent of wood. The best part is the air conditioning inside, cool enough to wear a jacket. After the root carvings, step outside and turn into the nearby old street to buy a cup of herbal jelly with a strong mint flavor that refreshes your mind.
📍 In the afternoon, head to Jianglang Mountain and Nianbadu. The ancient buildings of Nianbadu are hidden in a valley, with stone paths polished smooth by time and old houses with trumpet creeper flowers at their doors. Don’t enter through the main gate; take the creekside path behind the mountain. The sounds of flowing water, cicadas, and closing doors blend together, giving a feeling of stepping back to a Republic of China afternoon.
⚠️ Don’t order too much farmhouse food in Nianbadu—the portions are very generous. For two people, one “three heads and one palm” dish plus a vegetable is enough.
02 Shangrao | Jiangxi
In summer, Shangrao feels like two different places—shivering cold on the mountaintop and sweating hot at the foot.
Torn between Sanqing Mountain and Wuyuan Jiangwan? I’ll choose for you: if you’re with elders or kids, go for Wuyuan Jiangwan and Huangling. Sanqing Mountain is famous for its unique peaks and strange rocks, but the stairs are exhausting. Wuyuan’s Jiangwan is flatter, with old houses and drying platforms just a few steps away. ⏰ After 5 PM, the light is perfect, with golden sunlight on the Hui-style horse-head walls—every photo is a hit.
If you’re young, strong, and love photography, don’t miss the West Coast plank road on Sanqing Mountain. It runs along a cliff with clouds below and the sun above (though the temperature is only 24°C). When tired, rest on the stone benches along the path; a cool breeze will dry your sweat.
⚠️ The drying platforms in Huangling are a year-round feature, so don’t only think about visiting in autumn. Skip Guifeng if you’re short on time—it’s similar to Sanqing Mountain.
03 Tianshui | Gansu
Summer in Gansu isn’t just desert and barbecue; there’s coolness hidden in the mountains.
First question: can you visit Maiji Mountain and Wushan Water Curtain Cave in one day? Yes, but it’s exhausting. I suggest choosing one: for thrilling World Heritage sites, go straight to Maiji Mountain. The plank road hangs dozens of meters above the cliff, making your legs weak. For a truly off-the-beaten-path experience, Wushan Water Curtain Cave is better. The grotto is behind a waterfall, with icy creek water—step in barefoot and the summer heat instantly disappears.
Second question: what should you eat in Tianshui? At 6 AM outside Fuxi Temple, there’s a no-sign hand-pulled noodle stall with a tricycle.
🍜 The noodles come in wide and narrow types; choose wide for more chewiness. Add a spoonful of chili oil; the vinegar is the soul—don’t add more yourself, their ratio is just right.
Third question: how to plan your day? Morning at Fuxi Temple (just stroll, no guide needed), lunch at the noodle stall outside the temple, then taxi to Maiji Mountain (about 30 minutes). ⏰ Go up the mountain after 4 PM; the light filtering through the trees onto the grotto is ten times more beautiful than at noon.
04 Turpan | Xinjiang
Turpan? Why go there with temperatures over 40°C? Locals say it’s hot, but comfortably hot.
If you’re coming for Flaming Mountain, it’s not worth it. Just look from afar; going in at noon is like roasting yourself. The real gem is the Kumtag Desert.
🚄 Take the bullet train from the city to Shanshan North in just 20 minutes. The desert is paradise after 6 PM. Barefoot on the scorching sand, then run to the shade—the sand cools instantly.
⏰ Stay until sunset; the desert’s fiery clouds will drain your phone battery from all the photos.
If you only have one day, skip Grape Valley (too commercial and expensive). Instead, go to a farmhouse near Turpan city. Find any courtyard with grape arbors. 🌞 The owner will serve chilled watermelon and mixed noodles. Sitting under the grape arbor, it’s 40°C outside but a cool breeze inside—so comfortable you won’t want to leave.
⚠️ Don’t wear flip-flops in the desert; sand gets in and burns your feet. Bring a 1.5-liter bottle of water—you’ll finish it in half an hour, no exaggeration.
05 Pingdingshan | Henan
Henan’s hidden summer getaway is under the Central Plains Giant Buddha.
Many think Pingdingshan is just coal mines, but the Yao Mountain–Central Plains Giant Buddha combo is especially worth visiting in summer.
⏰ Climb Yao Mountain in the morning. It’s not high but has streams alongside, and the whole path is shaded. The water is icy cold. There are water stalls selling Nongfu Spring for 3 yuan. Halfway up, you can see the back of the Buddha’s head—a view far more impressive than looking up from below.
After descending, head straight to the Central Plains Giant Buddha scenic area. ⏰ Go after 3 PM when there are fewer people and the sunlight casts a golden glow on the Buddha. Don’t take the electric cart; it’s about a 1 km walk inside, with camphor forests and koi fish released along the way.
🍜 On the right side of the exit alley is an old noodle shop famous for helo noodles with rich broth. Be sure to add a marinated egg.
06 Baoding | Hebei
How to enjoy Baoding in summer? You’ll be bouncing between “cultural air conditioning” and “mountain + water air conditioning.”
Here’s the conclusion: trying to visit Qingxi Mausoleum, Baishi Mountain, Yesanpo, and Baiyangdian in one day is a dream. My route is: Qingxi Mausoleum in the morning, Baishi Mountain in the afternoon. Qingxi Mausoleum is much quieter than Qingdong Mausoleum, with ancient pines towering and pine needles covering the ground. Walking in, the coolness rises from your feet. 📌 The glazed tiles of Tail Mausoleum sparkle in the sun. Don’t shoot from the front; the side lighting is better.
Baishi Mountain is another world.
⏰ Take the cable car to the top in the afternoon. The temperature is about 10°C cooler than at the foot. The plank road runs along the white ridge, with a deep abyss below and blue sky above. The wind is strong enough to blow your hat off.
⚠️ Bring a light jacket; the mountain wind will make your hair stand on end.
Yesanpo and Baiyangdian deserve a full day each. Baiyangdian’s lotus flowers bloom perfectly in July. Take a boat through the reed marshes; the cool breeze is more refreshing than air conditioning in a city mall.
07 Harbin | Heilongjiang
Who says Harbin is only for winter? July is the best season.
The contrast is striking: 30°C outside, but the Volga Manor is a cool Russian oasis. 🎄 The manor’s castle and church sit by the Ash River, with a river breeze that feels like early autumn. Rent a small boat to row on the lake—sunshine above, cool water below, surrounded by white birch forests. This is the true way to enjoy summer in northeast China.
At noon, visit Saint Sophia Cathedral. Don’t focus on the church itself; watch the pigeons in the square.
⏰ At 2 PM, pigeons fly over the church’s green onion dome—a scene better than any influencer spot. The church is now an architectural art museum with few exhibits, so no need to buy tickets.
🍜 The Madieer ice cream on Central Street isn’t a popsicle but a creamy milk brick. Don’t buy it on the street; go to the old shop. It’s 5 yuan each, with a rich milky flavor that melts in your mouth.
🍜 For authentic Guobaorou (sweet and sour pork), go to Lao Chu’s. It’s an old brand, not trendy, with crispy fried pork slices and a sweet and sour taste.
08 Ya’an | Sichuan
Ya’an, a city washed by rain year-round, is full of negative ions.
There’s only one destination—Bifeng Gorge—but it’s enough for a whole day.
⏰ Enter the park at 8 AM and start on the left canyon plank road. The path is built along the cliff, beside rushing waterfalls and streams. The mist hits your face, and within half an hour, your sun-exposed skin feels cool.
After the canyon, visit the panda base. There are fewer pandas here than in Chengdu, but the air is fresh and the crowds are small. You can stand by the fence to watch pandas napping and eating bamboo. 🐼 The biggest surprise is a small teaching center where you can learn panda trivia, like how they poop 40 times a day.
⚠️ The paths in Bifeng Gorge are slippery; wear non-slip shoes. Bring a raincoat—Ya’an rains whenever it wants, and umbrellas are inconvenient.
Among these 8 places, my favorites are the hand-pulled noodles in Tianshui and the sunset in Turpan. How about you? Share in the comments which one moves you the most.
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