Just got back and here's a summary: Where's the most comfortable place to escape the heat in August?
01 Guangyuan | Sichuan
I advise you to go to Jianmen Pass early. Depart from Guangyuan city center at 7:30 AM. 🚄 A taxi from the high-speed rail station to the scenic area takes about 40 minutes and costs around 60 yuan. Don't oversleep; arrive at the South Gate before 8:30 AM. Start with the Bird Path; that cliffside walkway is so narrow that only one person can pass sideways, with a sheer drop below. Your palms will sweat, but it's worth it.
⏰ Finish visiting the Bird Path and the gate tower before noon. In the afternoon, the sun will be scorching, the stone steps will be burning your feet, and it will be crowded, halving the experience. The gate tower itself isn't particularly remarkable, but what's truly breathtaking is standing on it and looking north. The mountains look as if they've been cut by a knife; you'll instantly understand the meaning of "the difficult road to Shu." Don't take the cable car down; take the dirt road from the East Gate. It takes about half an hour to reach the Cuiyun Corridor, where ancient cypress trees provide ample shade and it's very cool.
⚠️ Remember, don't buy the peanut candy sold in the scenic area; it's expensive and sticky. It's only 5 yuan a bag at the supermarket down the mountain. If you're not in great shape, skip the bird path and take the cable car up and down, saving two hours but missing out on some excitement. Weigh the pros and cons yourself.
02 Pingxiang|Jiangxi
Wugong Mountain is a master of deception. The photos are full of sea of clouds and meadows, but in reality, it's all sweat. I took the classic route from Shenzi Village up to the Golden Summit, a six-hour hike with a 1200-meter elevation gain. Those with knee problems should definitely turn back. But if you ask if it's worth it, my answer is: yes, provided you choose the right weather.
⏰ The day after the rain, the sun came out, the meadows were a vibrant green, and the sea of clouds spread like a blanket across the mountainside. A phone camera couldn't capture even a tenth of the scene.
🚄 Shared a ride from Pingxiang North Station to Shenzi Village for 30 yuan per person. The drivers were all experienced and drove incredibly fast on the mountain roads. Don't choose a tent for stargazing on the mountain; the wind at night is so strong it can wake you up. Stay at the Golden Summit Inn instead; beds are 120 yuan each, and there are electric blankets—don't worry about the cheapness, they're lifesavers.
🍜 On the way down to Shigu Temple, there's a Pingxiang-style fried rice noodle stall near the entrance. It was so spicy it brought tears to my eyes, but I couldn't stop eating it. A bowl costs 12 yuan, a hundred times better than instant noodles on the mountain.
⚠️ Don't bring too much water. Bottles at the mountaintop supply points cost 8 yuan each. It's expensive, but it saves you from having to throw your bag away halfway through.
03 Tianshui|Gansu
Tianshui is an underrated cool place. The average temperature in summer is 26 degrees Celsius, and you need a light blanket at night. I stayed for two days, and the pace was as slow as the 1990s. On the first day, I went straight to Maijishan. I went in as soon as it opened at 8 am. The grottoes and walkways are suspended on the cliff face; my legs were sore from walking up them, but the clay Buddha statues had gentle expressions that didn't seem like works from over a thousand years ago.
⏰ You must finish seeing everything before noon, otherwise the boardwalk will be jammed with tour groups coming in the afternoon. In the afternoon, go to Fuxi Temple (entrance fee 20 yuan). The temple isn't large, but the ancient cypress trees and the smell of incense create an indescribable tranquility. The next day, go to Wushan Water Curtain Cave, an hour's drive from the city. The cliff carvings inside are wilder than those at Maijishan Grottoes, and there are almost no people, so you can have the entire grotto to yourself.
🍜 The "Guagua" (a type of buckwheat noodle dish) at Tianshui Night Market, made with buckwheat and topped with chili oil, is sour, spicy, and appetizing. It's only 5 yuan a bowl, and I ate two!
⚠️ Ignore the "guides" soliciting customers at the Maijishan Scenic Area entrance. Scan the QR code to listen to the audio guide yourself; you'll save 50 yuan unnecessarily.
04 Xiamen|Fujian
Xiamen is heavily influenced by online trends, but Gulangyu Island is still worth visiting, provided you don't go on weekends.
🚄 Take the subway from Xiamen Station to the cruise terminal. Round-trip tickets are 35 RMB. Buy them a day in advance through their official WeChat account; the queues on-site can be incredibly long. Once on the island, don't follow the crowds onto Longtou Road. Turn right onto Bishan Road; the walls of the old villas there are covered in bougainvillea, less crowded, and perfect for taking photos.
⏰ Sunlight Rock at 5 PM is less crowded and windy, offering a panoramic view of the island's red-tiled roofs and green trees—much better than climbing under the midday sun. The Railway Culture Park is just outside the island; it's free, with walkways converted from old railway tracks, lined with bougainvillea, perfect for resting when you're tired. Nanputuo Temple and the Botanical Garden are next to each other and can be visited together. The vegetarian cakes at the temple are delicious, 15 RMB a box—a great souvenir.
⚠️ The succulent area in the Botanical Garden has the best light after 3 PM, but there are tons of mosquitoes. Remember to use mosquito repellent; don't ask me how I know.
05 Golog Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture | Qinghai
Golog may sound unfamiliar, but I still remember the sunset at the First Bend of the Yellow River. It's an hour and a half drive from Maqin County, the road conditions are so-so, I recommend hiring an off-road vehicle (800 yuan a day, driver also acts as guide), it's worth it.
⏰ Arrive at the viewing platform at 6:30 pm. The Yellow River makes a sharp bend here, the sunset dyes the water golden, and the distant snow-capped mountains reflect a pinkish glow. The wind is so strong it could blow your hat off, but no one wants to leave. The altitude here is 3800 meters, you'll be out of breath after a few steps, don't push yourself, move slowly.
⚠️ Don't stay overnight in the scenic area, the conditions are poor and expensive. Go back to the county town, the hotels are 120 yuan a night with heating, which is sufficient.
🍜 The yak meat buns at the Tibetan restaurant in the county town have thin skins and generous fillings, every bite is full of meat juice, 15 yuan a basket, paired with a bowl of butter tea, it warms you up completely. This area is suitable for experienced drivers; beginners should avoid it, as the road conditions and altitude are not to be underestimated.
06 Yinchuan | Ningxia
Summer in Yinchuan is dry and hot, but comfortable in the shade, unlike the humid south. I spent two days exploring the city and surrounding areas. On the first day, I visited the Western Xia Mausoleums. The entrance fee was 75 yuan. The scenic area bus takes you to the foot of the mausoleum towers. The pyramids, made of loess, stand alone in the Gobi Desert, possessing a desolate beauty when the wind blows.
⚠️ Don't buy "Western Xia script" souvenirs at the entrance; they are all printed and not worthwhile. In the afternoon, I went to the Helan Mountain Rock Paintings. The carvings on the mountain walls, the sun totem and animal patterns, are still clearly visible after thousands of years, more impressive than the artifacts in museums. On the second day, I went to Mingcui Lake Wetland Park, half an hour from the city. Boating in the reeds, with water birds fluttering around you, the entrance fee is 60 yuan including the boat ticket—great value for money. Lingwu Water Cave is further away, but the hidden soldier cave and the Ming Great Wall ruins make you feel like you've traveled back in time. The entrance fee is 80 yuan, worth spending half a day on.
🍜 In the evening, go to Huaiyuan Night Market. Spicy soup and roasted eggs are all you can eat for 10 yuan; locals all go there.
🚄 A taxi from Yinchuan Station to the Western Xia Mausoleum takes about 40 minutes and costs 50 yuan. Don't take an unlicensed taxi.
07 Linyi|Shandong
The Firefly Water Cave in Linyi is the most romantic scenic spot I've ever seen, bar none.
🚄 It's an hour and a half drive from Linyi city. The entrance fee is 120 yuan, including the boat ticket. Upon entering the cave, you first walk through a dry cave section. The stalactites look a bit tacky under the colored lights, but don't worry, the main attraction is yet to come. Take a boat into the underground river. Above you are fireflies, like an inverted starry sky. The boatman shines a flashlight, making the lights twinkle even brighter. The entire cave is quiet except for the sound of the water.
⏰ Entering the cave at 2 PM is the least crowded and the lighting is dimmest, offering the best experience. The Underground Grand Canyon is right next door; you can buy a combined ticket for 180 yuan. The rafting section is particularly thrilling, with water splashing all over you—perfect for summer. I don't recommend climbing Yimeng Mountain; the terrain is too steep, tiring for the elderly and children. It's better to enjoy the scenery at the foot of the mountain and have a meal at a local farmhouse.
🍜 Linyi Fried Chicken: Rich in savory sauce, served with scallion pancakes—authentic Shandong flavor. A meal for around 40 yuan per person, you'll be stuffed.
⚠️ Photography is prohibited inside the firefly cave. Your phone's flash will disturb them, and the staff will be watching you—don't be silly.
08 Jilin
Jilin City is much cooler than Changchun; once you cross the Songhua River, even the wind is cool. Songhua Lake is a must-see. 🚄 A taxi from the city center to Fengman Wharf takes 30 minutes, and the boat ticket is 60 yuan. The boat trip on the lake lasts two hours. The lake water is emerald green, and the mountains on both sides are verdant and wilder than Qiandao Lake.
⏰ Depart at 9 am for the best light on the lake. In the afternoon, the wind and waves get strong, making the boat rock and feel dizzy. I advise you to go to Wusong Island in winter. In summer, it's just an ordinary island in the river with nothing special to see. But if you insist on going in summer, consider it a walk—it's free, and a loop takes about half an hour.
⚠️ Don't eat at the "wild fish feast" at the entrance of Songhua Lake Scenic Area. It's expensive and ordinary. Go back to the city and have a hot pot with pickled cabbage, pork belly, and blood sausage. It costs about 50 yuan per person, and that's the real taste of Jilin.
🍜 In the evening, go to the riverside night market. Grilled cold noodles and fried chicken frames are all you can eat for 10 yuan. The river breeze is much more comfortable than an air-conditioned room. This place is perfect for a leisurely two-day trip. Don't rush to see the sights; just sit by the lake and relax – that's the best way to escape the heat.
Of these eight places, I personally prefer Guangyuan and Guoluo the most. One is thrillingly dangerous, the other breathtakingly beautiful yet lonely. Do you have any travel plans recently? Let's chat in the comments; maybe we can find travel buddies.
01 Guangyuan | Sichuan
I advise you to go to Jianmen Pass early. Depart from Guangyuan city center at 7:30 am. 🚄 Take a taxi from the high-speed rail station to the scenic area; it takes about 40 minutes and costs around 60 yuan. Don't oversleep; arrive at the South Gate before 8:30 am. Start with the Bird Path; that cliffside walkway is so narrow that only one person can pass sideways, with a sheer drop below. Your palms will sweat, but it's worth it.
⏰ Finish visiting the Bird Path and the gate tower before noon. In the afternoon, the sun will be scorching, the stone steps will be burning hot, and it will be crowded – the experience will be halved. The gate tower itself isn't particularly remarkable; what's truly breathtaking is standing atop it and looking north. The mountains appear as if sliced by a knife, instantly making you understand the meaning of "the difficult road to Shu." Don't take the cable car down; take the dirt road from the East Gate. It takes half an hour to reach the Cuiyun Corridor, where ancient cypress trees provide ample shade and a refreshing coolness.
⚠️ Remember, don't buy the peanut candy sold in the scenic area. It's expensive and sticky; a bag costs five yuan at the supermarket at the foot of the mountain. If your stamina is average, skip the Bird Path and take the cable car up and down, saving two hours but missing out on some excitement. Weigh the pros and cons yourself.
02 Pingxiang|Jiangxi
Wugong Mountain is a master of deception. Photos are full of seas of clouds and meadows, but in reality, it's all sweat. I took the classic route from Shenzi Village up to the Golden Summit, a six-hour hike with a 1200-meter elevation gain. Those with knee problems should definitely turn back. But if you ask if it's worth it, my answer is: yes, provided the weather is right.
⏰ The day after the rain, the sun shone brightly, the meadows were a vibrant green, and the sea of clouds spread across the mountainside like a blanket—a scene so beautiful it couldn't be captured even a tenth of the picture on a phone.
🚄 Shared a ride from Pingxiang North Station to Shenzi Village for 30 yuan per person. The drivers were all experienced and drove incredibly fast on the mountain roads. Don't choose a tent for accommodation on the mountain; the wind at night is so strong it can wake you up. Stay at the Golden Summit Inn; beds are 120 yuan each, and they have electric blankets—don't be put off by the cheap ones, they're lifesavers.
🍜 On the way down to Shigu Temple, there was a Pingxiang-style fried rice noodle stall near the entrance. It was so spicy it brought tears to my eyes, but I couldn't stop eating it. A bowl cost 12 yuan, a hundred times better than the instant noodles on the mountain.
⚠️ Don't bring too much water. A bottle costs 8 yuan at the supply point on the summit. It's expensive, but it saves you from having to throw your bag away halfway through the journey.
03 Tianshui|Gansu
Tianshui is an underrated cool place. The average temperature in summer is 26 degrees Celsius, and you still need a light blanket at night. I spent two days there, the pace of which felt like stepping back into the 1990s. On the first day, I went straight to Maijishan. Entering at 8 AM when it opened, the grottoes and walkways were suspended on the cliff face; climbing them made my legs weak, but the clay Buddha statues had gentle expressions that belied their age of over a thousand years.
⏰ I had to finish seeing everything before noon, because in the afternoon, tour groups would arrive, and the walkways would be completely blocked. In the afternoon, I went to Fuxi Temple. The entrance fee was 20 yuan. The temple wasn't large, but the ancient cypress trees and the smell of incense created an indescribable sense of peace. On the second day, I went to Wushan Water Curtain Cave, an hour's drive from the city. The cliff carvings inside were even wilder than those at Maijishan, and there were almost no people; you could have the entire grotto to yourself.
🍜 At the Tianshui Night Market, I tried a bowl of buckwheat noodles, topped with chili oil—a tangy and spicy appetizer. It cost five yuan a bowl, and I ate two!
⚠️ Ignore the touts at the Maijishan scenic area entrance; just scan the QR code to listen to the audio guide and save yourself fifty yuan.
04 Xiamen | Fujian
Xiamen is heavily influenced by online celebrity trends, but Gulangyu Island is still worth visiting, provided you avoid weekends.
🚄 Take the subway from Xiamen Railway Station to the Cruise Terminal. Round-trip ferry tickets are 35 RMB. Buy them a day in advance through their official WeChat account; the queues on-site can be incredibly long. Once on the island, don't follow the crowds onto Longtou Road. Turn right onto Bishan Road; the walls of the old villas there are covered in bougainvillea, less crowded, and perfect for taking photos.
⏰ Sunlight Rock at 5 PM is less crowded and windy, offering a panoramic view of the island's red-tiled roofs and green trees—much better than climbing under the midday sun. The Railway Culture Park is just outside the island; it's free, with walkways converted from old railway tracks, lined with bougainvillea, perfect for resting when you're tired. Nanputuo Temple and the Botanical Garden are next to each other and can be visited together. The vegetarian pastries at the temple are delicious, 15 RMB a box—a great souvenir.
⚠️ The succulent area in the botanical garden has the best light after 3 PM, but there are tons of mosquitoes. Remember to spray mosquito repellent; don't ask me how I know.
05 Golog Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture | Qinghai
Golog sounds like an obscure place, but I still remember the sunset at the First Bend of the Yellow River. It's an hour and a half drive from Maqin County, the road conditions are so-so. I recommend hiring an off-road vehicle; it costs 800 yuan a day, and the driver also acts as a guide—worth it.
⏰ Arrive at the viewing platform at 6:30 PM. The Yellow River makes a sharp bend here, the sunset dyes the water golden, and the distant snow-capped mountains reflect a pinkish glow. The wind is so strong it could blow your hat off, but nobody wants to leave. The altitude here is 3800 meters; you'll be out of breath after just a few steps. Don't push yourself; move slowly.
⚠️ Don't stay overnight in the scenic area; the conditions are poor and expensive. Go back to the county town. Hotels cost 120 yuan a night and have heating, which is sufficient.
🍜 The yak meat buns at that Tibetan restaurant in the county town have thin skins and generous fillings; every bite is bursting with juicy meat. A basket costs 15 yuan, and paired with a bowl of butter tea, it warms you right up. This area is suitable for experienced drivers; beginners should avoid it, as the road conditions and altitude are no joke.
06 Yinchuan | Ningxia
Summer in Yinchuan is dry and hot, but comfortable in the shade, unlike the humid south. I spent two days exploring the city and surrounding areas. On the first day, I went to the Western Xia Mausoleums. The entrance fee was 75 yuan. The scenic area bus takes you to the foot of the mausoleum towers. The pyramids, made of loess, stand alone in the Gobi Desert, exuding a desolate beauty when the wind blows.
⚠️ Don't buy "Western Xia script" souvenirs at the entrance; they're all printed and not interesting. In the afternoon, I went to the Helan Mountain Rock Paintings. The carvings on the mountain walls, the sun totem and animal patterns, are still clearly visible after thousands of years, even more breathtaking than the artifacts in museums. The next day, we went to Mingcui Lake Wetland Park, about half an hour from the city. Boating in the reeds, with water birds fluttering around us, the entrance fee was 60 yuan including the boat ticket – great value. Lingwu Water Cave is further away, but the hidden soldier cave and the Ming Great Wall ruins make you feel like you've traveled back in time. The entrance fee is 80 yuan, worth spending half a day on.
🍜 In the evening, we went to Huaiyuan Night Market. Spicy soup and roasted eggs – 10 yuan is enough to fill you up! Locals all go there.
🚄 A taxi from Yinchuan Station to the Western Xia Mausoleum takes about 40 minutes and costs 50 yuan. Don't take an unlicensed taxi.
07 Linyi | Shandong
The Firefly Water Cave in Linyi is the most romantic scenic spot I've ever seen, bar none.
🚄 It's an hour and a half drive from Linyi city. The entrance fee is 120 yuan, including the boat ticket. Upon entering the cave, you first walk through a dry section. The stalactites under the colored lights look a bit tacky, but don't worry, the main attraction is yet to come. Take a boat into the underground river, and you'll be surrounded by fireflies overhead, like an inverted starry sky. The boatman shines a flashlight, making the lights twinkle even brighter. The entire cave is quiet except for the sound of the water.
⏰ Entering the cave at 2 PM is the least crowded and the light is dimmest, offering the best experience. The Underground Grand Canyon is right next door; you can buy a combined ticket for 180 yuan. The rafting section is particularly thrilling, with water splashing all over you – perfect for summer. I don't recommend climbing Yimeng Mountain; the terrain is too steep, tiring for the elderly and children. It's better to enjoy the scenery at the foot of the mountain and have a meal at a local farmhouse.
🍜 Linyi fried chicken, rich in soy sauce, served with scallion pancakes – authentic Shandong flavor, about 40 yuan per person, enough to make you feel full.
⚠️ No photography is allowed inside the firefly cave. Phone flash will disturb them, and staff will be watching you, so don't be silly.
08 Jilin
Jilin City is much cooler than Changchun; once you cross the Songhua River, even the wind is cool. Songhua Lake is a must-see. 🚄 A taxi from the city center to Fengman Wharf takes 30 minutes, and the boat ticket is 60 yuan. The boat trip on the lake lasts two hours. The lake water is emerald green, and the mountains on both sides are verdant and wilder than Qiandao Lake.
⏰ Depart at 9 am for the best light on the lake. In the afternoon, the wind and waves get strong, making the boat rock and feel dizzy. I advise you to go to Wusong Island in winter. In summer, it's just an ordinary island in the river with nothing special to see. But if you insist on going in summer, consider it a walk—it's free, and a loop takes about half an hour.
⚠️ Don't eat at the "wild fish feast" at the entrance of Songhua Lake Scenic Area. It's expensive and ordinary. Go back to the city and have a hot pot with pickled cabbage, pork belly, and blood sausage. It costs about 50 yuan per person, and that's the real taste of Jilin.
🍜 In the evening, go to the riverside night market. Grilled cold noodles and fried chicken frames are all you can eat for 10 yuan. The river breeze is much more comfortable than an air-conditioned room. This place is perfect for a leisurely two-day trip. Don't rush to the sights; just sit by the lake and relax – that's the best way to escape the heat.
Of these eight places, I personally prefer Guangyuan and Guoluo the most. One is thrillingly rugged, the other breathtakingly beautiful yet secluded. Do you have any travel plans soon? Let's chat in the comments; maybe we can find travel buddies.