How to escape the summer heat in August? These 6 places are less crowded, beautiful, and won't disappoint.
Where to escape the summer heat in August? These 6️⃣ places are less crowded and more scenic
01 Chongqing
⏰ At 8 am, I stood at the entrance of Baodingshan, Dazu Rock Carvings. The mountain breeze, carrying the scent of grass and trees, instantly halved the heat. This isn't a popular Instagram spot, but it's definitely worth spending a whole day here. The stone carvings stretch along the cliff face, and every finger of the Thousand-Hand Guanyin tells a story. I recommend hiring a guide; otherwise, you'll only see the "Bodhisattva on the stone," not the ingenuity of the Song Dynasty craftsmen behind it.
📍 After descending the mountain at noon, don't rush back to the city. Drive forty minutes to Jinyun Mountain. The Daihu Lake on the mountain is like a piece of jade inlaid in a bamboo forest, and the water is so cool you can chill watermelon. I watched several children dip their feet into the water, exclaim "Wow!" and then pull back—their expressions were more satisfying than eating ice cream.
⚠️ Remember to book online a day in advance for the Wulong Karst Tourist Area, especially on summer weekends; the queues on-site can make you question your existence. After taking the elevator down from the Three Natural Bridges, walk along the boardwalk, the sound of the underground river following you all the way – a completely different world from an air-conditioned room.
🚄 The Yangtze River Three Gorges is best enjoyed in the evening. As the boat moves, the river breeze whistles, and the mountain shadows on both banks gradually deepen in depth. Don't buy tickets for those with "luxury" in their name; a regular cruise is sufficient. The scenery from the deck is exactly the same, and the money you save can be used for an authentic Chongqing hot pot meal.
02 Changsha City | Hunan Province
🍜 At seven in the morning, people are already jogging at the East Gate of Yuelu Mountain. I prefer to enter from the South Gate, first passing the ancient tree at the entrance of Yuelu Academy, then climbing all the way to Aiwan Pavilion. At this time, the sun isn't too strong, and the shade of the trees completely blocks the way. If you walk quickly, you can reach the top of the mountain before nine o'clock, overlooking the entire city of Changsha, with the Xiang River like a silver ribbon winding between the buildings.
📍 Head straight to Tianxin Pavilion after descending the mountain at noon. Don't be fooled by the name; it's not just a pavilion, but the bricks on the city wall are all antiques from the Ming Dynasty. Standing on the city wall and looking down, you can see the old streets and alleys of Changsha, the vibrant atmosphere emanating from within.
⚠️ Closed on Mondays, so don't make a wasted trip.
In the afternoon, go to the Hunan Provincial Museum. Remember to book three days in advance through their official WeChat account, otherwise you might not get a reservation. The exhibits at Mawangdui are worth spending at least two hours on. Lady Xin Zhui's plain silk robe is so thin it's almost translucent; after seeing it, you'll feel like your history textbook has suddenly come to life.
⏰ In the evening, go to Huaminglou. It's so quiet you might think you've gone to the wrong place. The garden is large but not tiring to walk around, perfect for taking the elderly for a leisurely stroll. The setting sun casts long shadows on the buildings; at that moment, you'll understand the meaning of "tranquility leads to far-reaching vision."
03 Wuxi City | Jiangsu Province
📍 Nianhua Bay sounds elegant, but honestly, it's too crowded during the day. It's better to come after 5 pm. When the lights come on, the Tang Dynasty-style buildings are reflected in the water, and young women in Hanfu stroll by in twos and threes; it truly feels like stepping back in time.
⚠️ Don't buy those "handmade" pottery items in the scenic area; the price is three times higher, and they might not even be genuinely handmade.
The next morning, go to the Lingshan Grand Buddha. Remember to wear comfortable shoes, as there are quite a few steps. There's a queue for the Buddha's feet area, but it's worth the wait—standing at the foot of the Buddha and looking up, the sense of awe instantly calms you down.
🍜 Don't miss the vegetarian noodles at noon; a bowl costs around 30 yuan, and the broth is incredibly delicious, much better than chain restaurants.
Huishan Ancient Town is free to enter, but you need to buy a ticket for Jichang Garden inside. I recommend you buy it, because the rockery and stonework in the garden are a masterpiece of Jiangnan. Sitting on the stone benches by the water, listening to the wind rustling through the bamboo leaves, the summer heat will automatically dissipate.
The CCTV Wuxi Film and Television Base's Three Kingdoms and Water Margin City, to be honest, is more suitable for families with children. The performances inside are quite energetic, but if you're not interested in the Three Kingdoms, you can skip it and save the entrance fee to eat plum blossom cakes on Nanchang Street.
04 Mudanjiang City | Heilongjiang
⏰ The mornings at Jingpo Lake have a minty scent. At 6:30 am, the lake surface is like a mirror, reflecting the distant mountains and clouds. Occasionally, a bird flies by, and ripples spread out in circles. Although Diaoshuilou Waterfall isn't as spectacular as Huangguoshu Waterfall, it's quieter, and the mist on your face is cool and refreshing, making you not want to leave.
📍 For lunch, you can find a farmhouse restaurant by the lake. Stewed river fish is their signature dish; the fish is so tender that it falls apart with a touch of chopsticks. Don't order too much; the portions are generous, and two dishes are enough for two people.
In the afternoon, I strolled along the Mudanjiang River. The riverside path was well-maintained, with shady trees providing ample shade. Locals fished and walked leisurely, their pace of life enviable.
⚠️ Remember to bring mosquito repellent; the mosquitoes along the river are fierce, especially in the evening.
This area is best suited for driving. The roads are in good condition, and there's little traffic, making for a very relaxing drive. If you're short on time, two days and one night is enough, but for a more thorough relaxation, three nights wouldn't be too much.
05 Tai'an City | Shandong
Mount Tai isn't for "climbing," it's for "enduring." I chose the night climb route, starting at 10 PM from the Red Gate. My headlamp illuminated the stone steps, and all around was darkness, with only the sounds of my own breathing and footsteps. Don't worry about getting lost; there are people everywhere, and occasionally stalls selling cucumbers and watermelons. A cucumber costs five yuan—expensive, but refreshing.
⏰ I arrived at the South Heaven Gate at 4:30 AM and found a good spot to wait for the sunrise. The moment the sun leaped out from the sea of clouds, I suddenly felt that all the night's effort was worthwhile. That kind of red can't be replicated with paint; photos can't capture even a tenth of its breathtaking beauty.
📍 After watching the sunrise during the day, don't rush down the mountain. Visit the Jade Emperor Peak, see the wordless stele, and then take the Peach Blossom Valley path down. This path is less crowded, the scenery is wilder, streams flow from the cracks in the rocks, and birdsong fills the forest.
⚠️ Don't buy "Taishan Stone Guardian" ornaments on the mountain; they're expensive and heavy, but you can get them for ten yuan each in the city after you descend. Also, remember to bring a light jacket for a night hike; it's windy at the summit, and you'll be shivering while waiting for the sunrise.
06 Jiujiang City | Jiangxi
I advise you not to try to see Lushan in one day. Start from Guling Town in the morning, first taking the Five Old Peaks route, climbing all the way to the fourth peak. The view opens up dramatically, with Poyang Lake shimmering in the distance. At this point, you'll understand why Li Bai wrote so many poems about Lushan—not because of his literary talent, but because the scenery is truly exceptional.
📍 In the afternoon, we went to San Die Quan (Three-Tiered Spring). This section has many steps, so those with knee problems should be cautious. But when you reach the bottom of the valley and look up, the spring water cascades down in three tiers from a height of 100 meters, creating a refreshing mist that cools you from head to toe.
⚠️ Bring a raincoat, don't use an umbrella, the mist is too thick to block.
The next day, we went to Lushan West Sea. It was much less crowded than the main Lushan scenic area. We took a boat trip among the islands; the water was emerald green, and the cool breeze made you want to sleep. We found an island, went ashore, and sat by the lake, daydreaming. The afternoon passed quickly.
🍜 For lunch, we went to Guling Town to try "Stone Fish Fried Eggs." Stone fish is a Lushan specialty, small like grains of rice, but incredibly fresh. Don't eat at the entrance of the scenic area; walk two streets further in, and you can get the same fish for 20 yuan less.
07 Panjin City | Liaoning
The Red Beach Scenic Corridor—the name is truly fitting—it really is red. Starting in late August each year, the Suaeda salsa transforms the entire beach into a red carpet, stretching for kilometers and merging seamlessly with the distant reed beds. Standing on the boardwalk and looking down, the red extends to the horizon; a gentle breeze causes the grass to ripple like waves, as if the earth is breathing.
⏰ The best time to view it is between 4 PM and 6 PM, when the sunlight shines at an angle, resulting in the highest red saturation. Going at midday will result in a washed-out appearance, making photos appear gray and unappealing.
📍 Bicycles are available for rent at the entrance, but I recommend walking. The boardwalk isn't long; a little over an hour is sufficient with stops along the way. There are birdwatching platforms along the path; bring binoculars to spot red-crowned cranes and egrets foraging in the shallows.
⚠️ Don't wear white shoes! Muddy water seeps into the gaps in the boardwalk, turning your white shoes black after a walk. Also, don't buy the salted duck eggs sold in the scenic area; they'll taste fishy. It's better to buy them at a supermarket in the city.
Half a day is enough to explore this area, making it ideal for a combined trip with Yingkou, which is next door. Driving is the most convenient option; from Panjin High-Speed Railway Station, a taxi ride takes about 40 minutes.
08 Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture | Sichuan
Xinduqiao isn't a tourist attraction, but rather a scenic route. After crossing Zheduo Mountain from Kangding, the road is downhill, with Tibetan-style houses, barley fields, and poplar trees lining the road – every view is like an oil painting frame. But don't stop to take photos immediately; drive another 10 kilometers, past the town, and there's a small river by the roadside where the lighting is ten times better than in town.
📍 Mugecuo Lake is at a relatively high altitude, so walk slowly and avoid running or jumping. The lake's blue is unreal, as if someone poured paint into it. Take a boat to the other side, climb to the viewing platform, and you'll have a panoramic view of the entire lake.
⚠️ The weather on the mountain is unpredictable; bring sunscreen and a jacket. One minute it's sunny, the next it's raining.
Milk Lake in Daocheng Yading is definitely worth it, but exhausting. The hike from Luorong Pasture takes six hours round trip, at an altitude of over 4,000 meters, and you're breathless with every step. But when you see that milky blue lake, you'll feel all the hardship was worth it.
⏰ Enter the scenic area at 7 AM to avoid the crowds and arrive at Milk Lake before noon for the best lighting.
The glacier at Hailuogou is easier. Take the cable car up, and you'll see the glacier tongue after a short walk. Remember to wear sunglasses; the glacier's reflection is dazzling.
🍜 There's a yak meat hot pot restaurant in Moxi Ancient Town at the foot of the mountain. The meat is stewed until tender, and the broth is incredibly rich. It's only 50 yuan per person, enough to fill you up—much more affordable than in the scenic area.
This place is best visited by car. The road conditions are good, but there are many curves, so novice drivers should be careful.
Where to escape the heat in August? These 6️⃣ Places Are Less Crowded and More Beautiful
01 Chongqing
⏰ At 8 AM, I stood at the entrance to Baodingshan of the Dazu Rock Carvings. The mountain breeze, carrying the scent of grass and trees, instantly halved the summer heat. This isn't a popular Instagram spot, but it's definitely worth spending a whole day here. The stone carvings stretch along the cliff face, and every finger of the Thousand-Hand Guanyin tells a story. I recommend hiring a guide; otherwise, you'll only see the "Bodhisattva on the stone," not the ingenuity of the Song Dynasty craftsmen behind it.
📍 After descending the mountain at noon, don't rush back to the city. Drive forty minutes to Jinyun Mountain. The Daihu Lake on the mountain is like a piece of jade inlaid in a bamboo forest, and the water is so cool you could chill a watermelon. I watched several children dip their feet into the water, exclaim "Wow!" and then pull them back in—their expressions were more satisfying than eating ice cream.
⚠️ Remember to book online a day in advance for the Wulong Karst Tourist Area, especially on summer weekends; the queues on-site can make you question your existence. After taking the elevator down from the Three Natural Bridges, walk along the boardwalk, the sound of the underground river following you all the way – a completely different world from an air-conditioned room.
🚄 The Yangtze River Three Gorges is best enjoyed in the evening. As the boat moves, the river breeze whistles, and the mountain shadows on both banks gradually deepen in depth. Don't buy tickets for those with "luxury" in their name; a regular cruise is sufficient. The scenery from the deck is exactly the same, and the money you save can be used for an authentic Chongqing hot pot meal.
02 Changsha City | Hunan Province
🍜 At seven in the morning, people are already jogging at the East Gate of Yuelu Mountain. I prefer to enter from the South Gate, first passing the ancient tree at the entrance of Yuelu Academy, then climbing all the way to Aiwan Pavilion. At this time, the sun isn't too strong, and the shade of the trees completely blocks the way. If you walk quickly, you can reach the top of the mountain before nine o'clock, overlooking the entire city of Changsha, with the Xiang River like a silver ribbon winding between the buildings.
📍 Head straight to Tianxin Pavilion after descending the mountain at noon. Don't be fooled by the name; it's not just a pavilion, but the bricks on the city wall are all antiques from the Ming Dynasty. Standing on the city wall and looking down, you can see the old streets and alleys of Changsha, the vibrant atmosphere emanating from within.
⚠️ Closed on Mondays, so don't make a wasted trip.
In the afternoon, go to the Hunan Provincial Museum. Remember to book three days in advance through their official WeChat account, otherwise you might not get a reservation. The exhibits at Mawangdui are worth spending at least two hours on. Lady Xin Zhui's plain silk robe is so thin it's almost translucent; after seeing it, you'll feel like your history textbook has suddenly come to life.
⏰ In the evening, go to Huaminglou. It's so quiet you might think you've gone to the wrong place. The garden is large but not tiring to walk around, perfect for taking the elderly for a leisurely stroll. The setting sun casts long shadows on the buildings; at that moment, you'll understand the meaning of "tranquility leads to far-reaching vision."
03 Wuxi City | Jiangsu Province
📍 Nianhua Bay sounds elegant, but honestly, it's too crowded during the day. It's better to come after 5 pm. When the lights come on, the Tang Dynasty-style buildings are reflected in the water, and young women in Hanfu stroll by in twos and threes; it truly feels like stepping back in time.
⚠️ Don't buy those "handmade" pottery items in the scenic area; the price is three times higher, and they might not even be genuinely handmade.
The next morning, go to the Lingshan Grand Buddha. Remember to wear comfortable shoes, as there are quite a few steps. There's a queue for the Buddha's feet area, but it's worth the wait—standing at the foot of the Buddha and looking up, the sense of awe instantly calms you down.
🍜 Don't miss the vegetarian noodles at noon; a bowl costs around 30 yuan, and the broth is incredibly delicious, much better than chain restaurants.
Huishan Ancient Town is free to enter, but you need to buy a ticket for Jichang Garden inside. I recommend you buy it, because the rockery and stonework in the garden are a masterpiece of Jiangnan. Sitting on the stone benches by the water, listening to the wind rustling through the bamboo leaves, the summer heat will automatically dissipate.
The CCTV Wuxi Film and Television Base's Three Kingdoms and Water Margin City, to be honest, is more suitable for families with children. The performances inside are quite energetic, but if you're not interested in the Three Kingdoms, you can skip it and save the entrance fee to eat plum blossom cakes on Nanchang Street.
04 Mudanjiang City | Heilongjiang
⏰ The mornings at Jingpo Lake have a minty scent. At 6:30 am, the lake surface is like a mirror, reflecting the distant mountains and clouds. Occasionally, a bird flies by, and ripples spread out in circles. Although Diaoshuilou Waterfall isn't as spectacular as Huangguoshu Waterfall, it's quieter, and the mist on your face is cool and refreshing, making you not want to leave.
📍 For lunch, you can find a farmhouse restaurant by the lake. Stewed river fish is their signature dish; the fish is so tender that it falls apart with a touch of chopsticks. Don't order too much; the portions are generous, and two dishes are enough for two people.
In the afternoon, I strolled along the Mudanjiang River. The riverside path was well-maintained, with shady trees providing ample shade. Locals fished and walked leisurely, their pace of life enviable.
⚠️ Remember to bring mosquito repellent; the mosquitoes along the river are fierce, especially in the evening.
This area is best suited for driving. The roads are in good condition, and there's little traffic, making for a very relaxing drive. If you're short on time, two days and one night is enough, but for a more thorough relaxation, three nights wouldn't be too much.
05 Tai'an City | Shandong
Mount Tai isn't for "climbing," it's for "enduring." I chose the night climb route, starting at 10 PM from the Red Gate. My headlamp illuminated the stone steps, and all around was darkness, with only the sounds of my own breathing and footsteps. Don't worry about getting lost; there are people everywhere, and occasionally stalls selling cucumbers and watermelons. A cucumber costs five yuan—expensive, but refreshing.
⏰ I arrived at the South Heaven Gate at 4:30 AM and found a good spot to wait for the sunrise. The moment the sun leaped out from the sea of clouds, I suddenly felt that all the night's effort was worthwhile. That kind of red can't be replicated with paint; photos can't capture even a tenth of its breathtaking beauty.
📍 After watching the sunrise during the day, don't rush down the mountain. Visit the Jade Emperor Peak, see the wordless stele, and then take the Peach Blossom Valley path down. This path is less crowded, the scenery is wilder, streams flow from the cracks in the rocks, and birdsong fills the forest.
⚠️ Don't buy "Taishan Stone Guardian" ornaments on the mountain; they're expensive and heavy, but you can get them for ten yuan each in the city after you descend. Also, remember to bring a light jacket for a night hike; it's windy at the summit, and you'll be shivering while waiting for the sunrise.
06 Jiujiang City | Jiangxi
I advise you not to try to see Lushan in one day. Start from Guling Town in the morning, first taking the Five Old Peaks route, climbing all the way to the fourth peak. The view opens up dramatically, with Poyang Lake shimmering in the distance. At this point, you'll understand why Li Bai wrote so many poems about Lushan—not because of his literary talent, but because the scenery is truly exceptional.
📍 In the afternoon, we went to San Die Quan (Three-Tiered Spring). This section has many steps, so those with knee problems should be cautious. But when you reach the bottom of the valley and look up, the spring water cascades down in three tiers from a height of 100 meters, creating a refreshing mist that cools you from head to toe.
⚠️ Bring a raincoat, don't use an umbrella, the mist is too thick to block.
The next day, we went to Lushan West Sea. It was much less crowded than the main Lushan scenic area. We took a boat trip among the islands; the water was emerald green, and the cool breeze made you want to sleep. We found an island, went ashore, and sat by the lake, daydreaming. The afternoon passed quickly.
🍜 For lunch, we went to Guling Town to try "Stone Fish Fried Eggs." Stone fish is a Lushan specialty, small like grains of rice, but incredibly fresh. Don't eat at the entrance of the scenic area; walk two streets further in, and you can get the same fish for 20 yuan less.
07 Panjin City | Liaoning
The Red Beach Scenic Corridor—the name is truly fitting—it really is red. Starting in late August each year, the Suaeda salsa transforms the entire beach into a red carpet, stretching for kilometers and merging seamlessly with the distant reed beds. Standing on the boardwalk and looking down, the red extends to the horizon; a gentle breeze causes the grass to ripple like waves, as if the earth is breathing.
⏰ The best time to view it is between 4 PM and 6 PM, when the sunlight shines at an angle, resulting in the highest red saturation. Going at midday will result in a washed-out appearance, making photos appear gray and unappealing.
📍 Bicycles are available for rent at the entrance, but I recommend walking. The boardwalk isn't long; a little over an hour is sufficient with stops along the way. There are birdwatching platforms along the path; bring binoculars to spot red-crowned cranes and egrets foraging in the shallows.
⚠️ Don't wear white shoes! Muddy water seeps into the gaps in the boardwalk, turning your white shoes black after a walk. Also, don't buy the salted duck eggs sold in the scenic area; they'll taste fishy. It's better to buy them at a supermarket in the city.
Half a day is enough to explore this area, making it ideal for a combined trip with Yingkou, which is next door. Driving is the most convenient option; from Panjin High-Speed Railway Station, a taxi ride takes about 40 minutes.
08 Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture | Sichuan
Xinduqiao isn't a tourist attraction, but rather a scenic route. After crossing Zheduo Mountain from Kangding, the road is downhill, with Tibetan-style houses, barley fields, and poplar trees lining the road – every view is like an oil painting frame. But don't stop to take photos immediately; drive another 10 kilometers, past the town, and there's a small river by the roadside where the lighting is ten times better than in town.
📍 Mugecuo Lake is at a relatively high altitude, so walk slowly and avoid running or jumping. The lake's blue is unreal, as if someone poured paint into it. Take a boat to the other side, climb to the viewing platform, and you'll have a panoramic view of the entire lake.
⚠️ The weather on the mountain is unpredictable; bring sunscreen and a jacket. One minute it's sunny, the next it's raining.
Milk Lake in Daocheng Yading is definitely worth it, but exhausting. The hike from Luorong Pasture to the lake took six hours round trip, at an altitude of over 4,000 meters, leaving me breathless with every step. But when you see that milky blue lake, you'll feel all the hardship was worth it.
⏰ Enter the scenic area at 7 AM to avoid the crowds and arrive at Milk Lake before noon for the best lighting.
The glacier at Hailuogou is easier. Take the cable car up, and you'll see the glacier tongue after a short walk. Remember to wear sunglasses; the glacier's reflection is dazzling.
🍜 There's a yak meat hot pot restaurant in Moxi Ancient Town at the foot of the mountain. The meat is stewed until tender, and the broth is incredibly rich. It's only 50 yuan per person, enough to fill you up—much more affordable than in the scenic area.
This area is best visited by car. The road conditions are good, but there are many curves, so novice drivers should proceed with caution.