Five cool summer spots for families to escape the heat in July and August, with an average temperature of 22°C, perfect for a comfortable day out with kids.
Escape the Summer Heat in July and August! 5 Cool Family-Friendly Destinations in Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai
With the sweltering summer heat upon us, parents in Shanghai and the Jiangsu-Zhejiang-Shanghai region are finally finding a solution to their family travel dilemmas! Avoid the crowds at popular tourist spots and the scorching heat of tourist attractions. We've selected 5 lesser-known, cool havens within a 2-hour high-speed rail journey, with average temperatures as low as 23°C. Enjoy activities like playing in streams, breathing in fresh forest air, interacting with adorable animals, and escaping the heat in ancient villages. These destinations offer easy and relaxing getaways for families, maximizing natural fun and making them the ultimate summer short trip destination!
Anji | Zhejiang: A Natural Air Conditioner Amidst Ten Thousand Acres of Bamboo Forest
Just a 1.5-hour high-speed rail ride from Shanghai, this is a long-established family-friendly summer retreat in the Jiangsu-Zhejiang-Shanghai region. The vast, rolling bamboo forest forms a natural cooling barrier, with an average daily temperature of only 23°C in July and August. The gentle breezes blowing through the bamboo bring a refreshing coolness, completely isolating you from the summer heat.
The core family-friendly activities focus on relaxation and relaxation, without the need for strenuous hiking or trekking. Step into the China Bamboo Sea, stroll along gentle forest trails, and let your children immerse themselves in the fresh air, learning about the mountain vegetation. Head to the shallow mountain streams; the clear, cool water and gentle currents allow for wading, catching fish and shrimp – safe and relaxing. The high-altitude grasslands of the Cloud Grassland offer even greater coolness, with expansive views, no scorching sun or stuffy heat, and numerous non-motorized play facilities and slides for children to run and play freely.
Local farm-style cuisine is light and refreshing, with dishes like braised chicken with dried bamboo shoots and fresh, tender mountain vegetables that cut through any richness, catering to children's tastes. Most guesthouses are nestled in the bamboo forest, where you can wake up to the sounds of bamboo rustling and birdsong – a truly immersive summer retreat.
Tonglu | Zhejiang: A Secret Valley of Constant Temperature Valley Streams
Known as the "Little Jiuzhaigou of Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai," it's just a 2-hour high-speed train ride from Shanghai. A pristine, natural family-friendly environment, it's secluded and tranquil, rarely crowded with tourists. Here, the mountains are densely forested, the valleys deep, and the caves maintain a constant temperature of 18℃ year-round, offering an instant coolness even in the height of summer.
The main attraction is light hiking and water activities. The Daqishan Forest Park trails are gentle with no steep slopes, shaded by lush trees, and accompanied by streams and waterfalls, making it easy to walk and play without exertion. Luzi Village is traversed by a clear stream with numerous free water spots; the shallows are clean and safe, perfect for families with children to wade and play barefoot.
Children can observe mountain insects and aquatic animals up close, unlocking new knowledge in nature and leaving behind their phones and tablets. The local farm-style dishes are excellent value, with refreshing and appetizing dishes like freshwater fish and Tonglu rice cakes. Affordable food and accommodation make it a perfect choice for a low-intensity family outing.
Huzhou | Zhejiang: A Forest-Style, Pet-Friendly Summer Retreat
Just a 1.5-hour high-speed train ride from Shanghai, this cool and healing haven is specially designed for families, offering both respite from the heat and opportunities to get up close to adorable animals. The entire scenic area is surrounded by bamboo forests and tea gardens, with abundant vegetation coverage, offering a cool and refreshing escape from the city heat in summer.
The core highlight is the Giraffe Manor, an immersive interactive experience where you can feed giraffes and deer up close without traveling to Africa, and enjoy heartwarming forest scenes. Squirrels, parrots, and many other small animals also inhabit the forest, creating a natural petting paradise.
The mountain trails are shady and comfortable, perfect for taking photos in the secluded tea gardens. The scenic area has complete family-friendly facilities and ample rest areas, allowing you to rest whenever you're tired. For just around 100 yuan per person, you can unlock the double joy of escaping the heat and having fun with your kids, making it ideal for short trips for families with young children.
Changshan | Zhejiang 23℃ Mountain Spring Ancient Village
Just a 2-hour high-speed train ride from Shanghai, this little-known summer retreat perfectly avoids the summer crowds. Nestled at the source of the Qiantang River, surrounded by layers of pristine broad-leaved forest, the Meishudi Scenic Area boasts babbling brooks that maintain a constant water temperature of 23°C even in the height of summer, offering a refreshingly cool escape.
Focusing on off-the-beaten-path, eco-friendly experiences, the Sanqu Stone Forest Cave acts as a natural air conditioner, its deep, cool karst caves a perfect summer retreat. The mountain streams are clear and shallow, ideal for children to play in the water and catch snails, experiencing the joys of nature. Rustic villages, built into the mountainside, exude a lively, lived-in atmosphere; stroll along the stone-paved alleys and enjoy a tranquil summer.
Away from the hustle and bustle of commercialization, the air is fresh and the temperature is pleasant. Hiking, water activities, and exploring the ancient village are all available in one place. The authentic local cuisine offers excellent value for money, making it perfect for families seeking a quiet escape from the heat and a relaxed pace for family outings.
Yixing | Jiangsu: A Cool and Refreshing Paradise of Bamboo Forests and Caves
Just a 1-hour high-speed train ride from Shanghai, this charming small town in the Yangtze River Delta region is a perfect summer getaway. It boasts three key elements for a refreshing escape: bamboo forests, caves, and streams, making it extremely comfortable in summer.
The Bamboo Forest Scenic Area is lush and green, with layers of bamboo groves providing shade from the scorching sun. A gentle breeze blows through the forest, and the temperature is 5-6°C lower than in the city. The gentle walking paths are perfect for family strolls, allowing you to immerse yourself in the cool mountain air. Natural caves like Shanjuan Cave maintain a comfortable temperature year-round, with constant temperature and humidity. Entering in summer provides an instant cooling effect, and the unique cave formations offer opportunities for children to learn about geology.
The clear, shallow streams in the suburbs are safe for playing in and cooling off. Local delicacies such as black glutinous rice, Yixing black-boned chicken, and mountain bamboo shoot feasts are fresh, delicious, and lightly flavorful. The town offers a relaxed pace of life, with attractions close together, making it ideal for day trips or two-day, one-night getaways.
Summer Family Travel Tips
1. All destinations are directly accessible by high-speed rail. However, train services are limited on weekends and during the summer holidays, so it's recommended to book tickets in advance for a hassle-free trip.
2. Essentials for water activities include river trekking shoes and a change of clothes. There are many mosquitoes in the mountains, so bring mosquito repellent.
3. Temperatures can vary greatly between day and night in mountainous areas, so bring a light jacket. When playing in the water, try to stay in shallow areas and supervise your children closely at all times.
4. Less commercialized, less-traveled scenic spots offer better value for money. It's recommended to book a mountain guesthouse in advance for an immersive summer retreat.
This July and August, say goodbye to the sweltering crowds of popular tourist spots and take your kids to the mountains and forests for water activities, cool off, and refreshing air – unlock a relaxing and enjoyable summer family trip!