Chengdu|Secret Summer Cool Spots Around in June! A Refreshing 23°C Summer
Chengdu is too hot in June! I just visited these summer cool spots last week, with an average temperature of 23°C, 10 degrees cooler than the city. Forests, waterfalls, streams, grasslands, fewer people and beautiful scenery, just 1-2 hours from Chengdu, perfect for escaping the heat 🌟
✨ Xiling Snow Mountain|23°C Cloud Grassland
Don’t think Xiling Snow Mountain is only for skiing in winter! Summer here is the ultimate cool escape, with an average temperature of 23°C, and you’ll need a jacket at night.
· Mandarin Duck Pond Wetland: Take the cable car up the mountain, the first stop is Mandarin Duck Pond. Walk along the wetland trail through pine forests, no sun exposure, the pine needle scent in the breeze is super healing, and the lake water is gem-blue.
· Sun and Moon Terrace Sea of Clouds: Take the second cable car up to 3,250 meters at Sun and Moon Terrace, where you can often see a sea of clouds in June! Standing on the viewing platform feels like stepping on clouds, the mountain wind lifts your clothes, cold enough to need a jacket. That feeling of being above the clouds is amazing.
· Summer Exclusive Activities: Grass skiing! Speed down the hillside with cool mountain breezes hitting your face, leaving all heat and worries behind; feed the lambs, the soft little lambs at Sky Ranch come over to nuzzle your palm, super healing.
· Personal Experience: I went in June, long sleeves were just right, it was really cool on the mountain, I stayed all day and didn’t want to return to Chengdu.
💡 Qingcheng Back Mountain|Qingcheng, the Most Secluded
Avoid the crowded front mountain! The back mountain is the true summer cool secret, with 95% forest coverage, walking entirely in the shade, babbling streams, and a 25°C summer.
· Taian Ancient Town: Start with a bowl of tofu pudding rice in the ancient town, then hike up Wulonggou, the most scenic route.
· Sandiequan Waterfall: A must-visit! The waterfall flows down the mountain forming three pools, the water is ice-cold, stepping in instantly cools you down, perfect for summer water fun.
· Youyicun Village: A village halfway up the mountain, sit in the courtyard of a farmhouse, enjoy the mountain breeze with a cup of tea and a ginkgo stewed chicken meal, the leisurely feeling is incredibly comfortable.
· Hiking Tips: Beginners can hike Wulonggou - Youyicun - Jinli Cableway down, about 5 km total, takes 3 hours, not tiring and full of scenery.
✨ Wangpoyan|Chengdu’s Little Jiuzhaigou
This place is truly a treasure! 1.5 hours from Chengdu, the stream water is crystal clear with many shallow spots, a paradise for summer water play.
· Shallow Water Play: Shallow spots everywhere, water just above the ankles, crystal clear. Bring a watermelon to soak in the water, keep it chilled all afternoon, and it’s refreshing to eat.
· Bamboo Raft Drifting: 50 RMB per bamboo raft, paddle yourself down the stream, surrounded by green mountains and trees, the breeze is very pleasant.
· Farmhouse Barbecue: The farmhouse by the stream offers barbecue, ingredients provided by the owner, you grill yourself, playing in the water while eating barbecue is so cozy.
· Note: It can be crowded on weekends, better to go on weekdays or arrive before 9 AM to get a good spot.
💡 Longcanggou|National Forest Park
Longcanggou in Ya’an is truly the ultimate summer cool spot! 2 hours from Chengdu, 98% forest coverage, abundant negative oxygen ions, average 22°C.
· Diecui Stream Scenic Area: Walk along the stream for 10 km, all shaded by trees, with various waterfalls, streams, and primeval forest, the whole body feels cool after the walk.
· Tianshengqiao Waterfall: A must-visit! The waterfall flows under the natural bridge, spectacular and refreshing, standing next to it instantly cools you down by 5 degrees.
· June Special: Although the Paulownia flowers have faded, the mountains are covered with blooming azaleas in various colors, very beautiful.
· Tips: No food sold in the park, bring your own snacks and water, wear non-slip sports shoes as some paths are slippery.
⚠️ Pitfall Guide
❌ Don’t buy a full ticket for Xiling Snow Mountain! No need to go to the ski area in summer, just buy the Mandarin Duck Pond cable car ticket and save 100 RMB.
❌ Don’t buy walking sticks at the entrance of Qingcheng Back Mountain! 5 RMB sticks are useless, the path is easy to walk.
❌ Don’t drive into Wangpoyan Scenic Area! Traffic jams are severe inside, park outside and walk in.
❌ Don’t wear sandals in Longcanggou! Some stones are slippery and easy to fall, wear non-slip sports shoes.
❌ Avoid going to all places at noon on weekends, it’s crowded and sunny. Starting in the morning is most comfortable.
🍃 Practical Tips
🚗 Transportation: Self-driving from Chengdu, Xiling Snow Mountain 2 hours, Qingcheng Back Mountain 1.5 hours, Wangpoyan 1.5 hours, Longcanggou 2 hours.
🎒 Gear: Light jacket, non-slip sports shoes, change of clothes (water play will get you wet), sunscreen, mosquito repellent.
🍜 Food: Vine pepper beef tongue at Xiling Snow Mountain, ginkgo stewed chicken at Qingcheng Mountain, firewood chicken at Wangpoyan.
⏰ Best Time: Monday to Friday in June, weekends are a bit busier but still cooler than the city.
June in Chengdu is really hot, escape the city heat and treat yourself to these cool secret spots for a break~
Friends, do you know any other summer cool spots around Chengdu? Tell me in the comments ❄️
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Accommodation
🏨 Chengdu Qingcheng Songpin Hotel
Yongle Huazhu Chinese luxury brand, No. 6 Zhizhen Road at the foot of Qingcheng Mountain, singing bowl therapy, garden villas, lakeside barbecue, indoor pool, Chinese luxury experience.
🏨 Xianzai Shuiyunshu Forest Private Hot Spring Retreat
Shiyang Town, Dujiangyan, between 60 acres of forest and lakes, 15 minutes from Qingcheng Mountain, wabi-sabi aesthetics, forest secret realm and private hot spring therapy combined.
🏨 Qingcheng Mountain Qingxia Mountain Residence Wild Luxury Resort Hotel
Yanjing Village, Qingcheng Mountain, surrounded by green mountains and clear water, located within the World Cultural Heritage site, very close to both Qingcheng Front and Back Mountains, wild luxury resort experience.
🏨 Qingcheng Mountain Wujing Mountain Residence
Core area of Qingcheng Back Mountain Scenic Area, excellent viewing point at Jinbian Rock, Zen style, forest hot springs, butler service, immersive forest therapy.
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