Just got back! These 8 summer resorts are so hot you'll need a blanket at night, I regret not going sooner.
Where to escape the summer heat? These 8️⃣ places will require a blanket in summer
1️⃣ Tianjin
When visiting Tianjin in summer, don't just focus on the Haihe River night view. Head to the Five Avenues Cultural Tourism Area at 8 am, before the tour groups arrive, and ride shared bikes along Chongqing Road and Changde Road. The plane trees block out the sun completely, and the breeze blowing between the old buildings feels like natural air conditioning.
📍 The "Geda Lou" (a type of old building) on Machang Road, with its tiled exterior, is much more aesthetically pleasing than trendy cafes.
At noon, escape to the Italian Style Area. Don't be fooled by the restaurants trying to lure you in on the main street. Turn into the depths of Ziyou Road and find a stall selling freshly made pear cakes—a sweet and sour treat that whets your appetite. In the afternoon, when the sun is at its strongest, head straight to the Olympic Center Stadium. The outer running track is free to enter, there's plenty of shade, and locals stroll around there.
⚠️ Note that the stadium interior is not open to the public; don't make a wasted trip.
Go to Fantawild Adventure in the evening; night tickets are half the price of daytime tickets, and the queues for rides are shorter. Make sure to ride the log flume last; you'll be soaked to the bone, and the evening breeze will leave you shivering.
🚄 From Tianjin Station, take Metro Line 3 and then a bus; the whole journey takes about an hour, and a taxi will cost around 40 yuan.
2️⃣ Shuozhou City|Shanxi
Shuozhou is really cool in the summer; you'll wake up freezing if you don't cover yourself with a blanket at night. Shahu Pass is in Youyu County, about an hour and a half drive from the city center. The road conditions are good, but there are few gas stations along the way, so fill up your tank before you leave.
📍 The wind is particularly strong at the foot of the ancient castle walls; standing there for ten minutes in short sleeves will give you goosebumps, so a light jacket is a must.
Shahu Pass scenic area is free, but the museum inside closes at 5:30 pm. ⏰ It's recommended to arrive before 10 am to first visit the museum to learn about the history of the westward migration, and then climb the city walls to see the landscape where the two provinces meet. The wind on the city wall can blow your hat off, so hold your phone steady when taking photos.
🍜 There are several oat noodle shops near the scenic area entrance. A bowl of oat noodles with mutton sauce costs 15 yuan, cheaper than in the city.
On the way back, stop by the Shahu Pass Museum branch in Youyu County; it's less crowded and quieter.
⚠️ There are many mosquitoes here, especially in the evening. Mosquito repellent is more important than sunscreen. Shuozhou has a high altitude and strong UV radiation, so use sunscreen with SPF 50 or higher; don't skimp.
3️⃣ Quanzhou City|Fujian
Quanzhou summers are hot, but Qingyuan Mountain is an exception. Entering the mountain at 6:30 am, the temperature is five or six degrees lower than in the city. The stone steps are lined with century-old banyan trees, providing ample shade. Climbing to Laojun Rock, you're covered in sweat, but a mountain breeze brings a refreshing coolness up your back.
📍 At the summit of Tianhu Lake, the water is so clear you can see small fish swimming among the rocks. Don't rush down the mountain; sit on the stone benches by the lake for twenty minutes and listen to the wind rustling through the bamboo grove.
After exploring Qingyuan Mountain in the morning, head to Kaiyuan Temple in the afternoon. The stone courtyard beneath the East and West Pagodas is a natural shady spot, with the roots of old banyan trees drooping to the ground. Sit on the stone benches and watch the pigeons dozing on the eaves of the pagodas.
⚠️ The wooden fish drum at the entrance of the Mahavira Hall is quite loud, so don't be startled. The vegetarian pastries in the temple cost ten yuan a box; freshly baked, the crispy crust crumbles easily and tastes much better than those packaged in tourist areas.
Visit Chongwu Ancient City after 4 PM when the sea breeze is just right. The ancient city wall is built along the coast; standing on the East Gate tower, the waves crash directly onto the rocks, and the spray hits you in the face.
🍜 In the ancient city, there are small shops selling fish rolls for five yuan each, freshly fried, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The cliff carvings of Quanzhou are scattered across the mountains. If you're not physically fit, don't force yourself to climb; just visit two or three sites.
🚄 It takes about 15 minutes by taxi from Qingyuan Mountain to Kaiyuan Temple. Traffic can be congested, so allow about half an hour.
4️⃣ Shaoyang City | Hunan
Langshan is the kind of mountain you'll grumble about while climbing, but want to go back for more after you come down. The plank road at Bajiaozhai is suspended on the cliff face, with a deep abyss just outside the railings. The entire plank road sways in strong winds.
⏰ Go up the mountain before 7 AM for the best chance of seeing a sea of clouds; the fog dissipates as soon as the sun comes out. Those with average stamina can take the cable car up and walk down; it takes about two hours and your legs won't shake.
The Chili Peak Scenic Area is relatively easy, with gentle stone steps, suitable for families with elderly people and children.
📍 Tianyi Alley is the narrowest part of the entire mountain. The cracks in the rocks are only wide enough for one person to pass sideways. A sliver of sky hangs overhead, and a chill rises from your feet. Walking through it in summer feels like stepping into a refrigerator. The alley is slippery, so wear non-slip shoes, not sandals.
🍜 At the foot of the mountain, try the blood duck, a specialty of Shaoyang. The duck meat is stir-fried until dry and fragrant, with a strong perilla flavor. It's perfect with two bowls of rice.
⚠️ Ignore the unlicensed guides at the scenic area entrance. Your official ticket includes the sightseeing bus, and you can walk there yourself. Langshan tickets are valid for two days. Staying at a farmhouse in the scenic area allows for free entry the next day, making it much more comfortable than rushing through everything in one day.
5️⃣ Hechi City|Guangxi
The coolness of Hechi is like the sudden downpour on a sweltering day. Jiudun Tianchuang is a hidden gem for diving enthusiasts. The water gushes from an underground river, and the temperature is consistently around 20 degrees Celsius. Putting your hand in for three seconds will make it go numb.
📍 There are simple changing sheds set up by local villagers along the riverbank. Changing costs two yuan per time; don't be put off by the simplicity, it's better than being outdoors.
Donglan Mountain is perfect for boating. Bamboo rafts depart from a tributary of the Hongshui River, with karst peaks reflected in the water on both banks. The boatman paddles, startling a flock of egrets.
⏰ The light is best after 3 PM; the mountain shadows on the water make for perfect snapshots. The boat trip takes about forty minutes and costs thirty yuan per person, but you can negotiate the price if you have a group.
Xiangbei Paradise is a village hidden in a mountain valley, accessible only by walking along a dirt road. At the village entrance stands a large banyan tree, under which stone tables and benches are set up. Villagers sell ice jelly for five yuan a bowl, and the brown sugar syrup is homemade. Sanliyang Ferry has a wider expanse of water and is best visited in the evening to watch the sunset paint the entire river gold.
⚠️ The mosquitoes in Hechi are large and venomous; long pants and long sleeves are essential. Mosquito repellent bracelets are useless; just spray mosquito repellent directly.
6️⃣ Yancheng City|Jiangsu
Yancheng summers aren't hot, but the humidity is high, making it feel stuffy. Dafeng China Milu Deer Park is a must-see. The park is so large that you have to take a sightseeing bus, which takes about an hour.
📍 In the drive-through area, the deer graze by the roadside, less than two meters away. The male deer with antlers will stare at you, so don't put your hands out of the car window. After getting off the bus, there are feeding spots in the walking area. Carrots cost ten yuan a bag, and the deer will come over and lick your palms—it'll tickle you.
There's little shade in the park, so ⏰ go before 9 am or after 4 pm to avoid the midday sun.
🍜 The Funing rice cake at the park entrance is worth buying. It's made of glutinous rice, soft and chewy without being sticky, and costs five yuan a box.
⚠️ The last sightseeing bus departs at 5:30 PM. Don't miss it, or it will take 40 minutes to walk back to the gate.
After returning to the city, stroll along the Water Street in Yanzhen. A cool breeze blows along the river in the evening, and locals are out for a walk.
📍 The tofu pudding in the Water Street is savory, served with fried dough sticks. A bowl costs six yuan, which is more interesting than the sweet version.
🚄 The Deer Park is about a 50-minute taxi ride from Yancheng Station; sharing a ride is more economical.
7️⃣ Shigatse City | Tibet
In Shigatse's summer, the sun is scorching hot during the day, and the temperature drops drastically as soon as the sun sets. The Mount Everest Base Camp is the ultimate goal, but don't rush there directly. Acclimatize in Shigatse city for two days first; at an altitude of 3,800 meters, even walking will leave you breathless.
📍 The pilgrimage route at Tashilhunpo Monastery is less crowded after 5 PM. Join the local Tibetans on the pilgrimage; the wind carries the scents of butter tea and Tibetan incense from the monastery roof.
To go to Everest Base Camp, you need a border permit, which can be obtained in the city for free, but you'll need your ID card and two one-inch photos.
⚠️ The tent camp at base camp is at an altitude of 5200 meters. Temperatures drop below zero at night, so a down sleeping bag is essential; renting one costs 100 yuan.
⏰ At 7 AM, witness the sunrise over Everest, where the summit is bathed in golden-red light. It only lasts five minutes, so set up your camera beforehand.
🍜 Enjoy sweet tea in Shigatse city. A pot costs 5 yuan at a Tibetan teahouse; the milk flavor is stronger than in Lhasa. Served with Tibetan noodles, a bowl costs 8 yuan.
🚄 From Shigatse to Everest Base Camp, hiring an off-road vehicle costs about 1500 yuan per day, while sharing a ride costs about 300 yuan per person. There are checkpoints along the way, so keep your ID card with you at all times.
8️⃣ Linyi City | Shandong
Linyi summers are sweltering, but the Underground Grand Canyon is a natural cool haven. At the Firefly Water Cave & Underground Grand Canyon Tourist Area, a refreshing breeze greets you upon entry, and the further you go, the colder it gets. Long sleeves and pants are a must, otherwise you'll be shivering after an hour.
📍 The underground river rafting is the highlight. The raft travels through the cave, with icy water droplets dripping from the stalactites overhead. The entire 20-minute ride will definitely leave you soaked.
To enter the Firefly Water Cave, you need to take a boat. The cave is pitch black, with thousands of fireflies twinkling overhead like stars hanging upside down.
⚠️ Flash photography is prohibited inside the cave. Even in night mode, your phone won't capture the images clearly; just remember the sights.
⏰ Arrive before 10 AM to avoid crowds and queues.
Don't miss Yimeng Mountain either. Although the altitude isn't high, the forest coverage is extensive, and the mountain breezes are refreshing.
🍜 At a farmhouse restaurant at the foot of the mountain, you can find pancakes rolled with scallions and a bowl of stewed chicken. It's only 40 yuan per person – a great deal!
⚠️ The cable car on the mountain stops operating at 4:30 PM, so don't rush to ride it right then.
🚄 It takes about an hour by taxi from Linyi city to the scenic area. Driving is more convenient; parking costs 10 yuan per day.
Where to escape the summer heat? These 8️⃣ places will require a blanket in summer!
1️⃣ Tianjin
When visiting Tianjin in summer, don't just focus on the Haihe River night view. Head to the Five Avenues Cultural Tourism Area at 8 AM. Before the tour groups arrive, ride shared bikes along Chongqing Road and Changde Road. The plane trees block out the sun completely, and the breeze blowing between the Western-style buildings feels like natural air conditioning.
📍 The "Geda Lou" (a type of old-fashioned building) on Machang Road has exterior walls covered in ceramic tiles – much more aesthetically pleasing than trendy cafes.
At midday, escape to the Italian-style area and avoid being ripped off by restaurants touting on the main street. Turn into the depths of Ziyou Road and find a stall selling freshly made pear cakes – a sweet and sour treat to whet your appetite. In the afternoon, when the sun is at its strongest, head straight to the Olympic Stadium. The outer running track is free and shaded by trees; locals stroll there.
⚠️ Note that the stadium interior is not open to the public, so don't waste your time.
In the evening, head to Fantawild Adventure. Night tickets are half the price of daytime tickets, and the queues for rides are shorter. Make sure to ride the log flume last; come out soaked, and the evening breeze will leave you shivering.
🚄 From Tianjin Station, take Metro Line 3 and then a bus; the journey takes about an hour, or a taxi for about 40 yuan.
2️⃣ Shuozhou City | Shanxi
Shuozhou is really cool in the summer; you'll wake up freezing if you don't cover yourself with a blanket at night. Shahu Pass is located in Youyu County. It takes about an hour and a half to drive there from the city. The road conditions are good, but gas stations are scarce along the way, so fill up your tank before you set off.
📍 The wind is particularly strong at the foot of the ancient castle walls. Standing there for ten minutes in short sleeves will give you goosebumps; a light jacket is a must.
The Shahu Pass scenic area is free, but the museum inside closes at 5:30 PM. ⏰ It's recommended to arrive before 10:00 AM to first explore the museum and learn about the history of the westward migration, then climb the city walls to see the landscape where two provinces meet. The wind on the walls can blow your hat away, so hold your phone steady when taking photos.
🍜 There are several oat noodle shops near the scenic area entrance. A bowl of oat noodles with mutton sauce costs 15 yuan, cheaper than in the city.
On the way back, stop by the Shahu Pass Museum branch in Youyu County; it's less crowded and quieter.
⚠️ There are many mosquitoes here, especially in the evening. Mosquito repellent is more important than sunscreen. Shuozhou has a high altitude and strong ultraviolet radiation, so SPF 50 sunscreen is essential; don't be lazy!
3️⃣ Quanzhou City | Fujian
Quanzhou summers are hot, but Qingyuan Mountain is an exception. Entering the mountain at 6:30 am, the temperature is five or six degrees Celsius lower than in the city. The stone steps are lined with centuries-old banyan trees, providing ample shade. Climbing to Lao Jun Rock, you'll be covered in sweat, but a mountain breeze brings a refreshing coolness.
📍 At the summit, Tianhu Lake is so clear you can see small fish swimming in the cracks between the rocks. Don't rush down; sit on a stone bench by the lake for twenty minutes and listen to the wind rustling through the bamboo forest.
After exploring Qingyuan Mountain in the morning, head to Kaiyuan Temple in the afternoon. The stone courtyard beneath the East and West Pagodas is a natural shady spot, with the roots of old banyan trees drooping to the ground. Sit on a stone bench and watch pigeons napping on the eaves.
⚠️ The wooden fish drum at the entrance of the Mahavira Hall is very loud; don't be startled. The vegetarian pastries at the temple cost ten yuan a box; freshly baked, the crispy crust crumbles easily, much better than the ones in the tourist area's packaging.
Visit Chongwu Ancient City after 4 PM for the perfect sea breeze. The ancient city wall is built along the coast; standing on the East Gate tower, waves crash directly onto the rocks, and the spray hits you in the face.
🍜 Small shops in the ancient city sell fish rolls for five yuan each, freshly fried, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Quanzhou cliff carvings are scattered throughout the mountains; if you're not physically fit, don't force yourself to climb; just visit two or three.
🚄 It takes about fifteen minutes by taxi from Qingyuan Mountain to Kaiyuan Temple; traffic can be congested, so allow half an hour.
4️⃣ Shaoyang City|Hunan
Langshan is the kind of mountain you grumble about while climbing, but want to go back for more after you come down. The plank road at Bajiaozhai is suspended on the cliff face, with a deep abyss just outside the railings; the entire plank road sways when the wind is strong.
⏰ Arrive before 7 AM for the best chance of seeing a sea of clouds; the fog dissipates as soon as the sun comes out. Those with average stamina can take the cable car up and walk down, a two-hour hike that won't leave your legs shaking.
The Chili Peak Scenic Area is relatively easy, with gentle stone steps, suitable for families with elderly members and children.
📍 Tianyi Alley is the narrowest part of the entire mountain, with only one person able to pass sideways through the cracks in the rocks. A sliver of sky overhead, and a chill rising from your feet—walking through it in summer feels like stepping into a refrigerator. The alley is slippery, so wear non-slip shoes, not sandals.
🍜 At the foot of the mountain, try the blood duck, a Shaoyang specialty. The duck meat is stir-fried until dry and fragrant, with a strong perilla flavor; it's perfect with two bowls of rice.
⚠️ Ignore the unlicensed guides at the scenic area entrance. Your official ticket includes the sightseeing bus; you can walk there yourself. Langshan tickets are valid for two days. Staying at a guesthouse within the scenic area allows for free entry the next day, making it much more comfortable than rushing through everything in one day.
5️⃣ Hechi City | Guangxi
The coolness of Hechi is like the sudden downpour on a sweltering day. Jiudun Tianchuang is a hidden gem for diving enthusiasts; the water gushes from an underground river, consistently around 20 degrees Celsius—your hand goes numb after just three seconds in.
📍 There are simple changing sheds built by local villagers along the riverbank; changing clothes costs two yuan each time. Don't be put off by the simplicity; it's better than being out in the open.
Donglan Mountain is perfect for boating. Bamboo rafts depart from a tributary of the Hongshui River, with karst peaks reflected in the water on both banks. The boatman paddles, startling a flock of egrets.
⏰ The light is best after 3 PM; the mountain shadows on the water make for perfect snapshots. The boat trip takes about 40 minutes and costs 30 yuan per person; you can negotiate the price if you have a group.
Xiangbei Shiwai Taoyuan is a village hidden in a mountain valley; you have to walk a dirt road to get there. At the village entrance stands a large banyan tree, its shade supporting stone tables and benches where villagers sell ice jelly for five yuan a bowl, along with homemade brown sugar syrup. The Sanliyangdu ferry crossing is wider, perfect for an evening visit to watch the sunset paint the entire river gold.
⚠️ The mosquitoes in Hechi are large and venomous; long pants and long sleeves are essential. Mosquito repellent bracelets are useless; just spray mosquito repellent directly.
6️⃣ Yancheng City|Jiangsu
Yancheng summers aren't hot, but the humidity is high, making it feel stuffy. The Dafeng China Milu Deer Park is a must-see. The park is so large that you must take a sightseeing bus, which takes about an hour.
📍 In the drive-through area, the deer graze by the roadside, less than two meters away. The antlered males will stare at you, so don't put your hands out of the car window. After getting off the bus, there are feeding spots in the walking area; carrots cost ten yuan a bag, and the deer will come over and lick your palms—it'll tickle you.
The park has little shade, so go before 9 AM or after 4 PM to avoid the midday sun.
🍜 The Funing rice cake at the park entrance is worth buying; it's made with glutinous rice, soft, chewy, and not sticky, and costs five yuan a box.
⚠️ The last sightseeing bus departs at 5:30 PM, so don't miss it, otherwise it will take forty minutes to walk back to the gate.
After returning to the city, stroll around the Yanzhen Water Street. The riverside is cool and refreshing in the evening, and locals are taking walks there.
📍 The tofu pudding in the Water Street is savory, served with fried dough sticks, and costs six yuan a bowl—more interesting than the sweet version.
🚄 The Milu Deer Park is about a 50-minute taxi ride from Yancheng Station; sharing a ride is more cost-effective.
7️⃣ Shigatse City|Tibet
In Shigatse's summer, the sun is scorching during the day, and as soon as the sun sets, it gets so cold you'll shiver. Mount Everest Base Camp is the ultimate goal, but don't rush straight there. Spend two days acclimatizing in Shigatse city first; at an altitude of 3,800 meters, even walking will leave you breathless.
📍 The pilgrimage route around Tashilhunpo Monastery is less crowded after 5 PM. Join the local Tibetans on the pilgrimage; the wind blowing down from the monastery roof carries the aroma of yak butter tea and Tibetan incense.
You need a border permit to go to Everest Base Camp. You can get one in the city for free, but you'll need your ID card and two one-inch photos.
⚠️ The tent camp at base camp is at an altitude of 5,200 meters. Temperatures drop below zero at night, so a down sleeping bag is essential. Renting one costs 100 yuan.
⏰ Watch the sunrise over Everest at 7 AM; the summit is bathed in golden-red light. It only lasts five minutes, so set up your camera beforehand.
🍜 Enjoy sweet tea in Shigatse city. A pot costs 5 yuan at a Tibetan teahouse; the milk flavor is stronger than in Lhasa. Served with Tibetan noodles, a bowl costs 8 yuan.
🚄 From Shigatse to Everest Base Camp, hiring an off-road vehicle costs about 1500 RMB per day, while sharing a ride costs about 300 RMB per person. There are checkpoints along the way, so keep your ID card with you at all times.
8️⃣ Linyi City | Shandong
Linyi summers are sweltering, but the Underground Grand Canyon is a natural freezer. At the Firefly Water Cave & Underground Grand Canyon Tourist Area, a cool breeze greets you upon entering, and it gets colder as you go in. Long sleeves and pants are a must, otherwise you'll be shivering after an hour.
📍 The underground river rafting is the highlight. The raft travels through the cave, with icy water droplets dripping from the stalactites overhead. The entire 20-minute ride will definitely get you soaked.
To enter the Firefly Water Cave, you need to take a boat. The cave is pitch black, with thousands of fireflies twinkling overhead like stars hanging upside down.
⚠️ Flash photography is not allowed inside the cave. Even in night mode, your phone won't capture the images clearly; just remember them by sight.
⏰ Arrive before 10 AM to avoid crowds and queues.
Don't miss Yimeng Mountain either. Although the altitude isn't high, the forest coverage is extensive, and the mountain breeze is refreshing.
🍜 At the farmhouses at the foot of the mountain, try the scallion pancakes and a bowl of stewed chicken. It's only about 40 RMB per person—a great deal!
⚠️ The cable car on the mountain stops operating at 4:30 PM, so don't rush to take it then.
🚄 A taxi ride from Linyi city to the scenic area takes about an hour. Driving is more convenient; parking costs 10 RMB per day.