2026 Guide Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in August)

Qinghai insider tips💥! Avoid the crowds at Qinghai Lake Erlangjian, Ta'er Monastery, and Chaka Salt Lake🙅‍♀️! Easily drive round-trip from Xining city in one day without rushing. Discover 4 little-known local river and plain secret spots with low commercialization, peaceful surroundings, and very few tourists📸! Danxia colorful water canyon, ancient Tibetan villages by the river, Laji Mountain plateau grasslands, and pristine forest valleys offer an immersive experience of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau’s mountains, rivers, and local life. Perfect for a weekend escape🔥! 🌟Hidden gem 1: North bank of Kanbula Danxia secret spot (Yellow River water Danxia) 📍Location: Lijiaxia Reservoir area, north bank of Kanbula, Jianzha County, Huangnan Prefecture 🚗Distance from Xining city: about 1.5 hours by car 🗺️One-day itinerary Morning🌄: Qinghai’s top secret spot! Crimson Danxia mountains surround the emerald Yellow River reservoir. The canyon winds through the landscape, with highland forests scattered on the hills. Avoid the main tourist flow in the core scenic area. The self-drive viewing platform offers wide views. Highland wilderness winds create perfect conditions for stunning landscape photos. Almost no tour groups. Noon🍲: Taste local river fish, Tibetan-style lamb hot pot, and Qinghai noodles at a Kanbula township farmhouse. Rich river and plain highland flavors. About 42 per person to eat until full. Afternoon🌊: Drive along the lake ring road through the canyon, overlooking the full Danxia water panorama. Wait for the sunset by the Yellow River bank. The Danxia canyon sunset light and shadow are breathtaking. Immerse yourself in the unique grandeur and romance of the highland Yellow River. 🕳️Practical tips ✅The north bank lake ring road is free to drive🆓, with free parking along the way. Boat tours are optional and paid. ✅Morning canyon mist is abundant, with clear mountain and water colors. Sunset offers the best visual effects. ✅Cliffside mountain roads have many sharp turns and steep slopes. Drive slowly and carefully. The high altitude requires windproof jackets. ✅The lakeside gravel road is soft. Stay away from steep reservoir slopes and water. No swimming allowed. Take all trash with you. 🌟Hidden gem 2: Huangyuan Dangar ancient city (Tea Horse Road river plain ancient Silk Road town) 📍Location: Dangar ancient city, Huangyuan County, Xining city 🚗Distance from Xining city: about 1 hour by car 🗺️One-day itinerary Morning🏮: A key town on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau Tea Horse Road with 600 years of river plain culture! Han, Tibetan, Tu, and Mongolian ethnic groups blend here with contiguous ancient architecture. Visit the Huangyuan lantern intangible cultural heritage museum and century-old merchant courtyards. No mass tourist shops. Tibetan-style vintage outfits make for perfect cultural photo shoots with almost no tourists in the streets. Noon🥞: Sample Qinghai homemade sweet fermented rice, Huangyuan spicy-sour pork tenderloin, and lamb intestine noodles on the old city street. Authentic northwest river plain snacks full of local flavor. About 36 per person for a satisfying meal. Afternoon📜: Stroll the Ming and Qing dynasty stone streets. Visit Dangar Confucian temple and city god temple. Climb the ancient city beacon tower to view the Laji mountain range. Experience the slow-paced, thousand-year-old Silk Road local life. 🕳️Practical tips ✅The entire ancient city streets are free to enter🆓. Folk museums have voluntary ticketing. Free roadside parking. ✅Few visitors on weekdays. The ancient buildings’ light and shadow are rustic and rich, perfect for photos. ✅Old street stone slabs are uneven. Avoid high heels. Respect local residents’ daily life. Do not enter private homes. ✅Buy yak beef and Qinghai specialties wisely. Compare prices and avoid overpriced tourist sales. 🌟Hidden gem 3: Laji Mountain Zongkala highland grassland pasture (Qinghai cloud pasture) 📍Location: Zongkala area, Laji Mountain, Guide County, Hainan Prefecture 🚗Distance from Xining city: about 1.2 hours by car 🗺️One-day itinerary Morning🐂: A little-known highland grassland secret near Xining! Rolling alpine meadows with blooming flower slopes. Prayer flags flutter along the ridge. The Laji snow mountain silhouette is clear in the distance, with Qinghai Lake’s far peaks faintly visible. Tibetan-style highland outfits create a strong atmosphere. The pasture is wide and sparsely populated, no need to compete for photo spots. Noon🥩: Enjoy hand-pulled lamb, butter tea, and Qinghai clay pot bread at a Tibetan herder’s home at the mountain base. Authentic pastoral flavors. About 38 per person to eat well. Afternoon⛰️: Hike gently on the grassland and visit the Zongkala stone scripture wall. Drive through the alpine grassland road and wait for the sunset to cover the rolling meadows. Immerse yourself in the vast wilderness of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. 🕳️Practical tips ✅Public areas of the grassland pasture are free to visit🆓. Free parking at the mountain top. Pilgrimage to grassland temples is optional. ✅High altitude with large temperature differences between morning and night. Bring warm jackets. Strong UV rays require full sun protection gear. ✅Do not trample the grassland or chase yak and sheep herds. Respect Tibetan herders’ customs. ✅Pastoral facilities are basic. Bring your own drinking water and snacks. 🌟Hidden gem 4: Huzhu Zhanian road primitive forest valley (Qinghai’s little Swiss forest secret) 📍Location: Along Zhanian road valley, Huzhu Tu Autonomous County, Haidong city 🚗Distance from Xining city: about 1.5 hours by car 🗺️One-day itinerary Morning🌲: Pristine original river valley secret in the eastern Qilian Mountains! The winding mountain road passes through spruce forests. Mountain streams accompany the route. Alpine meadows and wildflower seas scatter the canyon. Cool summer temperatures. The forest vibe is relaxing and highly photogenic. Perfect for self-drive summer escapes. Quiet and few tourists. Noon🥘: Taste local Tu ethnic farmhouse clay pot chicken, wild mountain vegetables, and Huzhu handmade noodles. Authentic Tu home cooking with fresh flavors. About 39 per person to eat heartily. Afternoon💦: Light hike along the valley to breathe fresh air. Cool off in shallow streams. Stop to photograph the mountain road’s sea of clouds view. Immerse yourself in the cool, wild charm of the highland original forest. 🕳️Practical tips ✅Viewing areas along Zhanian road are free to visit🆓. Free roadside parking. No entrance fees. ✅The forest climate is humid in summer. Morning mountain fog creates a fairy-tale atmosphere. ✅Valley rocks and moss are slippery. Wear non-slip sports shoes. Mosquitoes are common; bring insect repellent. ✅Strict forest fire control in Qinghai forests. No open flames outdoors. Do not pick wild highland flowers or plants.

Here’s your 3-day Xining tour guide! Check out the Chaka Salt Lake, known as the sky mirror, watch the golden sunset reflecting on the lake, ride horses and shoot arrows, wear Tibetan costumes for photos, listen to audio guides at attractions, all while saving time and money. Bookmark it now! · - Want to unlock more scenic guides? Scroll down to see more ↓ · - ✨ Itinerary: Day 1: Ta’er Monastery > Laji Mountain > Sun and Moon Mountain > Qinghai Lake · Heima River Immerse yourself in Tibetan Buddhist culture, cross Laji Mountain for a distant view of Sun and Moon Mountain, and stay overnight by Qinghai Lake to enjoy the lake view. Day 2–3: Chaka Salt Lake > Xiangpi Mountain > West Ring Road > Qilian Mountain grasslands > Binggou forest > Zhuo’er Mountain > Arou Monastery > Menyuan 100-mile rapeseed flower sea Visit the sky mirror at Chaka Salt Lake, take the small train to the lake center to admire salt sculptures and sunset, gallop across the grasslands to experience horse riding, archery, and Tibetan costume photos, and enjoy the rapeseed flower sea and Qilian scenery. · - Must-visit attractions: 🏔️ Ta’er Monastery: A sacred site of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism, featuring exquisite architecture and numerous treasures, with a strong religious atmosphere! Winter and spring 2025 tickets are discounted, plus many cultural tourism activities to join—great value for your visit 👍 ☁️ Chaka Salt Lake: The true sky mirror! The salt is as white as snow, reflecting the entire sky. Walking barefoot in the lake is very healing. There are salt sculptures and a small train, making every photo a fairy-tale shot 📸 🐑 Qilian Mountain grasslands: A beautiful scene where the wind blows the grass low to reveal cattle and sheep! Asia’s largest horse ranch, Shandan Military Horse Ranch, is stunning. In July and August, the rapeseed flower sea pairs with the grassland horses for a fairy-tale summer 🌾 🏞️ Zhuo’er Mountain: A magical color combo of Danxia red and grassland green! From the summit, you can see the snow-capped Niuxin Mountain and the Babao River winding below. The morning view of the four seasons is breathtaking 🌅 🌻 Menyuan 100-mile rapeseed flower sea: 600,000 acres of golden flowers stretch to the horizon! Combined with green barley fields and the distant Qilian snow peaks, the panoramic view from Yuanshan Flower Viewing Platform is stunning. Also visit Xianmi Forest Park to cool off and breathe fresh air 🍃 · - ✨ Travel preparation: 👕 Clothing: Bring thin long-sleeve sun-protection shirts and long pants, a pair of comfortable hiking shoes, and a light jacket for cool mornings and evenings. 🎒 Accessories: Wear a wide-brimmed sun hat and sunglasses, carry portable sunscreen spray and moisturizing hand cream, and bring a foldable umbrella. 🪪 Documents: Bring your ID card and student ID (for discounts), and save electronic copies in advance in case of loss. 💊 Medicine: Pack common stomach medicine, cold medicine, anti-altitude sickness Rhodiola, and mosquito repellent. 📱 Electronics: Bring a fast-charging power bank and camera, install offline maps, and have your phone charging cable ready. 🍚 Daily essentials: Pack a portable toiletry kit, dry and wet tissues, and an empty foldable bag for souvenirs or trash. 💰 Other: Carry some cash, book attraction tickets in advance, and download the local health travel code on your phone. · - Your journey is about to begin. Click the card below to easily get your travel essentials~

July in Qinghai is so refreshing that even the wind carries the scent of barley wine! The aftertaste is so strong that when I got home and made milk tea, it still left milk residue fragments😭✨ Who understands! Escaping the sweltering heat of the inland summer in July, traveling the Qinghai-Gansu route, a cool 18℃ breeze blows, jingles the prayer bells, and slips into your collar. Salt lakes, grasslands, and yardang formations come together like a half-finished wind-eroded blue painting. A week after returning, I open the window just to feel the salty breeze. My mind is full of the bright yellow waves of rapeseed flowers in Menyuan stretching to the clouds! · ----- 🧂1. Chaerhan salt lake’s unspoiled mirror-viewing spot The turquoise salt lake stretches to the horizon. Salt crystals pile up like milky white coral on the water’s surface. When the wind sweeps across the lake, even the wave marks sparkle. In the distance, white chimneys of the potash factory emit light smoke. The soles of your shoes pick up fine salty crystals on the salt road. 👉Tip: Go early at 7 AM when there are no tourists and reflections are weakest. Wear a pure white dress and step on the shallow salt layer. The mirror-like reflection is 10 times quieter than Chaka! 🌼2. Menyuan Qingshizui rapeseed flower sea aerial spot A continuous stretch of bright yellow rapeseed flowers reaches the foot of snow-capped mountains. In the distance, the Gangshika snow peak shows its white tip. Beekeepers set up honey buckets by the flower fields. Little bees buzz around the flower spikes. The wind carries the rapeseed fragrance into your collar. 👉Tip: Arrive at 6 AM golden hour and wait at the viewing platform. Frame the yellow flowers and snow mountains in your shot for a striking color contrast that instantly stands out! 🌿3. Qilian mountain grassland Erbogou herder spot Waist-high grasslands stretch to the clouds. A Tibetan woman leads a white yak that nuzzles your palm. Herds sway their tails as they move through the grass waves. Colorful prayer flags flutter loudly in the mountain wind. Wild little blue flowers peek through the grass leaves at your feet. 👉Tip: Rent Tibetan clothes and ride a slow horse around this off-the-beaten-path pasture. Capture shots of the horse stepping on wildflowers. No one competes for this spot! 🛤️4. G315 U-shaped highway yardang section roadside spot Huge earth-colored yardangs pile up on both sides of the desert. The highway dips sharply into a U shape following the terrain. Heavy trucks drag gray streaks as they pass slowly. The blue sky over the barren cliffs stretches to the desert edge. The wind sweeps sand grains past your ears. 👉Tip: Avoid noon traffic and wait 10 minutes to shoot empty shots. Shoot the highway from a low angle looking up at the sky. The wild, cool vibe is instantly epic! 🏞️5. Guide Yellow River Qing wetland park shallow beach The clear emerald Yellow River flows over a pebble beach. Reeds sway white fluff brushing the water’s surface. Local elders squat on the bank casting fishing rods for Yellow River fish. The river water is cool, just above the ankles. The mist carried by the wind softens your face. 👉Tip: Shoot one hour after rain to capture water reflecting the Danxia landform. The yellow Danxia mountains contrast uniquely with the blue-green water—an exclusive visual treat! 🪨6. Water yardang star moon bay uninhabited spot Earth-colored yardang islands poke out of the blue-green lake. The sunset dyes the stones a honey-orange. Wild water birds flap and dive into the lake catching small fish. The wind sweeps the lake surface with cool ripples. Even the falling stars seem soaked in salty mist. 👉Tip: Set up a small light rig at night to shoot the Milky Way over the yardang. The dark sci-fi vibe will blow up your social feed! · ----- 🍜 must-try highlights ▪️Hardcore experience: hand-pulled lamb to tear and bite! Tender and juicy with no gamey taste. Dip in pepper salt and bite down, warming you with a comfortable thin sweat ▪️Local favorite: Qinghai native hot pot in an alley, loaded with lamb, vermicelli, and frozen tofu. Eat it with barley cakes until you’re full ▪️Qinghai exclusive: icy sweet yak yogurt sprinkled with fried rice and honey. The sourness instantly cools away the summer heat! · ----- ✅ hard-earned tips 1. July desert temperature swings 20℃ day to night. Bring a thick windbreaker. At sunset shooting yardang, the cold made my arms goosebump and stiffen 2. Salt crystals on the salt lake are highly abrasive and corrosive to shoes. Wear fully enclosed water shoes. Open-toe shoes will peel badly after walking, very embarrassing 3. Don’t tease Tibetan herders’ dogs on the grassland. Ask the owner before feeding. If you get too close, they’ll jump on you and scare you half to death 4. Don’t stand in the middle of the U-shaped highway to shoot trucks’ blind spots. Trucks move fast and can’t stop quickly. It’s dangerous and you won’t have time to cry! July in Qinghai gathers the purest blue of the salt lake and the wildest grassland winds. Before leaving, I stuffed half a jar of Chaerhan salt crystals into my backpack. Now when I take it out and smell it, I can still catch the scent of the desert mixed with rapeseed breeze🥹!

In just two days and one night, I packed all the "blue, green, yellow, and white" of Qinghai into my phone! 📱 Who else gets it, family! We set off from Xining at 7 a.m. I was ready to sleep on the bus, but when the tour leader said, "We've arrived at Ta'er Monastery," I was instantly awake—the golden roof of Ta'er Monastery gleamed so brightly in the morning light it made me squint, the prayer wheels creaked as they turned, the scent of butter flowers drifted into my nose, and the low, deep chanting of the monks inside the temple strangely calmed my heart. I stood in front of the Great Golden Tile Hall for a long time with just one thought: Master Tsongkhapa, your place is truly magnificent! 🙏 Next, we headed to Laji Mountain, known as the "place where eagles can't fly over"! Standing at the mountain pass at 3,820 meters above sea level, the wind nearly blew my hat away, but looking out, on one side were the loess terraces, and on the other, snowy mountains and grasslands. It felt like I was standing right on the dividing line in a geography textbook. The tour leader shouted into the valley, and the echo bounced back three times. The yak next to him gave him a side-eye, which cracked me up 🐮! Riyue Mountain was even more amazing—this is where Princess Wencheng once looked back at Chang'an! Although I don’t have the princess’s status, the prayer flags fluttered loudly in the wind, and I couldn’t help but glance back—hmm, there was nothing behind me, just cars, but the sense of ceremony was full on! The highlight came next—Chaka Salt Lake! I wore a bright orange long dress and walked toward the center of the lake, stepping on the sparkling white salt crystals. The sky reflected on the water’s surface, making me feel like I was walking on clouds. When the little train’s whistle blew, snap! A photo perfect for my social media grid was instantly secured! Friendly reminder: definitely wear sunglasses, or the lake’s reflection will blind you 😎. We stayed overnight at a 3-star hotel in Chaka Town, and I flipped through my photo album until midnight, not wanting to sleep at all! On the second day, we rushed to Qinghai Lake, the true sapphire of the plateau! The lake was as blue as if a paint bucket had spilled, and the rapeseed flowers by the shore were in full bloom. The yellow and blue colors were stunning—every snap looked like a Windows desktop wallpaper. Along the way, we passed the Jinyin Beach Grassland, where golden and silver plum blossoms were blooming happily, and the cattle and sheep were so leisurely it made me jealous—they don’t have to work or reply to messages, and I hate them for it! The last stop was the Atomic City Memorial Hall, where I instantly switched from "artsy youth" to "passionate mode." Seeing those old photos and machines, realizing that those people made the atomic bomb in such harsh conditions was hardcore! I silently saluted in front of the monument with just two words in my heart: Respect! 🇨🇳 We returned to Xining around 7:00 p.m. [for reference only, actual return time depends on the day’s traffic]. Two days and one night, my eyes were full, my phone memory was maxed out, my legs were sore, but my heart was full. Honestly, why choose this company? They are a local Qinghai operator with over 20 years of experience, a vice president unit of the Tourism Association—not some fly-by-night operation! The entire trip used their own official fleet, drivers with licenses, and high-value seat insurance for everyone—when it comes to safety, they care more than my mom. Zero shopping stops, zero tricks, no store visits or delays, all the time is spent enjoying the scenery. No group-hopping or subcontracting, pure sightseeing as promised—if I get tricked, I’ll admit defeat. In short, top-notch scenery, pure experience, and solid safety. Product overview: Days Itinerary Accommodation D1 Xining → Ta'er Monastery → Laji Mountain → Riyue Mountain → Chaka Salt Lake 3-star hotel in Chaka Town D2 Chaka Town → Qinghai Lake → Jinyin Beach Grassland → Atomic City Memorial Hall → Disband in Xining 📌Friendly reminder: The plateau’s UV rays are strong, sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats are all must-haves; the temperature difference between morning and evening is big, so bring a long-sleeve jacket just in case! Qinghai Xining

💙 Summer Capital Xining|20℃ plateau summer, so comfortable Who would have thought that in June, Xining’s daytime temperature is only around 20℃, and you still need a jacket at night! As the "Summer Capital of China," this place is truly the ultimate summer retreat—not only cool but also full of endless delicious food and breathtaking scenery. 🕌 Ta'er Monastery|The Artistic Hall of Tibetan Buddhism A must-visit in Xining is Ta'er Monastery! With its red walls and golden roofs, prayer corridors, and devoted worshippers, every corner here is filled with a sacred atmosphere. The gentle June sunlight shines on the golden roofs, casting a divine glow—truly stunning. 🙏 Highlights at Ta'er Monastery: · Butter Sculptures: The top three treasures of Ta'er Monastery, where monks carve exquisite Buddha statues and stories from butter in subzero temperatures—absolutely breathtaking · Murals: Vivid colors that remain lifelike even after hundreds of years · Embroidered Appliqué: Made from various colored silk ribbons, with a strong three-dimensional effect · Prayer Corridor: Join the devotees in circumambulating and feel the power of faith ⚠️ Notes: · No shorts or skirts above the knee allowed inside the temple · No photography facing the Buddha statues · Circumambulate clockwise · Admission is 80 RMB, recommended visit time is 3 hours 🌊 Qinghai Lake|The Sapphire of the Plateau Just a 1.5-hour drive from Xining, Qinghai Lake in June is breathtakingly beautiful! The deep blue water, golden rapeseed flowers, and distant snow-capped mountains make every photo a masterpiece. 💡 My exclusive tips: · Avoid the main Erlangjian Scenic Area: head to the herders’ trail on the west side of the lake, where for 20 RMB you can get close to the water with fewer people and better views · Sunrise at Heimahe: Wake up at 6 AM to watch the sun rise over the lake, with golden light spreading across the water · Watch the Huangyu fish migration at Gangcha: June is the season when thousands of Huangyu fish swim upstream—spectacular to see · Horseback riding by the lake: 50 RMB for half an hour, galloping across the grasslands is exhilarating 📸 Photo tips: · Wear white, red, or yellow dresses for strong contrast with the blue lake · Best lighting is in the morning and evening; avoid harsh midday sun · Bring props like hats, scarves, or balloons · Shoot from low angles to capture the "sky mirror" effect 🏔️ Guide Jiangla Scenic Area|A Hidden Pristine Gem This place is truly amazing! A 1.5-hour drive from Xining, in the poetic birthplace of "The Yellow River is clear in Guide," lies a nearly untouched natural sanctuary—the Jiangla Scenic Area. 🌿 Why Jiangla Scenic Area is so beautiful: · Forests, snow mountains, Danxia landforms, and crystal-clear Yellow River water blend perfectly here · Picnic under the riverside trees while listening to the flowing water · The river is so clear you can see small fish swimming · The air is incredibly fresh, a natural oxygen bar · Completely free! No entrance fee! In the afternoon, visit Guide National Geopark to see the Danxia landforms—the red mountains are spectacular under the sun, contrasting sharply with the clear Yellow River water, truly breathtaking. 🍜 Xining Cuisine|A Carb Lover’s Paradise Xining has so much delicious food—I ate until I was full every day! Must-try list: · Hand-pulled lamb: tender meat without any gamey taste, delicious with just salt · Qinghai old yogurt: thick like tofu pudding, sprinkled with sugar, sweet and tangy · Niangpi (cold skin noodles): chewy and smooth, chili oil fragrant but not spicy, very appetizing · Gaomianpian (hand-torn noodles): handmade noodles served with lamb soup, incredibly fresh · Sweet fermented barley drink: made from highland barley, sweet with a hint of alcohol, perfect for summer refreshment · Kangguo lamb: stir-fried potatoes, onions, and lamb, aromatic and mouthwatering Recommended places: · Moji Street: Majong Restaurant, offering a variety of snacks · Shuijing Alley: a local favorite food street · Delu Yogurt: the most famous yogurt shop in Xining 💭 Final thoughts During my days in Xining, I was surrounded by cool 20℃ breezes, eating delicious Northwestern cuisine and admiring stunning plateau scenery, feeling completely relaxed. There’s no humid heat like in the south, nor the fast pace of big cities—just the pleasure of slow living. If you want a place to escape the summer heat, come to Xining. Here you’ll find deep blue lakes, golden rapeseed flowers, devout faith, and endless delicious food. Trust me, once you come, you won’t want to leave. · -- Accommodation 🏨 Qinghai Lake Qizhi Wild Luxury Tent Hotel Exclusive private lakeside line at Jiangxi Valley, step outside your door to a "sky mirror" level lake view. Only 12 tents with high privacy, each equipped with oxygen machines, electric blankets, constant temperature bathrooms, and star-gazing windows—ultimate plateau wild luxury experience. 🏨 Xining Yunshang Qunji Jinling Shanshui Hotel Located in Qunji Tibetan Township, featuring unique wooden houses, Tibetan-style rooms, and space capsule star rooms. One hour drive to Ta'er Monastery, surrounded by pristine forests and grasslands, peaceful and quiet environment. 🏨 Tree Frog (Xining Datong Branch) The Tree Frog tribe on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, with triangular wooden houses and lotus leaf houses standing on the grassland. Open the door to highland meadows and endless forest pastures. A blend of 26 ethnic cultures, offering a unique plateau wild luxury experience. 🏨 Xining New Hualian Sofitel Hotel The first international luxury brand hotel on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, 45 floors of cloud-high experience. Floor-to-ceiling windows let you see snow mountains and city panoramas from the bathtub. Exclusive Tibetan-style afternoon tea and attentive butler service. · --

🛬【Itinerary】: Day 1 Xining → Ta'er Monastery → Laji Mountain → Riyue Mountain → Qinghai Lake → Xiapi Mountain → Chaka (Stay in Chaka) 1. Ta'er Monastery: A famous Tibetan Buddhist monastery. Recommended 2h visit. Wear long pants and cover shoulders. No photos allowed in the main hall. 2. Laji Mountain: Check-in at the mountain pass en route. Elevation 3820m. Strong winds and low temperatures. Brief stop. 3. Riyue Mountain: A landmark passed by Princess Wencheng. Simply enjoy the distant view of Qinghai Lake from the viewpoint. 4. Qinghai Lake (Erlangjian Scenic Area): Stroll by the lake, take photos around the lake. Prepare a thick jacket as it's windy by the lake. 5. Xiapi Mountain: Cross the mountain pass, enjoy grassland and mountain scenery along the way. Arrive in Chaka for check-in in the evening. Food and Accommodation: Many choices for food and accommodation in Chaka. Large temperature difference between day and night, pay attention to keeping warm in the evening. Day 2 Chaka Salt Lake → East Lake Ring Road → Jinsha Bay → Jinyintan → Atomic City → Xining 1. Chaka Salt Lake: Try to enter the scenic area early for the best mirror-like photos. Prepare slippers and sunscreen. 2. East Lake Ring Road + Jinsha Bay: Niche desert lakeside, dunes and lake in the same frame, free wild scenery. 3. Jinyintan Grassland: Origin of "In That Distant Place." Lush pastures in summer. 4. Atomic City Memorial Hall: Free admission, learn about the history of "Two Bombs, One Satellite." 1h visit. Return to Xining in the evening, can be dropped off at downtown hotels/train station. ⛺【Must-Visit Attractions】: Ta'er Monastery, Riyue Mountain, Qinghai Lake, Chaka Salt Lake 🍩【Must-Eat Food】: Qinghai Yogurt, Qinghai Yak Beef Soup, Qinghai Hand-Pulled Noodles, Qinghai Goujiaoniao 🧡【Tips】: Other friendly reminders 1. The entire trip involves mountain roads + around the lake, with a huge temperature difference between day and night. Be sure to bring a windbreaker, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen. 2. Qinghai Lake and Chaka are at higher altitudes. Move slowly and avoid strenuous activity to prevent altitude sickness.

【Introduction】: The ancient Tar Temple exudes solemnity and profound Zen, the Laji Mountain range stretches endlessly with clouds rolling between the peaks, Sun and Moon Mountain holds an ancient charm, Chaka Salt Lake resembles a mirror of the sky, Binggou Forest is serene and verdant, Jinsha Bay features a sand lake side by side, and Jinyin Beach Grassland is covered with endless fragrant grass. 🛬【Itinerary】: Day 1 Xining — Tar Temple — Laji Mountain — Sun and Moon Mountain — Qinghai Lake — Qinghai Lake — Chaka Town (overnight) Day 2 Chaka — Chaka Salt Lake — Jinsha Bay — Jinyin Beach Grassland — Xining Xining (end) 🍩【Must-Try Foods】: Braised Lamb, Qinghai Gaomian Pian (hand-pulled noodles) 🧡【Tips】: Clothing: Windproof jacket + sun-protective clothing + long pants, as there is a big temperature difference between morning and evening Sun protection: Sunglasses + hat + high SPF sunscreen (UV rays are very strong)

Girls! You must save this 4-day Xining guide! Horseback riding and archery, wearing Tibetan robes for photos—all arranged. Door-to-door transfers included, all-inclusive price for total peace of mind~ Have a blast without any hassle, come copy this itinerary now! · ------------------- Don’t go yet! The best is yet to come~ · ------------------- 🗺️ Travel Route: Day 1: Ta’er Monastery — Laji Mountain — Riyue Mountain — Qinghai Lake · Heima River Explore the Tibetan Buddhist holy site and the plateau lake scenery in one day. After worshipping at Ta’er Monastery, cross Laji Mountain and Riyue Mountain, and finally arrive at the Heima River shore of Qinghai Lake to enjoy a beautiful sunset🌄. Day 2: Chaka Salt Lake — West Loop Road of Qinghai Lake — Qilian Mountain Grassland — Binggou Forest Sea Step barefoot into the Mirror of the Sky to capture reflections📸, ride along the West Loop Road of Qinghai Lake, venture into Qilian Mountain grasslands for horseback riding and archery, and finally explore the pristine forest mystery of Binggou Forest Sea. Day 3: Zhuo’er Mountain — Arou Monastery — Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park Climb Zhuo’er Mountain at dawn to watch the sea of clouds, visit the tranquil Arou Monastery to wear Tibetan robes and spin prayer wheels, then rush to Zhangye Danxia in the evening to capture the sunset glow on the rainbow-colored landforms🌈. Day 4: Qilian Mountain Grassland — Gangshika Snow Peak — Return Journey On the last day, immerse yourself in the grassland Tibetan costume experience, gaze at the majestic Gangshika Snow Peak, pack up in the afternoon and head home, carrying the rich flavors of Northwest China✈️. · ------------------- Must-Visit Attractions: Ta’er Monastery ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 📍Address: No. 56 Jinta Road, Huangzhong District, Xining, Qinghai Province 🕒Opening Hours: November 1, 2025 - March 31, 2026, 08:00-16:30 ⏳Duration: 3-5 hours Under the golden snow-capped roof, prayer flags flutter, and the sacred chants accompany your steps into four centuries of religious poetry and painting✨ Chaka Salt Lake ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 📍Address: No. 9 Salt Lake Road, Chaka Town, Wulan County, Haixi Prefecture 🕒Opening Hours: March 1 - November 30, 08:15-19:00 ⏳Duration: 3-5 hours Step barefoot into the Mirror of the Sky, where clouds and mountain reflections create a fairyland, and the little train whistles as it heads toward the salt sculpture fairy tale🚂 Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 📍Address: Nantai Village, Nijia Ying Town, Linze County, Zhangye City, Gansu Province 🕒Opening Hours: March 1 - March 20, 08:00-17:00 ⏳Duration: 3-5 hours Snow partially covers the rainbow mountains, like God spilled a palette of flames and watercolors in a symphony🎨 · ------------------- Notes: · Respect local customs and traditions; please do not bring outside food into halal restaurants~🍛 · Compare prices at three stores when buying specialties; check the weight for yak jerky to get the best deal!🛍️ · Airport shuttle bus goes directly to the city; for taxis, it’s recommended to use ride-hailing apps for transparency and safety🚗 · Don’t forget sunscreen and hydration; the plateau UV rays are very strong, hats and sunglasses are a must!🌞 · Large temperature difference between morning and evening; layer a thin down jacket with a pretty dress for warmth and great photos👗 · ------------------- Click the card below for all-inclusive door-to-door transfers and start your journey with ease!

Don't let Xining be just a transit point on your Qinghai-Tibet journey anymore! This "Summer Capital of China," situated at an altitude of 2261 meters, is blending its millennia-old Hehuang culture with vibrant modern energy, transforming into an immersive travel destination worth a dedicated visit. From brightly lit influencer streets to profound cultural markets, from colorful autumn landscapes to bustling food corridors, Xining invites you to pause and deeply experience a multi-dimensional carnival on the plateau. The Later the Night, the More Exciting: The Vibrant Heartbeat of a Plateau City As night falls, Xining's pulse truly begins to beat vigorously. Step into "Baojie" (Leopard Street) in Chengbai District, and you'll enter the heart of Xining's night economy. This is far more than just a food street; it's a fantastical theater centered around the "snow leopard" IP: adorable snow leopard sculptures and cartoon mascots adorn the streets, a hundred-person "Qingtang War Drum" formation parades to an exhilarating rhythm, and encountering performers in ethnic costumes is a common sight here. Over 200 businesses extend under the neon lights, offering everything from authentic Qinghai hotpot and mellow aged yogurt to popular snacks from all corners of the country, filling the air with a lively, bustling atmosphere. Equally exciting are trendy areas like Limeng and Tangdao, where ancient-style architecture intertwines with modern shopping malls, and street performers and themed parades fill the night with interaction and surprises. Travel Through Time: Encounter Living Hehuang Culture at the Grand Cultural Market During the day, Xining opens a door for you to deeply perceive its diverse culture. The "Xihai 2261 · Hehuang Cultural Grand Market," lasting for several months, is a cultural feast held in Xining Square. Here, you can witness the exquisite artistry of intangible cultural heritage inheritors, such as Huangzhong embroidery and Hehuang paper-cutting, purchase unique snow leopard-themed cultural and creative products, and enjoy continuous performances of multi-ethnic songs and dances, "Hua'er" folk songs, and more, from morning till night. If you wish to explore more systematically, eight meticulously designed "Autumn Premium Routes" offer diverse choices: you can visit the Qinghai Provincial Museum to explore ancient Shu civilization immersively through XR technology; stroll through Shenna Ruins Park to engage with history at the ancient Qiang cultural market; or drive to Huangzhong Murong Ancient Village to participate in a traditional Mid-Autumn Moon Worship ceremony and savor the most authentic ancient Hehuang charm. Embrace Golden Autumn: Gallop and Breathe Deeply Amidst a Landscape Painting With clear skies and crisp air, autumn in Xining is an excellent time to immerse yourself in nature. You can join a sunrise watch on Lajishan Mountain, where at nearly 4000 meters above sea level, you can witness the morning glow paint the sea of clouds red, sing patriotic songs with others, and feel a profound impact on your soul. Alternatively, choose a relaxing forest journey to Yaozigou National Forest Park, hiking through colorful woods and fully breathing in the tranquility and freshness of autumn. For photography enthusiasts, Xining is a paradise; whether it's the vibrant autumn foliage of Huzhu Beishan or the clear waters and red mountains of Guide, known as "the Yellow River is clear in Guide," you can easily capture stunning masterpieces. A Culinary Tour: You Won't Leave Empty-Handed from the Century-Old Street The true taste of Xining is hidden on Xia Nanguan Street, a place where you "won't leave empty-handed." This street, with centuries of history, is a condensed encyclopedia of Qinghai flavors. Following the food map, you'll be drawn in by wafts of aroma: crispy beef pancakes fresh out of the oven, tender and non-gamey hand-grabbed lamb, best enjoyed with a clove of garlic; smooth and chewy liangpi (cold noodles) drizzled with chili oil and vinegar, tantalizing the taste buds; and the uniquely named "dog-poured pee" pancake, emitting a distinctive aroma of broad bean flour. Finally, don't forget to conclude your journey with a bowl of Qinghai aged yogurt topped with a thick layer of milk skin, experiencing its rich, fresh, tender, and silky authentic flavor. From dawn to dusk, from the tip of your tongue to your heart, Xining is showcasing with the utmost enthusiasm all the richness a highland ancient city can offer travelers. This season, embark on a journey to Xining, and you will gain far more than just scenery.

🌿 【Must-Visit Spots in Xining】 1. Kumbum Monastery (Ta'er Temple) · Highlights: Three treasures of Tibetan Buddhist art (butter sculptures/murals/embroidery), the gilded roof of Great Golden Tile Hall is breathtaking in sunlight! · Money-saving tip: Fewer crowds after 4pm, student discount (¥40) · Hidden photo spot: Red wall near Eight Pagodas outside temple - perfect for sacred Tibetan costume shots with prayer wheels📿 2. Qinghai-Tibet Plateau Wildlife Zoo · Star animals: China's only captive Pallas's cat "Lord Sun" + snow leopard "Proud Snow"🐆 (Internet celebrities!) · Tickets: ¥30 for plateau predators, +¥20 to pet pandas · Pro tip: Animals most active at 9am, feeding experience ¥10 (specific areas only) 3. Danggur Ancient City · Time travel: 600-year-old Tea-Horse Road trading hub with flagstone roads, old security bureau ruins, and silver workshops · Free experiences: Qiang flute performance at North Gate Tower (10:30am daily), ¥5 bowls of yogurt at alley ends! 4. Dongguan Grand Mosque · Must-see: Friday noon prayers with 10,000 worshippers (non-Muslims can observe from outside) · Night magic: Starry dome + green light show after 9pm✨ 5. Plateau Pearl Tower · Night photography: ¥25 for 360° city views - arrive before lights-off at 9:30pm! 🚶 【3D2N In-Depth Itinerary】 Day1: Religious Culture Immersion · AM: Kumbum Monastery (guided Tsongkhapa legends) → Tibetan Culture Museum (free! See 618m painted scroll - Guinness record) · PM: Dongguan Mosque → Nanguan Mosque (compare architectures) · Night snack: Xianan Guan Street lamb hand-pulled with garlic🧄 (Old Ma's ¥28/jin, choose fat ratio) Day2: Nature & Culture Marathon · AM: Wildlife Zoo (head straight to snow leopard exhibit!) → Tibetan Medicine Museum (¥60 for ancient medical thangkas) · PM: Danggur Ancient City (make custom silver rings💍¥30) → Riyue Mountain sunset (half-price ¥27 after 7pm!) · Night: Leopard Street Night Market for sour-spicy pork + sweet fermented barley yogurt Day3: Secret Hiking Day · 1hr private car → Laji Mountain (free! Prayer flag pass for Lungta scattering) · Bonus: Guide Danxia (Red Cliff Valley - Mars-like drone views) · Souvenirs: Shuijing Alley yak jerky ¥45/jin, chili sauce ¥10/jar 🍜 【Food Hall of Fame/Shame】 ✅ Must-eats: · Liangpi noodles: Brothers Liangpi (wheat gluten soaked in chili-vinegar!) · "Dog Pee" pancake: Mazhong Food Street (crispy fennel-filled flatbread) · Sweet fermented barley: Delu Yogurt (iced bursting barley, ¥5 sweeter than first love) · Grilled lamb ribs: Plateau Kitchen (crispy potatoes + non-gamy ribs) ⚠️ Avoid: · "Wild yellow mushroom soup" near attractions → actually cultivated fungi at scam prices · Mobile "highland barley wine" stalls → mostly fake, only buy bottled Huzhu brand 🛏️ 【Accommodation Hacks】 · Budget (under ¥100): · Qinghai Memory Hostel near train station (¥35/bed, rooftop mountain views) · Tibetan homestay at city center (¥60/person, learn butter tea making) · Splurge: · Tsongkhapa Art Hotel (off-season ¥200+, wake to temple bells) 💡 【Pro Tips】 1. Free viewpoint: Phoenix Pavilion at South Mountain Park beats Pearl Tower! 2. Hidden gem: 30min hike behind Kumbum Monastery to secret prayer flag forest (ask monks)🌄 3. Altitude sickness: Don't wash hair first day! Rhodiola liquid works faster than pills 4. Packing formula: · Day: T-shirt + sun jacket (UV will peel your skin!) · Night: Light down jacket (15℃ temperature drop)❄️

5-day tour of Xining, Qinghai Lake, and Chaka Salt Lake! A super detailed guide to the Northwest of China. Save it now! · ------------------- 🛣️Itinerary: Day 1: Arrive in Xining and start your Qinghai tour! Day 2: Ta'er Monastery -> Laji Mountain -> Riyue Mountain -> Qinghai Lake · Heima River Visit the ancient Ta'er Monastery, cross the magnificent Laji Mountain, pass through the picturesque Riyue Mountain, and finally arrive at the beautiful Heima River in Qinghai Lake to enjoy the beauty of nature. Day 3: Chaka Salt Lake -> Rubber Mountain -> West Road of Qinghai Lake -> Qilian Grassland -> Binggou Forest -> Mount Zhuo'er Visit the mirror of the sky, Chaka Salt Lake, cross Rubber Mountain, travel along the West Road of Qinghai Lake, pass through Qilian Grassland, visit Binggou Forest, and finally climb the magnificent Mount Zhuo'er. Day 4: Aru Monastery -> Qilian Grassland -> Qilian Mountains · Gangshika Snow Peak Scenic Area -> Menyuan Rapeseed Flower Sea Visit Aru Monastery, experience the vastness of Qilian Grassland again, visit Qilian Mountains · Gangshika Snow Peak Scenic Area, and finally immerse yourself in the splendid Menyuan Rapeseed Flower Sea. Day 5: Leave Xining and end your Qinghai tour. Return home with fond memories. · ------------------- Tips: · Specialty prices🏷️: Compare prices when buying specialties to avoid being overcharged. · Customs🎉: Respect local customs and experience Tibetan dance and food. · January climate❄️: Cold and dry. Bring warm clothes and keep warm. · Sun protection and moisturizing🧴: The UV rays are strong. Be sure to bring sunscreen and lip balm. · Travel safety🔒: Be aware of altitude sickness and bring common medicines. · ------------------- 🎉Enjoy the beautiful scenery of Xining, Qinghai Lake, and Chaka Salt Lake. Don't forget to share your travel stories!🎉

Traveling with kids, the biggest fear is adults getting exhausted while the kids get bored to tears. This time, I picked eight places that aren’t very famous but offer surprisingly great family experiences. No beating around the bush—here’s which ones are worth staying two days and which are just worth passing through. 01 Zhuzhou | Hunan Yandi’s tomb looks like a place only elders would visit, but the kids had the most fun here. 📍 Arrive before 9 AM. The parking lot is close to the entrance, so you don’t have to drag the kids far. The ancient cypress trees provide plenty of shade throughout the park, so strollers won’t get baked. The kids were especially curious about the large cauldron in the sacrificial plaza and circled it several times. 🍜 Don’t eat at the park entrance for lunch. Drive 10 minutes to Luyuan town, where a small spot serves blood duck. The duck blood stir-fried with chili is dry and fragrant. The kids can eat two bowls of rice with it. ⚠️ The hottest time is 2–3 PM. Take the kids to Shennong Garden to escape the sun. There’s a shallow pool where little ones can splash around. After 4 PM, visit the main hall. The slanting light on the flying eaves makes for great photos. For lodging, it’s best to stay in Yanling county town, just 20 minutes from the park. You can also take an evening stroll at Xiangshan Park. 02 Hainan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture | Qinghai The high altitude means you need to take it slow with kids. It’s windy at Riyue Mountain, so bring an extra fleece jacket for the kids. 📍 Have lunch in Daotanghe town. Yak meat soup with steamed buns warms you up, and the kids’ lips regain color. Guide National Geopark was a pleasant surprise. ⏰ Enter the park at 4 PM. The sunlight turns the Danxia landforms golden red. The kids said it looked like a chocolate mille-feuille cake. The park trails are gentle, so a 6-year-old can walk the whole route alone. ⚠️ Don’t buy so-called Kunlun jade in the park; most are street vendor fakes. Stay overnight in Guide county town. Under the Huanghe Qing Bridge is a shallow beach where you can throw stones with the kids at dusk. The splashing water made them laugh for a long time. 03 Sanming | Fujian Dajin Lake is best explored by renting a speedboat. It costs just over 200 yuan for a round trip and is more flexible than a big boat. 📍 Ganlu Temple is nestled in a cliff. The kids looked up for a long time, asking, “How does the house not fall down?” The boat captain stops at a wild dock where there’s a grilled fish stall. The freshly grilled fish has crispy skin and tender meat—just watch out for bones. Taining ancient town is more atmospheric at night than during the day. ⏰ Visit after dark. When the red lanterns light up, the brick walls of the Shangshu residence cast long shadows. There’s a stall selling lei tea, a mix of peanuts, sesame, and tea leaves. The kids made a conflicted face after one sip, but the adults couldn’t stop drinking it. ⚠️ The “century-old” pastry shops in the ancient town are overpriced. If you want to try, buy a few pieces to sample, but don’t bring them home as gifts. 04 Xuancheng | Anhui Chaji ancient village and Jixi Longchuan have completely different vibes. Chaji is wilder, with a creek running through the village. 📍 Walk along the creek and you’ll see villagers washing vegetables under the bridge. The kids took off their shoes to splash in the water. It was so cold they curled their toes but wouldn’t come out when called. Jixi Longchuan is more orderly. The wood carvings in the Hu family ancestral hall are worth a close look. ⚠️ The hall is dimly lit, so kids can’t stay long. A quick 20-minute visit is enough. Spend more time in the rapeseed flower fields outside the village. In April, the fields are golden, and the kids disappear once they run in. 🍜 In the county town, try the ta guo, a baked pastry filled with preserved vegetables. It’s charcoal-grilled to crispy perfection and costs 3 yuan each. The kids ate two in one go. 05 Ningbo | Zhejiang Tianyi Pavilion and Yuehu Park are perfect to visit together at a relaxed pace. 📍 Tianyi Pavilion has many rockeries. Kids love crawling through the caves to play hide-and-seek but watch out for slippery moss. In Yuehu Park, elderly people sing Yue opera in the afternoon. The kids don’t understand the lyrics but are mesmerized by the water-sleeve dancing. At Xikou Tengtou tourist area, don’t just visit the Jiang family residence. Walk to Tengtou village, where there’s an ecological park. Kids can feed lambs and watch cormorants fish. ⏰ There’s a show at 3 PM, so plan accordingly. The tofu feast in Qiantong ancient town is a hit with kids. The Baishuiyang tofu is as soft as steamed egg, sprinkled with scallions. The kids ate two bowls. ⚠️ The handmade ginger candy in the ancient town looks nice but no one will eat it at home. Don’t waste your money. 06 Kashgar Prefecture | Xinjiang Kashgar old town feels like another world to kids. 📍 In a century-old teahouse, the kids sat cross-legged on rugs, munching on naan while a Uyghur uncle played the rawap without blinking. The honey yogurt there is thick enough to coat a spoon, and the kids licked it clean. The Pamir Plateau is far away, so bring plenty of oxygen and chocolate for the kids. The Stone City ruins are windy. ⏰ Visit after 6 PM when the light is soft. The kids collected stones more seriously than they looked at the ruins. ⚠️ The shops selling shawls in Kashgar old town ask for half-price even after bargaining. Don’t give in. Turn and walk away. The shopkeepers will call you back. 07 Tianshui | Gansu When visiting Maijishan with kids, avoid the steepest plank road. 📍 The stairs at Dongya’s Sanhua Pavilion are gentle, and the view is wide. The kids can clearly see the Buddha’s kind expression. At the foot of the mountain, there’s a stall selling guagua, made from buckwheat with a sour and spicy flavor. The kids might not like it but trying a bite is part of the experience. The Lashao Temple Buddha in Wushan Water Curtain Cave is more impressive than Maijishan but far away, requiring half a day for a round trip. ⚠️ If time is tight, skip it. Fuxi Temple is in the city and can be toured in half an hour. The ancient cypress there is out of the kids’ reach, which made them stomp their feet in frustration. 🍜 In the city, try Ranran’s potato noodles with chopped chives. It costs 5 yuan a bowl, and the kids ate it like a snack. 08 Taiyuan | Shanxi You can finish visiting Tianlongshan Grottoes and Jinci Museum in one day. 📍 Many Buddha statues in Tianlongshan Grottoes are headless. When the kids ask why, you might need a bit of history knowledge to explain. The Nannao Spring in Jinci is so clear it looks blue. The kids leaned on the railing watching fish and didn’t want to leave. Jinyang Lake Park is best visited in the evening. ⏰ After 6 PM, the lake breeze cools down. Rent a four-person bike and ride around the lake. The kids sit in front, their hair blown wildly by the wind, laughing the loudest. ⚠️ At Jinci entrance, someone sells “wild kiwi,” but it’s just regular fruit. Don’t buy it. If you want local specialties, go to Meitehao supermarket for Pingyao beef. The price is reasonable. When traveling with kids, pace matters more than the sights. Pick one or two places to stay and explore slowly. It’s ten times better than rushing around. Where have you traveled with kids that surprised you with how comfortable it was? Share in the comments.

The worst thing about spontaneous travel is going to a place that everyone raves about but you can't remember anything about afterward. These eight cities range in fame from super-famous to so low-key that even locals don't bother promoting them. But the true essence of everyday life is hidden in these underrated corners. You don't need extensive planning; just buy a ticket, land, and wander around at your own pace to discover the most authentic aspects of life. 01 Kaifeng | Henan The Qingming Riverside Landscape Garden is Bianjing (Kaifeng) by day and Tokyo (Kaifeng) by night. I recommend entering after 3 PM to catch the live-action horse battle performance of "Yue Fei's Spear Against Xiao Liang Wang." After watching, walk north along the waterway; the crowds will thin out considerably. Don't rush to eat at the food street inside the park; prices are 30% higher than outside, and the taste is just average. 🍜 The real experience begins after leaving the park. Walk 300 meters west from the Drum Tower Night Market, and you'll find a stall selling mutton flatbread. The flatbread sizzles on the griddle, and the sesame aroma mixed with mutton fat is more authentic than any stall in the scenic area. ⚠️ The Iron Pagoda Park isn't far, but it closes at 5 PM. To see the sunset over the Iron Pagoda, you need to climb it before 4:30 PM. The entrance fee is 30 yuan. The pagoda is very steep, so the elderly and children should be cautious. The Xiangguo Temple and Bao Gong Temple can be visited on the second morning. They are close to each other, a 15-minute walk. The Hall of Five Hundred Arhats in the temple is worth taking your time to explore. At the well in front of Bao Gong Temple, tourists throw coins in—just for fun. The whole city moves at a slow pace; as long as you're not in a rush to check off tourist spots, you'll experience the old Kaifeng lifestyle everywhere you go. 02 Yuxi|Yunnan The beauty of Fuxian Lake is the kind of blue that makes you forget to breathe when you stand by the water. But don't follow the crowds to Luchong Scenic Area; the entrance fee is expensive, and the beach is crowded. 🚄 I recommend taking a taxi from Yuxi city to Gushan Island Wharf, then spending 20 yuan to take a local fisherman's boat to the other side. The water is clearer there, there are fewer people, and the shore is full of pebbles that crunch underfoot. ⏰ Fuxian Lake is best visited around 7 am. The lake is shrouded in mist, and the sun rises from the eastern mountains, turning the mist a golden pink—I still remember that scene vividly. For lunch, go back to the city and have a copper pot fish dish. The fish is so tender it falls apart with a touch of chopsticks, and the chili sauce has a strong aftertaste, making you hiss and gasp for breath, yet you still want another bite. The best scenery of Ailao Mountain isn't at the scenic area entrance, but on the winding mountain road to Nan'en Waterfall. It has many bends, so those prone to motion sickness should take medication beforehand. The temperature on the mountain is seven or eight degrees Celsius lower than at the foot, so even in summer, bring a jacket. ⚠️ I don't recommend "Xianhu Vinegar Fish" on the street near Shiping Guild Hall. The sourness overpowers the freshness of the fish; it's purely a tourist trap. 03 Fuyang|Anhui To be honest, the Balihe Scenic Area has a somewhat surreal "fusion of local and foreign" feel. The World Scenery Zone features miniature replicas of the Temple of Zeus and the Arc de Triomphe, while the China Scenery Zone is a replica of an ancient garden—a mix that feels perfectly natural. But don't laugh, if you're bringing kids, this place will excite them more than any proper museum. 📍 The entrance is in Yingshang County, about a 40-minute taxi ride from Fuyang West Station, costing around 80 yuan. The entrance fee is 80 yuan, but you can save 10 yuan by booking online a day in advance. Once inside, don't take the electric cart; walking around the lake takes about two hours. Under the willow trees along the lake, there are stalls selling roasted sweet potatoes and fried skewers. A bowl of oil tea for five yuan has a strong peppery aroma that warms you up completely. ⏰ After 6:30 PM, the lake lights up, illuminating the miniature buildings with a golden glow, making them even more beautiful than during the day. ⚠️ There are few places to eat in the scenic area, so it's recommended to bring some snacks, or simply stay until 7 PM and then head out to Yingshang County for a bowl of mutton noodles. The noodles are as wide as a belt, chewy, and the broth is rich and savory—ten yuan is enough to fill you up. 04 Hainan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture|Qinghai Riyue Mountain is more than just a mountain; it's the dividing line between agriculture and nomadic life. Standing at the mountain pass, the wind is strong enough to flip your hat inside out, but the view is expansive. You can clearly see green grassy slopes to the east and desolate Gobi Desert to the west—the feeling of straddling two worlds is quite magical. The entrance fee is 40 yuan. The row of prayer flags at the top makes for the best backdrop for photos, but don't just focus on pressing the shutter; the sound of the prayer flags fluttering in the wind is the soul of this place. After descending the mountain, drive an hour to Guide National Geological Park. The Danxia landforms here are different from those in Zhangye; the colors are deeper, as if burned. 📍 There's a boardwalk in the park, taking about an hour and a half to walk the entire length. Don't miss the "Seven-Colored Peaks" section in the middle; the afternoon light shining on them gives the rock walls a rust-red hue. ⚠️ The altitude here is close to 3000 meters, so don't walk too fast. I climbed a bit too steeply that day, and my temples were throbbing for half an hour. Bring an oxygen tank just in case; it costs 25 yuan per tank at the park entrance. 🚄 It's about a two-hour drive from Xining. Along the way, you'll often see flocks of sheep crossing the road on the grasslands. Don't honk your horn; just let them pass slowly. 05 Urumqi|Xinjiang The International Grand Bazaar is great for browsing, but not for buying things. Those brightly colored hand drums and tapestries—you can haggle down the price by half! If you're shy, just browse and enjoy the spectacle. 🍜 The truly delicious food is hidden in a small alley on the east side of the pedestrian street. There's a baked bun shop with thin, crispy crusts baked in a charcoal oven. One bite and the piping hot mutton filling bursts out. Three yuan each, and I ate four in one go. Hongguang Mountain is south of the city. Admission is free, but the mountain path is quite steep. For those with average stamina, the viewing platform halfway up is enough. From there, you can see the city's neatly arranged grid of squares. ⏰ At 8:30 pm, as the sun sets, the skyline is dyed orange-red. Urumqi's nightlife is just beginning. Dabancheng is about 90 kilometers from the city center. The white blades of wind turbines slowly turn across the Gobi Desert, like a scene from a science fiction movie. ⚠️ The wind is incredibly strong; it's really hard to stand. Don't wear a hat; it'll fall off if you let go. 🚄 A round-trip chartered car costs about 300 yuan. It's more cost-effective if you have a group. If you're going alone, I suggest sharing a car, as taxis are hard to find there. 06 Ganzhou|Jiangxi Shicheng, despite its rugged-sounding name, is actually a gentle little county town. The Danxia landform at Tongtianzhai is different from others; the mountains are covered with cracked lines, resembling the skin of a giant beast. The entrance fee is 60 yuan, and the climb takes about 40 minutes. From the top, you can see a vast lotus field. In July, when the lotus flowers bloom, pink blossoms dot the green waves, and the air is filled with the fragrance of lotus leaves. Sanbaishan is in Anyuan County and is more suitable for hiking enthusiasts. 📍 Take the Dongjiangyuan Waterfall route. The entire hike takes about three hours. Along the way, you'll pass five or six waterfalls of varying sizes. The spray is refreshing, and even in summer, it's not hot at all. I met a group of locals that day; they come to hike here every week, saying the high concentration of negative oxygen ions is great for cleansing the lungs. 🍜 After descending the mountain, I randomly picked a restaurant in the county town and ordered a Three-Cup Chicken. The chicken was braised in rice wine and soy sauce until it was a glossy, dark brown color, and the aroma of basil filled my nostrils. I could easily eat two bowls of rice with it. ⚠️ There are few supply points in the Sanbaishan Scenic Area, so make sure you bring enough water. I only brought one bottle that day, and I was so thirsty for the latter part that I almost had to fetch spring water. 07 Benxi|Liaoning Benxi Water Cave is a place that leaves you speechless. Taking a boat through the underground river, the stalactites overhead change colors under the colored lights, like entering another world. The entrance fee is 110 yuan, including the boat ticket. The entire trip takes about 40 minutes. The temperature inside the cave is 12 degrees Celsius year-round; you'll need a jacket in the summer. There are cotton-padded coats for rent at the entrance for 20 yuan each. Don't think it's too much trouble; you'll definitely regret it if you don't rent one. Huanren Wunü Mountain is located east of the city center, a two-hour drive away, but worth it. The mountain isn't high, but the steps are steep; it takes about an hour to climb from the foot to the summit. The summit features the ruins of an ancient Goguryeo mountain fortress, offering panoramic views of the Hun River making a sharp bend at its base. ⏰ Visit in late September or early October for breathtaking autumn colors: the mountain is ablaze with red and yellow maple leaves, a scene more vibrant than any painting. Guanmenshan National Forest Park is not far from the Water Cave, so you can combine both visits in one day. ⚠️ But don't be like me and try to do too much. I climbed Guanmenshan in the morning and went to the Water Cave in the afternoon, leaving my legs exhausted for three days. The Maple Valley Trail at Guanmenshan takes about two hours to complete. The most spectacular tree, the "Maple King," has leaves that turn a deep purple-red in mid-October. The area around the tree is filled with photographers; to get a photo without people in it, you need to arrive before 8 am. 08 Quzhou | Zhejiang Kaihua Root Palace Buddhist Kingdom is a place that will make you doubt, "This is actually a county-level tourist attraction!" The entire garden is carved from thousand-year-old tree roots into 500 Arhats, each over three meters tall, with a unique expression. Standing before them, you'll unconsciously slow your pace. Tickets are 120 yuan, but half price for students. Families with children can visit the root carving experience area, where kids can make their own small ornaments. Jianglang Mountain and Ershiba Mountain are adjacent and can be combined into a day trip. Jianglang Mountain is a typical Danxia landform, with three stone peaks rising abruptly as if cleaved by a knife. Climbing to the "One Line Sky" section, the rock walls on both sides are almost touching your body, and looking up, you can only see a narrow sliver of sky. ⚠️ Those with poor physical fitness shouldn't push themselves too hard. Reaching the viewing platform halfway up the mountain is sufficient; the scenery is not much different from the summit. 🍜 Ershibadu Ancient Town is much quieter than Wuzhen and Xitang. There aren't bars and milk tea shops lining the streets; the people walking on the cobblestone streets are mostly local elderly people. The town's copper gong cakes are freshly steamed; a bite while they're still hot, and the sweetness of brown sugar and osmanthus melts in your mouth. At five yuan a piece, they're more substantial than any trendy dessert. 🚄 There's a direct tourist bus from Quzhou Station to Jianglang Mountain, about an hour's journey, costing twenty-five yuan. The worst thing about spontaneous travel is going to a place that "everyone raves about, but you can't remember anything about it." These eight cities, some famous like top celebrities, others so low-key that even locals don't bother to promote them, but the true essence of life is hidden in these underrated corners. You don't need to do much planning; just buy a ticket, land, and wander around slowly, and you'll stumble upon the most authentic aspects of life. 01 Kaifeng|Henan Qingming Riverside Landscape Garden is Bianjing by day and Tokyo Dreamland by night. I recommend entering the park after 3 PM to catch the live-action horse battle performance of "Yue Fei Spears Xiao Liang Wang." After watching, walk north along the waterway; the crowds will have thinned out considerably. Don't rush to eat at the food street inside the park; prices are 30% higher than outside, and the taste is just average. 🍜 The real action begins after you leave the park. Walk 300 meters west from the Drum Tower Night Market; there's a stall selling mutton flatbread. The flatbread sizzles on the griddle, and the sesame flavor mixed with mutton fat is more authentic than any other stall in the scenic area. ⚠️ The Iron Pagoda Park isn't far, but it closes at 5 PM. To see the sunset over the Iron Pagoda, you need to climb it before 4:30 PM. The entrance fee is 30 yuan. The pagoda is very steep; the elderly and children should be cautious. You can visit the Xiangguo Temple and Bao Gong Temple on the second morning; they are close to each other, a 15-minute walk. The Hall of Five Hundred Arhats in the temple is worth taking your time to explore. The well at the entrance of Bao Gong Temple is a popular spot for tourists to toss coins in – just for fun. The whole city moves at a slow pace; as long as you're not in a rush to check off tourist spots, you'll experience the old Kaifeng lifestyle everywhere you go. 02 Yuxi | Yunnan The beauty of Fuxian Lake is the kind of blue that makes you forget to breathe when you stand by the water. But don't follow the crowds to Luchong Scenic Area; the entrance fee is expensive, and the beach is crowded. 🚄 I recommend taking a taxi from Yuxi city to Gushan Island Wharf, then spending 20 yuan to take a local fisherman's boat to the other side. The water is clearer there, there are fewer people, and the shore is full of pebbles that crunch underfoot. ⏰ Fuxian Lake is best visited around 7 am. When the lake is shrouded in mist, the sun rises from the eastern mountains, turning the mist a golden pink – I still remember that scene vividly. At noon, we went back to the city and had a copper pot fish meal. The fish was so tender that it practically fell apart with the touch of chopsticks. The chili paste in the dipping sauce was intensely spicy, making you hiss and gasp for breath, yet still wanting another bite. The real beauty of Ailao Mountain isn't at the scenic area entrance, but on the winding mountain road leading to Nan'en Waterfall. It's full of curves, so those prone to motion sickness should take their medication beforehand. The temperature on the mountain is seven or eight degrees Celsius lower than at the foot, so even in summer, you'll need a jacket. ⚠️ I don't recommend "Xianhu Vinegar Fish" on the street near Shiping Guild Hall. The sourness overpowers the freshness of the fish; it's purely a tourist trap. 03 Fuyang|Anhui To be honest, the Balihe Scenic Area has a somewhat surreal "rustic-foreign" feel. The World Scenery Zone features miniature replicas of the Temple of Zeus and the Arc de Triomphe, while the China Scenery Zone is an imitation ancient garden—a mix that feels perfectly natural. But don't laugh, if you're bringing kids, this place will excite them more than any proper museum. 📍 The scenic area entrance is in Yingshang County. It's about a 40-minute taxi ride from Fuyang West Railway Station, costing around 80 yuan. The entrance fee is 80 yuan, but booking online a day in advance can save you 10 yuan. Once inside, don't take the electric cart; walking around the lake takes about two hours. The lakeside is lined with stalls selling roasted sweet potatoes and fried skewers under the willow trees. A bowl of oil tea for five yuan has a strong peppery aroma and warms you right up. ⏰ After 6:30 PM, the lake lights up, illuminating the miniature buildings in a golden glow, making it even more beautiful than during the day. ⚠️ There are few places to eat inside the scenic area, so it's recommended to bring some snacks. Alternatively, you can stay until 7 PM and then eat a bowl of mutton noodles in Yingshang County. The noodles are as wide as a belt, chewy, and the broth is rich and savory—ten yuan is enough to fill you up. 04 Hainan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture | Qinghai Riyue Mountain is more than just a mountain; it's the dividing line between agriculture and nomadic life. Standing at the mountain pass, the wind is strong enough to flip your hat inside out, but the view is expansive. You can clearly see green grassy slopes to the east and desolate Gobi Desert to the west—the feeling of straddling two worlds is truly magical. The entrance fee is 40 yuan. The row of prayer flags at the top makes for the best backdrop for photos, but don't just focus on pressing the shutter button; the sound of the prayer flags fluttering in the wind is the soul of this place. After descending the mountain, drive for an hour to Guide National Geological Park. The Danxia landforms here are different from those in Zhangye, with deeper colors, as if they've been burned. 📍 There's a boardwalk in the park; walking the entire length takes about an hour and a half. Don't miss the "Seven-Colored Peak Cluster" section in the middle; the sunlight around 4 pm illuminates it, giving the rock walls a rusty red hue. ⚠️ The altitude here is close to 3000 meters, so don't walk too fast. I climbed a hill too quickly the other day, and my temples were throbbing for half an hour. Bring an oxygen tank just in case; it costs 25 yuan a bottle at the scenic area entrance. 🚄 It's about a two-hour drive from Xining. Along the way, you'll often see flocks of sheep crossing the road on the grasslands. Don't honk your horn; just let them slowly cross. 05 Urumqi|Xinjiang The International Grand Bazaar is great for browsing, but not for buying anything. Those colorful hand drums and tapestries—you can haggle down the price by half. If you're shy, just browse without buying; it's lively enough just to look. 🍜 The truly delicious food is hidden in a small alley on the east side of the pedestrian street. There's a baked bun shop; the crust, baked in a charcoal oven, is thin and crispy. One bite and the piping hot mutton filling bursts out. They're three yuan each, and I ate four in one go. Hongguang Mountain is located south of the city. Admission is free, but the mountain path is quite steep. Those with average stamina should only walk halfway up to the viewing platform, where you can see the city's neatly arranged grid of squares below. ⏰ At 8:30 PM, as the sun sets, the skyline is dyed orange-red, and Urumqi's nightlife is just beginning. Dabancheng is about 90 kilometers from the city center. The white blades of wind turbines slowly turn across the Gobi Desert, like a scene from a science fiction movie. ⚠️ The wind is incredibly strong; it's really hard to stand. Don't wear a hat; it'll be gone in an instant. 🚄 A round-trip chartered car costs about 300 yuan. It's more cost-effective if you have a group. If you're going alone, it's recommended to share a car, as taxis are hard to find there. 06 Ganzhou|Jiangxi Shicheng, despite its rugged-sounding name, is actually a gentle little county town at its core. Tongtianzhai's Danxia landform is different from others; the mountains are covered with cracked lines, resembling the skin of a giant beast. The entrance fee is 60 yuan, and the climb takes about 40 minutes. From the summit, you can see a vast lotus field. In July, when the lotus flowers bloom, pink blossoms dot the green waves, and the air is filled with the sweet fragrance of lotus leaves. Sanbaishan is located in Anyuan County and is more suitable for hiking enthusiasts. 📍 The route along the Dongjiangyuan Waterfall takes about three hours. Along the way, you'll pass five or six waterfalls of varying sizes, and the spray is refreshing, making it surprisingly cool even in summer. I met a group of locals who come to hike here every week, saying it's high in negative ions and good for your lungs. 🍜 After descending the mountain, find a restaurant in the county town and order a Three-Cup Chicken. The chicken is braised in rice wine and soy sauce until it's a glossy, dark brown color, and the aroma of basil is irresistible. It's so good with rice, you could easily eat two bowls. ⚠️ There are few supply points in the Sanbaishan Scenic Area, so be sure to bring enough water. I only brought one bottle that day, and I was so thirsty for the latter part that I almost had to fetch spring water. 07 Benxi|Liaoning Benxi Water Cave is a place that leaves you speechless. Taking a boat through an underground river, the stalactites overhead change colors under the colored lights, like entering another world. The ticket is 110 yuan including the boat fare, and the whole trip takes about 40 minutes. The temperature inside the cave is 12 degrees Celsius year-round, so you'll need a jacket in summer. There are cotton-padded coats for rent at the entrance for 20 yuan each; don't think it's too much trouble, you'll definitely regret it if you don't rent one. Huanren Wunü Mountain is located east of the city, a two-hour drive away, but it's worth it. The mountain isn't high, but the steps are steep. It takes about an hour to get from the foot to the summit. The summit is the ruins of an ancient Goguryeo mountain city, offering a wide view, including the Hunjiang River making a large bend at the foot of the mountain. ⏰ Go in late September or early October in autumn, and the mountain is covered in a vibrant mix of red and yellow maple leaves, more intense than any painting. Guanmenshan National Forest Park is not far from the Water Cave, so you can combine both attractions in one day. ⚠️ But don't be like me and try to do too much. I climbed Guanmenshan in the morning and went to the Water Cave in the afternoon, and my legs were exhausted after three days. The Maple Valley Trail at Guanmenshan takes about two hours to complete. The most spectacular tree, the "Maple King," has leaves that turn a deep purple-red in mid-October. The area around the tree is full of photographers with their cameras; if you want to take a photo without people in it, you need to arrive before 8 am. 08 Quzhou|Zhejiang Kaihua Root Palace Buddhist Kingdom is a place that will make you wonder, "Is this really a county town attraction?" The entire garden is carved from thousand-year-old tree roots into 500 Arhats, each over three meters tall, with different expressions. Standing in front of them, you'll unconsciously slow your pace. The entrance fee is 120 yuan, but students get half price. Families with children can visit the root carving experience area, where kids can make their own small ornaments. Jianglang Mountain and Ershiba are adjacent and can be combined into one day. Jianglang Mountain is a typical Danxia landform, with three stone peaks rising abruptly from the ground, as if cleaved by a knife. Climbing to the "One Line Sky" section, the rock walls on both sides are almost touching your body, and you can only see a narrow sliver of sky when you look up. ⚠️ Those with poor physical fitness shouldn't push themselves too hard; the viewing platform halfway up the mountain is sufficient, as the scenery is not much different from the summit. 🍜 Ershibadu Ancient Town is much quieter than Wuzhen and Xitang. There aren't bars and milk tea shops lining the streets; the people walking on the bluestone paths are mostly local elderly people. The town's copper gong cakes are freshly steamed; a bite while they're still hot, and the sweetness of brown sugar and osmanthus melts in your mouth. At five yuan a piece, it's more satisfying than any trendy dessert. 🚄 There is a direct tourist bus from Quzhou Station to Jianglang Mountain, the journey takes about an hour and costs twenty-five yuan.

To be honest, have you missed the Bakatai grassland at 3,700 meters elevation when traveling from Guide County, Qinghai to Longyangxia or Qinghai Lake? For the sake of the blue sky, green grass, and cattle and sheep that look like a recreated anime scene, just stop for a moment at Bakatai. People can freely enter the grassland, and many areas have no fences. In summer, the blue sky, white clouds, green grass, wildflowers, herds, and canyons are everywhere open and beautiful. Isn’t this experience better than those popular attractions? Sitting on the high cliff meadow looking out over the canyon, with a gentle breeze brushing your hair, and your eyes gazing into the vast sky and land, feeling refreshed and relaxed, this kind of travel experience is unforgettable. 🚙 Keep this self-driving guide handy. If you miss it this time, remember to make it up next time. 📱 Navigation: set destination to "Bakatai" 🛣️ Road conditions: passing along G310, fully paved road 🅿️ Parking: there are parking spots on Bakatai grassland ⛽ Fuel: refuel or recharge in Guide County before departure ⏳ Duration: 1–3 hours recommended to explore Bakatai grassland ▶️ All photos were originally taken and produced by Mr. Dog and Caicai Juan’er. ▶️ The above content is summarized from personal travel experience. Please forgive any omissions. ▶️ Due to timing, some scenes may have changed. Please refer to the current situation. ▶️ All scenic spots visited by Caicai Juan’er and Mr. Dog are accessible by car. ▶️ Address and location information are provided by the website. For more details, please leave a message. 🔸🔹🔸 Follow Caicai Juan’er and Mr. Dog on a self-driving cloud tour to deeply explore off-the-beaten-path travel destinations.

Where to take the kids during summer vacation? 🌞 Found a perfect cool getaway spot — Laji Mountain! 🏔️ This is the first stop on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau The average summer temperature is just over 20℃ Simply so comfortable! 😌 🌟 must-do experiences: 1️⃣ Stand at 3,820 meters above sea level Feel the amazing sensation of walking among the clouds ☁️ 2️⃣ Pass by Qiuse Talin Every snapshot is a scenic masterpiece 📸 3️⃣ Gaze at the magnificent snow-capped mountains The kids were all amazed! 👶🏔️ 💡 quick tip: Remember to bring a jacket The temperature difference here is quite big 🧥 🚗 recommended family route: Only 1.5 hours from Xining The scenery along the way is breathtaking Perfect for a relaxed trip with kids 🥰

August summer guide for kids. These 8️⃣ places let children play and learn at the same time 1️⃣ Jingdezhen | Jiangxi Taoxichuan cultural and creative district, a street area transformed from an old porcelain factory. During the day, see the red brick factory buildings and chimneys. At night, when the lights come on, the whole park looks like it’s been freshly fired. Take the kids to the ceramic industrial heritage museum first to learn how a lump of clay becomes a vase. Then visit the creative market where many young artisans set up stalls. Kids can try their hand at wheel throwing to make a small bowl. It costs just a few dozen yuan for a half-hour experience, which is more fun than buying souvenirs. ⚠️ The market is lively only on weekends. On weekdays after dusk, there are fewer stalls, so don’t go expecting too much. The ancient kiln folk culture area is better visited in the morning because there are many outdoor kilns that get very hot in the afternoon sun. Here you can see kilns from the Song to Qing dynasties. Kids can watch artisans painting and glazing porcelain live, and if you’re lucky, catch a kiln opening. 🍜 Don’t settle for lunch inside the scenic area. Turn right when you exit and try the cold noodles and alkaline rice cakes on that street. They cost 5 yuan a bowl, with adjustable spiciness. Kids can handle a mild spice level just fine. If you still have energy in the afternoon, take the kids for a walk along the creek in Sanbao Village. The shallow water is perfect for splashing around. Remember to bring an extra set of clothes. 2️⃣ Huangshan | Anhui Choose either Xidi or Hongcun for a day trip—don’t try to do both. Hongcun is more famous for its waterways. Around Nanhu Lake and Huajia Bridge, there are fewer visitors before 7 AM, and the reflections are clear. Kids can feed fish and watch ducks. Xidi’s alleys are quieter, perfect for exploring slowly with kids. The wooden carved window decorations in the old houses can tell stories for hours. Chengkan is a bit farther away but less crowded and peaceful, ideal for families wanting to avoid crowds. ⚠️ These ancient villages have stone slab roads that make pushing strollers very bumpy. It’s better to bring a hip seat or a lightweight umbrella stroller. Huangshan Scenic Area is a great place to cool off in mid to late August, but the cable car lines are very long. Take the front mountain cable car up and the back mountain cable car down. Focus on the Shixin Peak and Bright Summit area. If you have the energy, explore the West Sea Grand Canyon briefly. Hotels on the mountain are expensive and hard to book, so it’s best to stay in Tangkou Town and head up early the next day. 🚄 Visit Tunxi Old Street at night. Try the stinky tofu and baked flatbread as snacks. Kids can eat while walking, and adults can rest. 3️⃣ Xi’an | Shaanxi The Terracotta Warriors Museum gets extremely crowded after 9 AM during summer vacation, so go early. Enter right at 8 AM and head straight to Pit 1. By the time large tour groups arrive, you’ll have already seen the highlights. Don’t skip hiring a guide. When kids ask why each soldier looks different, seeing it live is much clearer than reading about it a hundred times. ⚠️ Don’t buy the blue jade sold inside the scenic area. It’s a scam. Qinling Zhongnan Mountain is best visited in the afternoon. The city feels like a steamer, but the mountain is several degrees cooler. Take the kids for a gentle slope walk—no need to reach the summit. The streams and insects along the way will excite them enough. Visit the Xi’an city wall at dusk. Rent a tandem bike and ride from Yongning Gate to Changle Gate. It’s perfect timing to see the lights come on as it gets dark. 🍜 You can explore Muslim Quarter, but for the famous paomo (bread soaked in mutton soup), go to the local old shop in Dapiyuan. Kids can tear the bread themselves, which keeps them busy for half an hour and makes things easier. 4️⃣ Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture | Sichuan Jiuzhaigou’s lake colors in August are as vivid as a painter’s palette. Five Flower Lake and Long Lake are the most photogenic. The sightseeing buses inside the park run like city buses, so you don’t have to walk much with kids. But the altitude is high, and kids may get short of breath when running or jumping. Bring oxygen bottles and chocolate. ⏰ Enter the valley at 8 AM. Take the bus to the primeval forest first, then walk downhill to avoid crowds. Have lunch at Nuorilang Restaurant. Don’t mind the price; carrying your own food is more tiring. Mount Siguniang is better for older kids. Shuangqiao Valley has sightseeing buses all the way. You can get off and walk a few steps to see snow-capped meadows. It’s the easiest of the three valleys. Huanglong’s Five Color Pool has plenty of water in August, but after the cable car, you still have to climb a boardwalk. Small kids may get cranky, so bring a baby carrier. ⚠️ The temperature difference on the plateau is big. Wear short sleeves during the day and a down jacket at night. Sunscreen and lip balm are essential. Don’t underestimate the UV rays at high altitude. 5️⃣ Guilin | Guangxi Xingping Ancient Town is the backdrop on the 20 yuan bill. Kids get excited comparing the bill to the real scene. For the Li River bamboo raft, only take the scenic section from Yangdi to Xingping, about an hour. Kids should wear life jackets and sit in the middle. The breeze makes it very cool. ⚠️ Bamboo raft companies are centrally managed. Don’t trust cheap tickets from roadside touts. 🍜 Try Songji rice cakes in town. Freshly steamed rice cakes with sesame sugar. Kids love nibbling on them while walking, even more than a full meal. Reed Flute Cave stays around 20 degrees Celsius year-round. Outside it’s scorching hot, but inside you’ll need a jacket. Kids love the light show, but the stairs are slippery. Hold their hands and don’t let them run. Longji rice terraces are lush green in August. Staying overnight to watch the sunrise is worth it, but the mountain roads are winding. Take motion sickness medicine in advance. 📍 Yuntai Mountain is near the terraces. Families with good stamina can hike it. If stamina is average, skip it without regret. 6️⃣ Lhasa | Tibet Namtso Lake is unbelievably blue in August, but it’s over 4,700 meters high. If kids get headaches or cry, descend immediately. Spend two days acclimating in Lhasa city before heading out. Take a day trip by car without overnight stays. The lakeshore is windy, so bring a windbreaker and hat. Kids can play stacking mani stones for an hour, giving adults a break. The Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple may be hard for kids to understand religiously, but the palace stairs and murals are like a maze adventure for them. ⏰ Potala Palace tickets must be booked a week in advance via the mini program. If you can’t get tickets, go to the Yowang Mountain viewing platform for photos. The angle is good. Visit Jokhang Temple in the afternoon. Follow the crowd of pilgrims walking clockwise. Kids will ask why everyone walks in the same direction. This is the best cultural lesson. ⚠️ The UV rays in Lhasa are intense. Kids must wear hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Use lip balm if their lips get chapped. 7️⃣ Xiangtan | Hunan Shaoshan tourist area has lotus flowers in full bloom in August. Kids love watching water droplets roll off the lotus leaves. The park is shaded with gentle paths, so strollers are fine. ⏰ Go early. After 10 AM, it gets crowded and parking is difficult. 🍜 At the park entrance, try Mao’s braised pork. Kids might find it fatty, but they’ll love the chopped chili fish head with noodles. Caojia’ao Waterfall is hidden in the mountains and requires walking on rocky paths. It’s best to have kids wear sneakers, not sandals. The mist near the waterfall feels like rain but is refreshing. There’s a flat rock beside the waterfall where you can spread a picnic mat and eat watermelon. Kids can play with water guns while adults relax. This is what summer should feel like. ⚠️ The rocks near the waterfall are slippery. Watch the kids closely and don’t let them climb too high. 8️⃣ Hainan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture | Qinghai Riyue Mountain’s grasslands spread out like a green carpet in August. Kids can run freely. It’s windy at the top, so bring a light jacket. The altitude is over 3,000 meters, so kids get out of breath quickly. It’s a good chance to slow down and watch yaks and sheep. 📍 At the foot of the mountain in Daotanghe Town, there’s a yogurt shop that uses yak milk. It’s sour enough to make kids frown, but add a spoonful of sugar and they’ll fight over it. Guide National Geopark’s Danxia landforms are glaringly red under the sun. Kids will think they’ve landed on Mars. The park has electric carts, so you don’t have to walk much. But the sun is strong, so bring hats and water bottles. ⏰ The light is best after 4 PM. The mountain colors are richest then, and photos don’t need filters. ⚠️ Drinks are expensive inside the park. Buy them at the supermarket before entering. The money saved is enough to buy kids an ice cream.

Clickbait alert 🙅‍♀️ This is not to discourage visiting Xining! Many people only see Xining as a transfer stop on the Qinghai-Gansu loop, but they overlook how stunning this highland summer city truly is. The average summer temperature is very comfortable, the vibrant multiethnic culture is alive everywhere, and the endless northwest cuisine is irresistible. Keep this travel guide handy 🏔 ✅ Reasons to visit 1️⃣ Known as China’s summer capital! Cool temperatures in midsummer make it a natural summer retreat, perfect for escaping the intense heat inland 🌿 2️⃣ The northwest food hub, packed with beef, lamb, and unique snacks. Food lovers won’t want to leave 3️⃣ A blend of multiethnic cultures, with mosques and ancient Tibetan temples creating a rich cultural atmosphere 4️⃣ An ideal base for visiting Qinghai Lake and Chaka Salt Lake, with convenient transportation and great for rest stops 5️⃣ Affordable prices, far fewer tourists than popular spots, making for a comfortable trip ☀️ Summer highlights Xining is surrounded by lush green mountains and fields of blooming rapeseed flowers in summer. Gentle breezes during the day and a light jacket needed at night, with almost no need for air conditioning. Night markets come alive with smoky aromas and street barbecue scents. Nearby you can explore terraced flower fields and Danxia Gorge, perfect for capturing northwest scenery. 🗺️ Four-day itinerary Day 1: Arrive in Xining | Dongguan Mosque → Mojia Street night market to experience the old town vibe, stay overnight in Xining city Day 2: Full day at Ta’er Monastery, a sacred Tibetan Buddhist site, return to Xining city by evening Day 3: Day trip to nearby Laji Mountain area, with mountain grasslands and winding roads to enjoy highland mountain views Day 4: Deep exploration and food tour in Xining city, visit Qinghai Provincial Museum, shop for local specialties, then wrap up and return 🍜 Food & accommodation highlights 🍲 Food recommendations ▪️ Hand-pulled lamb 🥩 Xining’s signature dish! Tender meat with almost no gamey taste ▪️ Qinghai clay pot hotpot | rich ingredients, hearty broth, a must-try northwest specialty ▪️ Niangpi (cold skin noodles) | northwest snack, chewy and refreshing with flavorful seasoning ▪️ Lamb offal soup | a local breakfast favorite, perfect for warming up ▪️ Sweet fermented oat drink | a refreshing summer treat, mildly sweet and cooling ▪️ Kang pot lamb | crispy outside, tender inside, full of aroma 🏨 Accommodation tips Choose hotels in downtown Xining first. Both Chengxi and Chengdong districts are convenient for getting around and dining. Avoid staying in remote suburbs where it’s hard to find food at night. Book hotels early during peak season. ⚠️ Pitfall warnings 1. Xining is over 2,000 meters above sea level. Avoid intense running, immediate showers, or drinking alcohol right after arrival. Mild altitude sickness is common; rest as needed. 2. Large temperature swings between day and night! Even in midsummer, bring long sleeves for evenings and mountain trips. Don’t forget sun protection; UV rays are strong at high altitude. 3. Don’t follow unofficial black-market guides at Ta’er Monastery. Use official guides. Avoid photographing monks inside the temple. 4. Mojia Street has many trendy shops. For authentic snacks, visit local favorite old shops. 5. Mountain roads nearby have many sharp turns. Watch for falling rocks in rain and drive slowly. 6. Compare prices when buying yak meat specialties. Don’t pay high prices at scenic spot entrances. 7. Respect local customs when visiting ethnic minority areas. Do not touch religious objects casually.

Where to escape the heat in August? Many people's first thought is to head north, but some places are surprisingly cool and often underestimated. For example, the ancient towns and waterways of Hefei, or the riverside walkways and breezes of Hanzhong—the perceived temperature is several degrees lower than in the city, and there are fewer people. I've scouted these 6 places for you; some are so cool you'll want to stay forever, and I've also helped you avoid some pitfalls. 01 Hefei City | Anhui Province The coolness of Sanhe Ancient Town comes from its water. ⏰ Entering the town at 7 am, the cobblestones are still damp, and a thin mist floats on the Xiaonan River—much more comfortable than an air-conditioned room. Don't enter from the main gate; the road to the visitor center is long and sunny. 📍 Turn into the Wangyue Bridge on West Street; two rows of old houses completely block the sun, and you can hear the sound of water every few steps. Lunch was on the ancient street. 🍜 For Sanhe rice dumplings, look for "Old Xu's" oil pan; the freshly fried dumpling skin is so crispy it crumbles, and the filling of dried tofu and shrimp is incredibly fresh. ⚠️ It's hottest between 2 PM and 4 PM, so don't force yourself to wander around. Find a riverside teahouse, order a pot of local wild tea, and watch the rowing boats glide past your window. The wind blows across the water, carrying the fishy smell of aquatic plants. The town isn't big; you can walk through it in two hours, but don't rush. After 6 PM, most tourists have left, lanterns light up, and their reflections shimmer orange in the water—that's when Sanhe is at its most beautiful. 🚄 Take the tourist bus directly from Hefei South Station; the journey takes about an hour and costs around 20 yuan. 02 Fuzhou City | Fujian The coolness of Sanfang Qixiang is hidden deep within its alleys. The main street, Nanhou Street, is packed with people during the morning rush hour, but turning into Yijin Lane or Wenru Lane, the crowds thin out considerably. A cool breeze blows in from the narrow lanes between the high walls, carrying the damp air of the old houses. ⏰ Before 9 AM, the crowds are at their lowest. The stone-paved streets have just been watered, making them chilly underfoot. Don't just focus on the trendy shops; 📍 Minshan Lane in Guanglu Lane is where locals cool off. At the end of the lane stands an old banyan tree, its shade covering half the courtyard, making it comfortable to sit for an entire afternoon. 🍜 For food, head to Tongli Rouyan (meat swallow) shop. A bowl of rouyan soup is sour, spicy, and appetizing, making your pores open up. ⚠️ Many traditional houses are closed on Mondays, such as the Water Pavilion Opera Stage, so don't make a wasted trip. The afternoon sun is intense, so I recommend seeking refuge in the former residence of Lin Juemin and Bing Xin. The wooden beams of the old house have a natural cooling effect, making it several degrees cooler than outside. 🚄 It's a five-minute walk from Exit C of Dongjiekou Station on Metro Line 1. Don't take a taxi; the traffic there will drive you crazy. 03 Hainan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture | Qinghai Riyue Mountain by Qinghai Lake is only slightly over 20 degrees Celsius at midday in August, with strong winds that can blow your hat away. ⏰ Head up Riyue Mountain before 3 PM. At an altitude of 3,500 meters, the expansive views are breathtaking. Prayer flags flutter in the wind, and while the sun isn't hot, it can be quite glaring, so sunglasses are a must. ⚠️ It's windy at the summit; a light jacket won't be enough, you'll need a fleece. Guide National Geological Park offers a different kind of coolness. In the ravines of the Danxia landform, the wind blows up from the depths of the canyons, carrying the earthy smell. 📍 The hiking trails within the scenic area are well-maintained, but don't hike the entire route; just take the most scenic section. It takes about an hour and a half round trip. The red mountains along the way look like burning iron in the sunlight, while the shaded areas are pleasantly cool. 🍜 There aren't many good restaurants near the scenic area entrance. I recommend having a bowl of mutton intestine noodles with a bowl of yogurt in Guide County. It's so sour it'll make your teeth ache, but it's also refreshing and helps cut through the greasiness. 🚄 Chartering a car from Xining costs about 400 yuan round trip. Split among four people, it's not much more expensive than taking a bus, and you can stop for photos whenever you want. ⚠️ Riyue Mountain and the Geopark are about a 40-minute drive apart. Don't rush your itinerary. The light is best after 5 pm, when the mountain colors are at their most vibrant. 04 Hanzhong City|Shaanxi Hanzhong's coolness comes partly from the river breeze and partly from the shade of the trees. The Shimen Plank Road is built into the cliff face of the Baohe Canyon. Below you'll find emerald green river water, and above you, a canopy of trees providing ample shade. ⏰ Walking along the plank road before 10 AM, sunlight filters through the leaves, dappling the wooden planks. A cool river breeze makes you want to wrap yourself in a jacket. The Ancient Hantai is located in the city center. It's not large, but the ancient trees in the courtyard completely block out the sun. Sitting on the stone benches, you can hear birds chirping. 📍 From the Ancient Hantai, it's a ten-minute walk to the Han River. After 5:30 PM, the river breeze is particularly pleasant. Locals stroll along the embankment. Don't rush off; wait until dark. The lights on the opposite bank reflected on the river are ten times more beautiful than during the day. 🍜 Hanzhong hot noodles are a must-try. 📍 "Jiang Ji Noodles" at the East Gate Bridge has been open for twenty years. The chili oil is incredibly fragrant, and paired with a bowl of vegetables and tofu, a meal costs a whopping ten yuan. ⚠️ Shimen Plank Road gets crowded in the afternoon with tour groups coming and going; try to go in the morning. 🚄 A taxi from Hanzhong Station to Shimen Plank Road costs about 30 yuan. The Ancient Hantai and Hanjiang River are both in the city center, within walking distance. 05 Nanyang City | Henan Xixia Funiu Mountain Laojieling: The average temperature in August is around 20 degrees Celsius; you'll need a blanket at night. ⏰ Enter the scenic area at 8 am. After taking the cable car up, walk along a wooden plank road. The wind rises from the valley, carrying the scent of pine trees. Even under the sun, it doesn't feel hot; instead, you'll want to open your arms and feel the breeze. 📍 There's a "Watershed" viewing platform in the scenic area, straddling the Yangtze and Yellow River systems, offering an incredibly expansive view. ⚠️ Don't buy raincoats at the entrance. The weather on the mountain is unpredictable, but the rain comes and goes quickly. Just wait in a pavilion for about ten minutes, and it will stop. 🍜 The firewood-cooked chicken at the farmhouses at the foot of the mountain is worth trying. It's freshly killed and stewed, the chicken is firm, and the soup is so delicious you could drink three bowls! 🚄 It takes about two hours to get to the scenic area from Nanyang Station by tourist bus. Driving is recommended, as the mountain roads are winding but in good condition. ⚠️ The Dinosaur Relics Park and Lao Jie Ling are in opposite directions; you can't see them all in one day. Don't be greedy; just choose Lao Jie Ling, and you'll have enough coolness for a whole day. 06 Qiqihar City | Heilongjiang The coolness of Zhalong Ecological Tourism Area comes from the wetlands. ⏰ Arrive at the scenic area entrance at 6:30 am. The reed beds are full of birdsong, the dew hasn't dried yet, and the wind blows from the water, carrying the fragrance of grass. The perceived temperature is five or six degrees lower than in the city. 📍 When you reach the crane-watching platform, don't rush to wait for the release. First, walk slowly on the boardwalk. The reeds on both sides are taller than a person; walking in feels like entering a green maze. 🍜 There aren't many food options inside the scenic area, so it's recommended to bring some snacks or eat barbecue back in the city. Qiqihar barbecue is a specialty; 📍 "Lutun Yitou Niu" on Jianhua North Street is a popular spot among locals. The beef is thinly sliced, sizzling and oily when grilled over charcoal, and paired with ice-cold beer, it's both refreshing and satisfying. ⚠️ There are two red-crowned crane releases daily, at 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM. Don't miss them; arrive 20 minutes early to secure a good spot. 🚄 A taxi from Qiqihar Station to Zhalong takes about 40 minutes and costs around 50 yuan. ⚠️ There are many mosquitoes in the wetlands, so long pants and mosquito repellent are essential. Don't wear sandals. 07 Wenzhou City | Zhejiang The coolness of Yandang Mountain is hidden in its waterfalls and pools. ⏰ We entered the mountains at 2 PM, hiking through the Lingfeng Scenic Area. Following the stream upstream, the sound of the water grew louder, and the air was incredibly humid, like a natural humidifier. 📍 The Dalongqiu Waterfall has a drop of 197 meters. Standing at its base, the spray hit us in the face, sending shivers down our spines – but it was worth it, even if our clothes got soaked. Liu Bowen's hometown is in Wencheng County, which is cooler than Yandang Mountain. It's at a higher altitude, with more trees and crystal-clear streams. ⚠️ There are many steps in the scenic area, so those with elderly people or children should walk slowly. However, the boardwalks along the water are gentle and suitable for resting. 🍜 The "Bowen Family Banquet" in Wencheng County is worth trying. It features local wild vegetables and stream fish, light and refreshing, and served with a bowl of white porridge – it leaves you feeling completely refreshed. 🚄 It takes about half an hour by high-speed train from Wenzhou South Station to Yandang Mountain Station, and then a 15-minute taxi ride from the station to the scenic area. ⚠️ Yandang Mountain tickets are valid for two days. Stay overnight at a guesthouse at the foot of the mountain, then head into the mountain the next morning for less crowds and better scenery. 08 Bazhong City | Sichuan The coolness of Guangwu Mountain comes at an altitude. ⏰ Enter the mountain at 8 am, walking along the Micang Mountain boardwalk. The mist in the forest hasn't dissipated yet, and the sunlight filters through the treetops, like scattered gold. At an altitude of over 2,000 meters, you'll be out of breath if you walk fast, but a gust of wind will instantly dry your sweat, making you want to put on a jacket. 📍 The sea of ​​clouds at the top of Xianglu Mountain is best seen before 10 am—a vast expanse of white, like standing on clouds. ⚠️ The temperature difference on the mountain is significant. Wear short sleeves in the morning, but you'll need a jacket by midday. Sunscreen and a light down jacket are essential. 🍜 You can buy some "Guangwu Mountain Cured Meat" at the scenic area entrance; it has a strong smoky flavor and makes cooking at home especially delicious. 🚄 It takes about an hour and a half by bus from Bazhong Station to the scenic area. The mountain roads are winding, so those prone to motion sickness should take medication beforehand. ⚠️ Guangwu Mountain is most famous for its autumn foliage, but the hidden gem is its lush greenery and cool climate in August. Less crowded and cheaper tickets. Of these six places, I personally recommend Hanzhong the most. The river breeze, the boardwalks, and the local noodles—it's cool from morning till night. Which ones did you visit in August? Share your thoughts in the comments and let's give some pointers to those who haven't yet gone. Where to escape the heat in August? Many people's first thought is to head north, but some places are surprisingly cool. For example, the ancient towns and waterways of Hefei, or the boardwalks and river breezes of Hanzhong—the perceived temperature is several degrees lower than in the city, and there are fewer people. I've scouted these six places for you; some are so cool you'll want to stay forever, and I've also helped you avoid the pitfalls. 01 Hefei City | Anhui Province The coolness of Sanhe Ancient Town comes from its water. ⏰ Entering the town at 7 am, the cobblestones are still damp, and a thin mist hangs over the Xiaonan River—much more comfortable than an air-conditioned room. Don't enter through the main gate; the road to the visitor center is long and sunny. 📍 Turn into the town from Wangyue Bridge on West Street. Two rows of old houses completely block out the sun, and you can hear the sound of water every few steps. Have lunch on the ancient street. 🍜 For Sanhe rice dumplings, look for "Old Xu's" oil pan. The freshly fried dumpling skin is crispy and crumbly, and the filling of dried tofu and shrimp is incredibly fresh. ⚠️ It's hottest between 2 pm and 4 pm. Don't force yourself to wander around. Find a riverside teahouse, order a pot of local wild tea, and watch the rowing boats glide past your window. The wind blows across the water, carrying the fishy smell of aquatic plants. The town isn't big; you can walk through it in two hours, but don't rush. After 6 PM, most of the tourists have left, the lanterns light up, and their reflections shimmer orange in the water—that's when Sanhe is at its most beautiful. 🚄 Take the tourist bus directly from Hefei South Station; the journey takes about an hour and costs around 20 yuan. 02 Fuzhou City | Fujian The coolness of Sanfang Qixiang (Three Lanes and Seven Alleys) is hidden deep within its alleys. The main street, Nanhou Street, is packed during the morning rush hour, but turning into Yijin Lane or Wenru Lane, the crowds thin out considerably. A breeze blows in from the narrow lanes between the high walls, carrying the cool air from the old houses. ⏰ Before 9 AM, the fewest people are around; the stone-paved streets have just been washed by a water truck, making them cool to walk on. Don't just focus on those trendy shops. 📍 Minshan Lane in Guanglufang is where locals cool off. At the end of the lane, there's an old banyan tree whose shade covers half the courtyard; you can sit there all afternoon without feeling hot. 🍜 If you're craving food, head to Tongli Rouyan (meat swallow) shop. A bowl of rouyan soup is sour and spicy, it'll whet your appetite and open up your pores. ⚠️ Many traditional houses are closed on Mondays, such as the Water Pavilion Opera Stage, so don't make a wasted trip. In the afternoon, the sun is intense, so it's recommended to seek refuge in the former residence of Lin Juemin and Bing Xin. The wooden beams of the old house have a cooling effect, making it several degrees cooler than outside. 🚄 It's a five-minute walk from Exit C of Dongjiekou Station on Metro Line 1. Don't take a taxi; the traffic there will make you question your existence. 03 Hainan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture | Qinghai At Riyue Mountain by Qinghai Lake, the temperature is only slightly above 20 degrees Celsius at midday in August, and the wind is so strong it can blow your hat away. ⏰ Head up Riyue Mountain before 3 PM. At 3,500 meters above sea level, the panoramic view is breathtaking. Prayer flags flutter in the wind. The sun isn't hot, but rather a bit glaring; sunglasses are a must. ⚠️ It's windy at the summit; a light jacket won't be enough, you'll need a fleece. Guide National Geological Park offers a different kind of coolness. In the ravines of the Danxia landform, the wind blows up from the depths of the canyons, carrying the earthy smell. 📍 The hiking trails in the scenic area are well-maintained, but don't hike the entire route; just take the most scenic section. It takes about an hour and a half round trip. The red mountains along the way look like burning iron in the sunlight, while the shaded areas are cool and refreshing. 🍜 There aren't many good restaurants near the scenic area entrance. I recommend having a bowl of mutton intestine noodles with a bowl of yogurt in Guide County town. It's so sour it'll make your teeth ache, but it's also refreshing and helps to cut through the greasiness. 🚄 Chartering a car from Xining costs about 400 yuan round trip. Split among four people, it's not much more expensive than a bus, and you can stop anytime for photos. ⚠️ Riyue Mountain and the Geopark are about a 40-minute drive apart. Don't rush your itinerary; the light is best after 5 pm, when the mountain colors are at their most vibrant. 04 Hanzhong City | Shaanxi Hanzhong's coolness comes partly from the river breeze and partly from the shade of the trees. The Shimen Plank Road is built on the cliff face of the Baohe River Gorge, with the emerald green river below and the dense canopy of trees overhead. ⏰ Walking on the plank road before 10 am, the sunlight filters through the leaves, dappling the wooden planks, and the river breeze makes you want to wrap yourself in a jacket. The Ancient Hantai is located in the city. It's not large, but the ancient trees in the courtyard completely block out the sun, and you can hear birds chirping while sitting on the stone benches. 📍 From Guhantai, a ten-minute walk will take you to the Han River. After 5:30 PM, the river breeze is particularly pleasant, and locals stroll along the embankment. Don't rush off; wait until dark, when the lights on the opposite bank are reflected on the river, making it ten times more beautiful than during the day. 🍜 Hanzhong hot noodles are a must-try. 📍 "Jiang Ji Noodles" at the East Gate Bridge has been open for twenty years. The chili oil is incredibly fragrant, and paired with a bowl of vegetables and tofu, a meal costs ten yuan and is all you can eat. ⚠️ Shimen Plank Road gets crowded in the afternoon, with tour groups coming and going. Try to go in the morning. 🚄 A taxi from Hanzhong Station to Shimen Plank Road costs about thirty yuan. Guhantai and the Han River are both in the city center, within walking distance. 05 Nanyang City|Henan Xixia Funiu Mountain Laojieling: The average temperature in August is around 20 degrees Celsius; you'll need a blanket at night. ⏰ Enter the scenic area at 8 AM. After taking the cable car up, walk along a wooden boardwalk. A breeze rises from the valley, carrying the fresh scent of pine trees. Even under the sun, it doesn't feel hot; instead, you just want to open your arms and feel the breeze. 📍 There's a "Watershed" viewing platform in the scenic area, offering a breathtaking panoramic view of the Yangtze and Yellow Rivers. ⚠️ Don't buy raincoats at the entrance. The weather on the mountain is unpredictable, but the rain comes and goes quickly. Just wait in a pavilion for about ten minutes, and it will stop. 🍜 The firewood-cooked chicken at the farmhouses at the foot of the mountain is worth trying. It's freshly killed and stewed, the chicken is firm, and the soup is so delicious you could drink three bowls! 🚄 It takes about two hours to get to the scenic area from Nanyang Station by tourist bus. Driving is recommended; the mountain roads are winding but in good condition. ⚠️ The Dinosaur Relics Park and Laojieling are in opposite directions; you can't see them all in one day. Don't be greedy; just choose Laojieling, and you'll have enough coolness for a whole day. 06 Qiqihar City | Heilongjiang The coolness of Zhalong Ecological Tourism Area comes from the wetlands. ⏰ Arrive at the scenic area entrance at 6:30 am. The reed beds are full of birdsong, the dew hasn't dried yet, and the wind blows from the water, carrying the fragrance of grass. The perceived temperature is five or six degrees lower than in the city. 📍 When you reach the crane-watching platform, don't rush to wait for the release. First, walk slowly on the boardwalk. The reeds on both sides are taller than a person; walking in feels like entering a green maze. 🍜 There aren't many places to eat in the scenic area, so it's recommended to bring some dry food, or go back to the city for barbecue. Qiqihar barbecue is a signature dish. 📍 "Lutun Yitou Niu" on Jianhua North Street is a local favorite. The beef is thinly sliced, sizzling and dripping with oil over charcoal. Paired with ice-cold beer, it's both refreshing and satisfying. ⚠️ Red-crowned crane releases are held twice daily, at 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM. Don't miss them; arrive 20 minutes early to secure a good spot. 🚄 A taxi from Qiqihar Station to Zhalong takes about 40 minutes and costs around 50 yuan. ⚠️ There are many mosquitoes in the wetlands, so long pants and mosquito repellent are essential. Don't wear sandals. 07 Wenzhou City | Zhejiang The coolness of Yandang Mountain is hidden in its waterfalls and pools. ⏰ Enter the mountain at 2:00 PM, hiking through the Lingfeng Scenic Area. As you walk upstream along the stream, the sound of the water grows louder, and the air becomes incredibly humid, like a natural humidifier. 📍 The Dalongqiu Waterfall has a drop of 197 meters. Standing at its base, the spray hits you in the face, sending a chill down your spine—it's worth getting your clothes wet! Liu Bowen's hometown is in Wencheng County, which is cooler than Yandang Mountain. It's at a higher altitude, with more trees and crystal-clear streams. ⚠️ There are many steps in the scenic area, so those with elderly people or children should walk slowly. However, the boardwalks along the water are gentle and suitable for resting. 🍜 The "Bowen Family Banquet" in Wencheng County is worth trying. It features local wild vegetables and stream fish, light and refreshing, and goes perfectly with a bowl of white porridge. You'll feel completely refreshed afterward. 🚄 It takes about half an hour by high-speed train from Wenzhou South Station to Yandang Mountain Station. From there, it's a 15-minute taxi ride to the scenic area. ⚠️ Yandang Mountain tickets are valid for two days. Stay overnight at a guesthouse at the foot of the mountain, and then head into the mountain the next morning for less crowds and more beautiful scenery. 08 Bazhong City | Sichuan The coolness of Guangwu Mountain comes at an altitude. ⏰ Entering the mountain at 8 am, walking along the Micang Mountain boardwalk, the mist in the forest hadn't yet dissipated, and sunlight filtered through the treetops, like scattered gold. At an altitude of over 2,000 meters, you'll be out of breath if you walk fast, but a gust of wind will instantly dry your sweat, making you want to put on a jacket. 📍 The sea of ​​clouds at the top of Xianglu Mountain is most visible before 10 am; a vast expanse of white, like standing on clouds. ⚠️ The temperature difference on the mountain is significant. Wearing short sleeves in the morning, you'll need a jacket by midday. Sunscreen and a light down jacket are essential. 🍜 You can buy some "Guangwu Mountain Cured Meat" at the scenic area entrance; it has a strong smoky flavor and makes cooking at home especially fragrant. 🚄 The bus ride from Bazhong Station to the scenic area takes about an hour and a half. The mountain roads are winding, so those prone to motion sickness should take medication beforehand. ⚠️ Guangwu Mountain is most famous for its autumn foliage, but the hidden gem is its lush greenery and cool breezes in August – less crowded and cheaper admission. Of these six places, I personally recommend Hanzhong the most. The river breeze, the boardwalks, and the local noodles – a cool and refreshing experience from morning till night. Which of these places did you visit in August? Share your thoughts in the comments and let's point the way for those who haven't yet gone!

Everyone says to flock to the beach in summer, but the real travelers avoid the crowds. In August and September, popular spots feel like a roasting grill, while some lesser-known places are so cool you’ll want a jacket. I’ve scouted a few routes for you. These 8 destinations have fewer people, amazing scenery, and great value. Keep it quiet after reading. 01 Jingmen | Hubei 📍 Mingxian Tomb is green in summer. If you turn off at Mochou Village, the cedar trees lining the road block the sun completely, making it several degrees cooler than downtown. I arrived at 3 PM that day. The wind from Mingtang carried moisture and felt surprisingly chilly. The highlight isn’t the underground palace but the sacred path. Moss grows between the stone slabs. The stone statues on both sides are heated by the sun, but standing in the shade, you can hear cicadas and the wind competing. ⏰ After 5:30 PM, most visitors leave. The slanting light hits the red walls, and you can take photos without waiting. The whole sacred path is yours. ⚠️ Note: There’s no proper dining inside the park. Only a few stalls selling bottled water and grilled sausages at the entrance. Bring snacks or finish touring and drive back to Jingmen city for a meal. 🚄 It’s about a 30-minute taxi ride from Jingmen Station, costing around 40 yuan. 02 Liuzhou | Guizhou Don’t just think of Luosifen when you hear Liuzhou. The Liu River is the real star in August and September. At 7 PM, the riverside walkway fills with locals swimming, fishing, and walking dogs. It’s lively but not noisy. I rented a shared electric bike to ride along the river. The breeze carried the scent of water plants, making it feel cooler than summer. During the day, visit Chengyang Eight Villages. Wear non-slip shoes. The stone paths are shiny from rain. Under the drum tower, a few elders chat in a dialect I couldn’t understand. 🍜 I had a bowl of Youcha (oil tea) for lunch in the village. It’s salty, fragrant, and slightly bitter, paired with glutinous rice cakes. Much more authentic than the city’s trendy shops. ⚠️ After 4 PM, visitors thin out and the light softens, perfect for photos. But the shuttle bus stops at 6 PM. If you want to stay longer, book a ride in advance or hitch a ride with villagers. 03 Hainan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture | Qinghai Riyue Mountain is best visited in August. The grass on the plateau is green, and the rapeseed flowers are still blooming. The wind carries a mix of flowers and cow dung—don’t mind that; it’s the taste of summer on the plateau. I stood on the summit watching prayer flags flutter and clouds race across the grassland. The afternoon passed just like that. Guide National Geopark offers a different scene. The Danxia landform glows red under the sun, but the canyon is cool, like a natural air-conditioned room. ⏰ Arrive before 10 AM for the best light. The slanting sun highlights the rock layers, no filter needed for photos. ⚠️ The altitude here is about 2,800 meters. Don’t rush. I was gasping like a bellows climbing uphill. 🚄 A day trip by car from Xining costs 500–600 yuan. Sharing with three people is most cost-effective. 04 Nanchang | Jiangxi Tengwang Pavilion tourist area isn’t popular with locals in summer? That’s because they go during the day. I recommend entering around 5 or 6 PM. First, stroll the park and watch the sunset turn the Gan River golden. Then climb the pavilion for the night view. When the lights come on, the skyscrapers across the river reflect in the water, ten times more beautiful than daytime. 🍜 After touring, don’t rush off. Walk 200 meters north to a clay pot soup restaurant that’s been open for over 20 years. The soup is rich and milky, the meat patties so tender they fall apart with chopsticks. Pair it with spicy mixed noodles that’ll make you sweat but you won’t stop eating. ⚠️ Tickets for Tengwang Pavilion must be booked in advance via the official account. On-site tickets often sell out. Don’t make a wasted trip. 05 Aksu Prefecture | Xinjiang Tianshan mysterious grand canyon is no exaggeration. The canyon’s wind is dry with a sandy smell but much cooler than outside. Walking at the bottom, the towering rock walls make you look up until your hat falls off. Sunlight filters through cracks, casting beams on the reddish-brown walls like stage spotlights. ⚠️ Some paths in the canyon are rocky. Wear sneakers, not sandals. I saw a girl’s flip-flop get stuck between stones and she struggled to pull it out. 🚄 It’s about a one-hour car ride from Kuqa County, costing over 200 yuan round trip. The driver can wait while you explore the entire canyon. 06 Hanzhong | Shaanxi Hanzhong is all about coolness in August. The Shimen plank road is built on the cliff of Baogou Gorge. Below is emerald river water, above is dense shade. Walking there, you won’t feel the sun. Halfway through, I crouched to touch the stone carvings on the cliff. They were warm from the sun, but the river’s mist felt cool. Ancient Han Terrace is in the city. It’s small but worth spending half an hour. ⏰ It opens at 8 AM. Go early for fewer people and quiet to study the inscriptions. Afterward, stroll along the Han River. The evening breeze makes you sleepy. People fish and fly kites by the river. The pace is incredibly slow. 🍜 For lunch, I grabbed a bowl of sour and spicy noodles at a random riverside shop for 5 yuan, with some vegetable tofu. It left me feeling great. ⚠️ Walking the entire Shimen plank road takes two hours. If you have elderly with you, walk halfway and return. Don’t push yourself. 07 Qianxinan Buyei and Miao Autonomous Prefecture | Guizhou Maling River Canyon is at its fullest in August. Before entering, you can hear the roaring water like distant thunder. Inside, waterfalls hang from cliffs on both sides, mist spraying your face. After the walk, my hair was soaked. But that kind of coolness can’t be found in air conditioning. Wanfenglin and the canyon have different vibes. The canyon is wild and fierce; Wanfenglin is calm and gentle. ⏰ I suggest visiting the canyon in the morning and Wanfenglin in the afternoon. Ride an electric bike around before sunset. The rice fields shine green, mountains line up in the distance, and the air smells of rice flowers. ⚠️ The canyon is slippery with steep steps. Don’t wear flip-flops. I saw someone slip and drop their phone into the water, never to be recovered. 08 Shannan | Tibet Yamdrok Lake is its bluest in August and September. Standing by the shore, the water looks unreal, like someone poured paint into the lake. The wind is strong, making prayer flags flutter and white waves crash crisply on the rocks. 📍 Don’t just snap a couple of photos at the viewing platform and leave. Drive east along the lake to a small village where locals graze yaks by the shore. The yaks aren’t afraid when you get close. I sat on the grass, eating snacks, watching them graze slowly. Time seemed to stretch. ⚠️ The altitude here is 4,500 meters. Don’t shower or do intense exercise on the first day. I was out of breath after climbing a small hill and had to rest for half an hour. 🚄 A day trip by car from Lhasa costs about 800 yuan round trip. Sharing with four people is most cost-effective. Among these 8 places, I personally favor Shannan and Hanzhong the most. The former offers breathtaking silence, the latter a cozy comfort that makes you want to stay. Do you have any secret summer escapes? Share in the comments, and I’ll check them out next time.

August in Qinghai is truly stunning in Guide!! Forget the crowded Qinghai Lake 😭 A hidden gem just 1.5 hours by car from Xining, with an average summer temperature of 22℃ Fewer people, clear views, low commercialization, offering a whole summer of coolness and healing 🍃 Who would have thought the Yellow River could be so clear 🌊 Finally witnessing the textbook phrase "The Yellow River is clear in Guide" The emerald, transparent river winds through the valleys Blending with the vivid, colorful Danxia formations Layers of red, orange, yellow, and brown with distinct, textured depth Sunlight pours down, making the entire mountain glow with richness Like nature’s spilled palette, a breathtaking scene straight from the source! Half is the green water of Jiangnan, half is the Danxia of the northwest This unique scenery can only be seen in Guide ✨ 📅 2 days 1 night summer relaxation itinerary | No rush, super comfortable Day 1 Check in at the core of the colorful Danxia + Yellow River scenery Drive from Xining, the road conditions are excellent, with healing mountain and wild landscapes along the way Head straight to Ashigong colorful peak cluster scenic area Highly recommend taking the sightseeing bus! Saves effort and worry, so you can focus on photos and views ✅ Top photo spots ▪️ Viewing platform 1: Overlooks the entire Danxia panorama, grand and magnificent ▪️ Viewing platform 4: The clearest layered colors, perfect for photos Stop by Nuwa Gorge and Tongtian Gorge to experience geological wonders up close In the afternoon, rush to the Yellow River Qing Wetland Park (free) Stroll along the riverbank and enjoy the breeze, surrounded by green trees and clear water Dispel all summer heat, the atmosphere is instantly uplifting Stay overnight in Guide county, explore the night market and enjoy local snacks, very relaxing Day 2 Quiet escape + local food tour Check out wild Danxia spots by the roadside No entrance fee, very few people, every shot is a masterpiece If time allows, take a short walk on nearby grasslands to breathe fresh air and relax 😌 Don’t miss the local specialties! Tender, mild-flavored grass-fed hand-pulled lamb Crispy, fragrant dog urine cake Rich and mellow yak yogurt, refreshing sweet fermented barley drink Affordable and authentic, satisfying for just a few dozen yuan per person 💡 Essential tips for traveling in August ▪️ Strong UV rays on the plateau! Be sure to bring sunglasses, hats, and sunscreen ▪️ Large temperature difference between day and night, short sleeves during the day, light jacket needed in the morning and evening ▪️ Lots of hiking in scenic areas, prioritize comfortable sports shoes ▪️ Mountain weather is changeable, carry rain gear No need to rush like a special forces mission In Guide, slowing down lets you unlock the gentlest summer in the northwest ✨

quickly save this super practical off-the-beaten-path summer guide for families! 👇 Fewer people, beautiful scenery, and affordable prices. Bring the kids and have fun~ 🌸 Guide National Geopark - Ashigong colorful peak cluster scenic area ✨ Reasons to visit: 1️⃣ The spectacular colorful Danxia landform 📸 every photo looks like a masterpiece 2️⃣ Few visitors and beautiful scenery, the top choice for family hiking 📍 3️⃣ Moderate altitude, perfect for summer cooling ❄️ 👶 Family activities: 🚶‍♂️ Easy 3 km hiking trail 🌳 Learn about various unique landforms 📱 Take fun family photos 🌿 Collect oddly shaped stones 🏠 Affordable accommodation recommendations: 1. Unique homestays inside the park (💰 200–300/night, great value) 2. Nearby farm stays (💰 100+/night, experience authentic rural life) 🌟 Must-bring items: Sunscreen 🧴, sun hat 👒 Lightweight sneakers 👟 Simple lunch box 🍱 Camera 📸 (keep snapping) 💡 Friendly tips: 1. Enter the park before 9 AM 2. Bring enough drinking water 3. Prepare snacks for the kids ✨ This is truly a perfect summer spot for families! Fewer crowds, beautiful views, and low costs. Save this guide and get ready~

01 Hainan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture | Qinghai When visiting Qinghai with kids, don’t rush straight to Qinghai Lake. Riyue Mountain and Guide National Geopark in Hainan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture are better for a slow-paced visit. Riyue Mountain isn’t low in elevation, but the boardwalk is gentle enough for young children to climb part of it on their own. ⏰ Arrive before 9 AM when there are fewer people and a light breeze. You can see herders’ tents made from yak wool, and kids will happily chase sheep for a long time. The Danxia landforms at Guide Geopark are very photogenic, but avoid the midday sun as it’s intense. 📍 There’s an electric shuttle at the park entrance. Families with young kids can take it directly to the viewing platform, saving 20 minutes of uphill walking. ⚠️ The altitude here is over 2,000 meters. If your child complains of a headache, head down to Guide County town to rest immediately. Don’t push through. Kids around five or six love collecting red stones, while older kids enjoy observing the geological layers. Everyone plays their own way without fighting. 02 Alxa League | Inner Mongolia I recommend splitting the Populus euphratica forest and Badain Jaran Desert into two days. The forest is best visited in October when golden leaves cover the ground, but summer has its perks—fewer people, lush greenery, and kids can run freely on the forest boardwalk. ⏰ After 5:30 PM, the slanting light shines through the trees, perfect for photos without filters. The Badain Jaran Desert is vast. When the off-road vehicles rush up the sand dunes, kids scream until their voices go hoarse. 📍 Shoe covers are available for rent at the park entrance for 15 yuan a pair. Don’t skip this expense, or sand will fill your shoes and ruin the trip. ⚠️ The desert surface can be scorching at noon. Try to enter before 10 AM or after 4 PM. Elementary school kids love this thrill, but hold younger children in your arms or keep them in the vehicle. Don’t let them walk on the sand alone as it’s easy to sink. 03 Yuncheng City | Shanxi Yuncheng Salt Lake sounds like a scenic spot but is more like a giant outdoor classroom. Kids can see the lake water separate into pink, green, and blue layers under the sun, caused by salt algae and minerals—much more vivid than textbook explanations. ⏰ The colors are most distinct from 3 PM to 5 PM. After 6 PM, the light softens and the layers become less clear. 📍 There are stalls selling salt compress packs by the lake for 20 yuan each. They’re great for warming shoulders and can be used by both adults and kids. ⚠️ It’s windy by the salt lake, so bring an extra light jacket for your child to avoid chills. No climbing is needed here, and strollers are easy to use, making it ideal for families with young children. Older kids can rent a tandem bike to ride around the lake in about 40 minutes without getting tired. 04 Chengde City | Hebei The Mountain Resort and Jinshanling Great Wall offer two very different experiences. The resort’s lake and mountain areas are separate. When with kids, stick to the lake area and don’t try to do both. ⏰ Arrive right when it opens at 7 AM. Take the cool morning to ride the lake cruise for 40 minutes. Kids will be fascinated watching ducks and koi fish. 📍 After the lake, head to the Wen Garden Lion Forest. The rock garden maze there can keep kids entertained for half an hour. ⚠️ Electric shuttle lines at the resort can have 40-minute waits in the afternoon, so it’s better to ride them in the morning. Jinshanling Great Wall is steeper than Badaling but less crowded, suitable for physically fit elementary school kids. Don’t force younger kids to climb; take the cable car to the beacon tower, snap a few photos, and head back down. 🚄 A taxi from Chengde city to Jinshanling takes about an hour. A round-trip private car costs around 300 yuan. 05 Haikou City | Hainan Haikou isn’t a resort like Sanya, but it’s more hassle-free with kids. The Five Officials Temple, Qilou Old Street, and Volcano Park can be visited in one day without rushing. ⏰ Arrive at the Five Officials Temple before 9 AM. The shade is dense, and the ancient buildings are cool. Kids can look at the inscriptions on stone tablets and guess historical stories. 📍 At noon, go to Qilou Old Street. Find an old-style tea house, order an iced lemon black tea, and let the kids enjoy a refreshing dessert while you rest. The arcade corridors provide natural shade, so strollers can be pushed without sun exposure. Visit Volcano Park in the afternoon. Climb to the volcano crater viewing platform. It’s windy but offers a wide view. Kids will be curious about the dark brown volcanic rocks. ⚠️ The park has many stairs. For children under three, use a carrier instead of a stroller. Tickets for each attraction are sold separately. Volcano Park is the most expensive at over 60 yuan; others are cheaper. 06 Anqing City | Anhui Tianzhu Mountain wind—yes, the word “wind” is intentional, not a typo. At the foot of the mountain is an ancient-style town with windmills and bamboo corridors surrounding a shallow stream where kids can take off their shoes and splash. ⏰ Enter the mountain after 2 PM. The slanting light highlights the granite peaks with textures as sharp as carvings. 📍 The cable car ride up takes 80 minutes one way. Families with young kids should take it; otherwise, kids will cry halfway up. Older kids can challenge the “Hundred-step Cloud Ladder,” a steep but thrilling stairway with sturdy railings. Parents can hold their hands safely. ⚠️ Weather changes quickly in the mountains. Raincoats are more practical than umbrellas. Always carry two in your backpack. Young children should play by the stream and windmills at the foot of the mountain. Elementary school kids and older can go higher. Don’t push too hard. 07 Shigatse City | Tibet Mount Everest and Tashilhunpo Monastery sound intimidating, but they’re doable with kids. Everest Base Camp is at 5,200 meters, so don’t bring young children due to altitude sickness risk. Older elementary kids can stay one night in Shigatse city to acclimate before heading up. ⏰ The best time to see Everest is from 7 AM to 9 AM when clouds are few and the mountain is fully visible. 📍 The base camp has tent campsites where you can stargaze at night, but temperatures drop below zero, so bring enough sleeping bags. Tashilhunpo Monastery is much milder with mostly flat paths. Kids can have fun spinning prayer wheels. ⚠️ Shorts and skirts are not allowed inside the monastery. Dress kids in long pants. To save hassle, book a local day tour. Drivers know the routes and you won’t have to worry about border permits. 08 Taizhou City | Zhejiang Tiantai Mountain, Taizhou old city, and Shenxianju can be split into two days. Tiantai Mountain’s Shiliang Waterfall sprays mist that cools you off in summer, making it hard to leave. ⏰ Arrive before 10 AM when the waterfall is at full flow. Sunlight through the mist creates rainbows. 📍 Families with young kids should take the park’s electric shuttle. The hiking trails are all stairs and not recommended. Shenxianju’s Ruyi Bridge is a glass walkway. Elementary kids get excited and jump around, while parents need to stay calm even if their legs feel weak. ⚠️ Shenxianju can have two-hour queues on holidays, so try to visit on weekdays. Taizhou old city’s Ziyang Street is most pleasant after 5 PM. The cobblestone streets and old-brand snack shops are charming. Egg white lamb tail soup and wheat shrimp soup are must-tries. This area suits all ages: young kids can stroll on flat roads with strollers, older kids can climb the city wall. Everyone has fun. Traveling with kids is tiring or not depending on how you plan your route. Among these eight places, Chengde and Taizhou impressed me the most—one is cool, the other delicious. Which have you visited? Share in the comments to help other moms find the best path.

People say August is only for staying in air-conditioned rooms, but those who escape to the mountains, lakesides, or islands have already turned summer into something else. I avoid crowded places. These spots are either unbelievably cool or have sea breezes that blow away the heat. Best of all, their scenery rivals popular destinations. 1️⃣ Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture | Guizhou You may have heard of Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village, but honestly, I want you to save time for Zhaoxing Dong Village. Xijiang is beautiful during the day but so crowded it makes me want to escape. Zhaoxing’s mornings are different. The village’s cooking smoke hasn’t cleared yet, and elders are already cooling off under the drum tower. That kind of quiet can’t be bought. If you have time, staying a night in Zhenyuan Ancient Town is worth it. Walking along the Wuyang River at dusk, when the lights come on, you’ll forgive its daytime plainness. Xianghuo Rock is a little surprise for outdoor lovers. The waterfall and forest keep the temperature low, perfect for an afternoon walk. For lodging, I recommend staying in a wooden guesthouse in the village. Open the window and the view is right there, and at night you can fall asleep to the sound of the stream. ⚠️ Parking in Zhenyuan Ancient Town is difficult during holidays. Enter early or take a taxi. 🍜 Don’t miss the sour soup fish. Its sour and spicy flavor is especially appetizing in summer. 2️⃣ Baise | Guangxi Baise is underrated in Guangxi tourism. In summer, the lakes and mountains here show you what “natural air conditioning” means. Haokun Lake is my top recommendation. The water is as green as jade. Walking around the lake takes about 2 hours. There aren’t many people, and the breeze is light, giving a feeling of having the whole place to yourself. Chengbi Lake is better in the afternoon. The wide water surface and sunset reflections are so beautiful you won’t want to leave. Xilin’s landscape is a treat for self-driving travelers. The karst terrain stretches all the way, and you can stop anytime to take photos. Honestly, Baise’s attractions are quiet and not for those who like crowds. But if you just want a place to zone out and relax, this is perfect. 📍 It’s about a 1-hour drive from Baise city to Haokun Lake. Renting a car or self-driving is recommended. 🚄 After arriving at Baise high-speed rail station, renting a car right outside is the most convenient. ⚠️ There are many mosquitoes by the lake. Remember to bring insect repellent. 3️⃣ Zhenjiang | Jiangsu Zhenjiang isn’t a popular tourist city, but its culture and tranquility are seriously underrated. Jinshan, Jiaoshan, and Beigushan each have their own charm. I suggest climbing Jinshan in the morning. The combination of temples and pagodas is very atmospheric, and from the top, you can see the Yangtze River. Beigushan is best in the evening. The sunset on the ancient walls instantly brings to mind the phrase “where to gaze upon the divine land.” Jiaoshan is an island surrounded by water and requires a ferry ride. It’s perfect for those who like peace and quiet. Maoshan in Jurong is a bit far from the city, but if you’re interested in Taoist culture, it’s worth a special trip. For lodging, staying near Xijindu is most convenient. At night, you can stroll the old streets and eat guogai noodles. You won’t run out of things to do all day. 🍜 Guogai noodles are Zhenjiang’s soul. Remember to add a piece of braised pork. ⚠️ Beigushan closes after 5 PM. Go early. 4️⃣ Wanning | Hainan Sanya is too crowded. Wanning is just right. The seawater at Shimei Bay is much cleaner than I expected. The sand is fine and soft, and there are so few people you can have the whole beach to yourself. I arrived at 3 PM that day, and the sea breeze made it feel not hot at all. Riyue Bay is a surfer’s paradise. Even if you don’t surf, watching others get knocked over by waves from the shore is entertaining. The lifestyle here is very relaxed. There are coffee carts and surfboard shops by the road. Order an iced Americano and watch the sea all afternoon. If you have kids, Shimei Bay is safer with smaller waves and shallow water. For lodging, I suggest staying in a guesthouse near Shimei Bay. It’s just a few minutes’ walk to the beach, so you can step on the sand first thing in the morning. ⚠️ The sun is very strong at Riyue Bay around noon. It’s best to go in the water after 4 PM. 🍜 Don’t miss a bowl of qingbuliang from the street stalls. The coconut milk flavor is so rich it’s unbelievable. 5️⃣ Mianyang | Sichuan The best part of Mianyang’s summer is heading to Beichuan. The Beichuan Qiangcheng tourist area is more than just buildings. It blends the Qiang people’s lifestyle and history. Walking into the village, you’ll notice the slow pace. Elders weave bamboo crafts at the door, kids chase each other in the alleys, and watching them makes you slow down too. You can try Qiang embroidery and smashing wine in the scenic area. The wine has a fermented grain aroma, is a bit strong, but very enjoyable. For lodging, I recommend guesthouses near the scenic area. At night, you can see the Qiang village’s night view. When the lights come on, it looks like stars have fallen on the mountain. ⚠️ It takes over an hour to get there from Mianyang city. Renting a car or self-driving is recommended. Don’t return too late. 📍 You can climb the watchtowers in the scenic area. From the top, the whole village is at your feet. 6️⃣ Ningde | Fujian Ningde’s summer is half mountain, half sea. Taimu Mountain Scenic Area is a classic mountain-meets-sea spot. The rocks have strange shapes, and the caves are as cool as air conditioning, perfect for escaping the heat. Baishuiyang · Yuanyang Creek is great for water play. The shallow creek flows over large stone surfaces. Take off your shoes and step in. The coldness shoots up from your feet. Kids can play for hours. Xiapu Beiqi tidal flats are a favorite for photographers. At sunrise, the light on the tidal flats creates lines and reflections so beautiful they seem unreal. ⚠️ Check the tide schedule before watching the sunrise at the tidal flats. High tide means waiting in vain. 🚄 It’s about a 1-hour bus ride from Ningde station to Xiapu. Then take a taxi to Beiqi. 🍜 Xiapu’s seafood misua soup is a delightful surprise. The broth is so fresh it’ll make your eyebrows drop. For lodging, there are guesthouses at the foot of Taimu Mountain and more options in Xiapu town. For sunrise, staying near Beiqi is recommended. 7️⃣ Hainan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture | Qinghai Hainan Prefecture in Qinghai isn’t well known, but its summer can really make you forget what “hot” means. Riyue Mountain is the gateway to the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. The altitude isn’t high, but the wind is strong enough to blow your hat off. Standing on the ridge, you can see the grasslands and distant mountains. Guide National Geopark offers a different kind of awe. The Danxia landform glows red like fire under the sun, but the temperature feels low. Afternoons are the most comfortable, and the light highlights the mountain layers. This area is great for self-driving. The roads are good, and the grasslands and livestock are everywhere. You can stop anytime to take photos. For lodging, I suggest staying in Guide County. At night, you can visit the small night market. ⚠️ The altitude is close to 3,000 meters. Don’t rush if you’re new to the area. 📍 Local herders sell yogurt at the entrance to Riyue Mountain Scenic Area. It’s thick, sweet, and sour, definitely worth trying. 8️⃣ Yingtan | Jiangxi Yingtan’s Longhu Mountain is one of those places where you only understand why Taoism chose it once you arrive. The Luxi River winds around the mountain. Bamboo raft drifting is the classic activity. The water is so clear you can see the stones at the bottom. The Danxia mountains on both sides look like they were carved by knives. If you like hiking, you can walk the plank road up the mountain. Some sections hang on the cliff, and looking down will make your legs weak, but the views are worth it. The most unique feature is the hanging coffin performance from the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods. There’s a fixed daily coffin-lifting ceremony. Watching the coffin being hoisted into the cliff cave by ropes is hard to describe. The ticket includes the bamboo raft and the show, making it a good value overall. For lodging, there are many guesthouses near the scenic area. At night, you can hear insects and flowing water. ⚠️ The bamboo raft queue peaks from 10 AM to 2 PM. It’s best to go right when the park opens. 🚄 It’s about a 30-minute taxi ride from Yingtan North Station to Longhu Mountain. 🍜 Shangqing tofu is a local specialty. It’s tender with a strong bean flavor. Eating it with chili dipping sauce is very satisfying. Among these eight places, I personally prefer Wanning and Ningde. One is perfect for relaxing, the other for water fun. When traveling in August, don’t waste time in crowded places. Find a cool spot and make summer the holiday it should be. Where did you go this summer? Let’s chat in the comments.

Everyone says only popular cities are worth visiting, but I think the places that truly leave a lasting impression are often those you didn't expect to see. This time, I chose eight less-traveled cities. Some could be explored in a whole day, others could be seen in half a day, but each one left me talking about it for days afterward. 01 Hanzhong | Shaanxi 📍 I recommend going to the Shimen Plank Road early in the morning. It opens at 8:30 am, and when I arrived at 9 am, it wasn't crowded. The plank road is built along the mountainside, with the Bao River flowing beneath your feet. It's a bit shaky, but not dangerous. The entire walk takes about two hours, with several viewing platforms offering panoramic views of the river's bends. ⚠️ There's a section of the plank road with very steep steps. If you're with elderly people or children, you can turn back after the second viewing platform; the scenery is similar afterward. 🍜 For lunch, I went back to the city center for a bowl of hot noodles, a common breakfast in Hanzhong, but they also sell it at lunchtime. The noodles are chewy, the chili oil is fragrant, and a bowl costs six yuan. Served with some vegetables and tofu, it's very satisfying. In the afternoon, visit the Ancient Han Terrace. It's free, and the courtyard isn't large; you can walk through it in half an hour. There's a small museum inside that tells the history of Hanzhong as the birthplace of the Han Dynasty; you can stay a while if you're interested. In the evening, take a walk along the Han River. The riverside path is well-maintained; many locals stroll there, but few tourists. At sunset, the water shimmers with golden light, and the reflections of the buildings on the opposite bank are stretched long—it's even more beautiful than during the day. ⏰ I recommend the time between 6 and 7 pm, when the light is softest. 02 Shannan | Tibet If you only have time to visit one place in Shannan, go to Yamdrok Lake. It's about a two-hour drive from the city. After crossing the Gangbala Pass, the moment Yamdrok Lake suddenly appeared before my eyes, I was stunned for a long time. The water was unrealistically blue, like someone had poured paint into the valley. ⚠️ The altitude is close to 5000 meters; don't run or jump, walk slowly. I got so excited seeing someone taking pictures that I couldn't breathe after just a few steps. It's windy by the lake, so be sure to bring a hat, or you'll get a headache. 🚄 I recommend hiring a car or sharing a ride. It costs about 300 yuan one way, enough for a day trip, so you don't need to stay overnight. There are several viewing platforms at Yamdrok Lake. The one at the top is the most spectacular, but also the most crowded. Driving down to the lakeside is much quieter, allowing you to see the water lapping against the shore up close, and the color is even more vibrant up close. ⏰ It's best to arrive in the morning. In the afternoon, there are often clouds, blocking the light and making the lake less blue. 03 Taiyuan|Shanxi Tianlong Mountain and Jinci Temple can be visited on the same day, as they are not far apart. Start in the morning at the Jinci Museum, an often-overrated place. The wooden dragon carving in front of the Holy Mother Hall, from the Northern Song Dynasty, is extremely well-preserved; even the scales on the dragon's claws are clearly visible. ⚠️ Guided tours inside Jinci Temple are available for an extra fee, but you can skip them. There's an audio guide available at the entrance for 10 yuan, which is quite detailed. In the afternoon, we went up Tianlong Mountain. The mountain road is winding, so be careful if you drive. You can also take the scenic area bus. The grotto statues at the top are very impressive, especially the Tang Dynasty Bodhisattva statue, whose serene expression is captivating. ⚠️ Photography is not allowed in the grotto area. You can take pictures of the surrounding mountain scenery, but don't sneak photos; it's embarrassing if you're caught. In the evening, we went to Jinyang Lake Park. This park is huge; don't expect to walk the whole thing. Just rent a tandem bicycle by the lake and ride for a while; the breeze is very pleasant. 🍜 In the evening, we went back to the city and had a bowl of "Tou Nao," a Taiyuan specialty. It's basically mutton soup with astragalus and yellow wine. The taste is a bit strange, but worth trying. A bowl costs around ten yuan, and it's just right with shumai. 04 Nanjing|Jiangsu Between the Presidential Palace and Confucius Temple, if you can only go to one, I'd choose the Presidential Palace. It's not that Confucius Temple is bad, but it's too crowded; you have to squeeze sideways to walk on holidays. The Presidential Palace has a lot to offer, spanning from the Taiping Rebellion to the Republic of China era, with several layers of history stacked in one courtyard. You could easily spend half a day there. ⏰ It's recommended to book the earliest visit, around 9 am, to avoid crowds and make taking photos easier. The Confucius Temple-Qinhuai River scenic area is better visited at night. With the lights on, the reflections on the river create a truly immersive "Ten-Mile Qinhuai" experience. However, ⚠️ avoid eating the snacks inside the scenic area; they're expensive and mediocre. Walk to the nearby Laomendong or a ten-minute walk to Dashiba Street for the same duck blood soup, which will be half the price. Niushou Mountain deserves a separate day. The dome of the Buddha Palace is breathtaking; photos can't capture its grandeur. Standing beneath it and looking up is a truly awe-inspiring experience. 🚄 It's accessible by subway and bus, but a taxi is more convenient. It takes about 40 minutes from the city center and costs around 70 yuan. Xuanwu Lake is scheduled for the end of the trip. It's free, and the best time to go is in the evening. Walk along the lake to Jiefang Gate, where the city wall and the lake merge into a single line. Locals jog and stroll there; you can join them for a while—it's very pleasant. 05 Hainan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture | Qinghai Riyue Mountain and Guide National Geopark may sound like they're from different prefectures, but they can be visited together in a day. Start with Riyue Mountain in the morning, at an altitude of about 3500 meters. The wind at the mountain pass is strong enough to blow your hat off. Standing on the route Princess Wencheng took to Tibet, the lines of the grasslands and mountains look as if they've been cut by a knife—clean and crisp. ⚠️ There's no shade on the mountain, so sunscreen and sunglasses are a must. In the afternoon, go to Guide National Geopark. The Danxia landforms here are different from those in Zhangye; the color is more reddish-brown, as if it's been burned by a fire. There are electric carts in the park; take one to the innermost viewing platform, and it's just a short walk from there—easy to walk, suitable for families with elderly members. 🍜 In Guide County, there's a noodle shop that serves "ga mianpian" (a type of noodle dish) for ten yuan a bowl. The broth is rich, the noodles are chewy, and it warms you up from head to toe. ⏰ See the Danxia landforms at sunset; the colors are most saturated then, while at midday they appear pale. 06 Shennongjia Forest District | Hubei The Shennongjia Ecological Tourism Area is actually a very large area; you can't possibly see it all in one day. If you only have two days on the weekend, I recommend visiting only the two core spots: Dajiu Lake and Shennong Peak. Dajiu Lake is famous for its morning mist. ⏰ Arrive at the lake before 6 am; the mist clings to the water, creating a fairyland-like scene. ⚠️ Accommodation within the scenic area is basic and expensive. I suggest staying in Muyu Town and entering the scenic area early the next morning. Shennong Peak is 3100 meters above sea level. Be prepared for the climb; there are many steps, so don't underestimate it. The view from the summit is expansive; on a clear day, you can see the mountain range stretching to the horizon. 🚄 The scenic areas are far apart, and there's no public transportation; driving or hiring a car is the most convenient option. ⚠️ The weather in the mountains is unpredictable. Even in summer, bring a jacket. The day I visited, it was sunny at noon, but it started raining in the afternoon. 🍜 There's a local-run hot pot restaurant in Muyu Town that serves cured pork ribs. The portions are generous; a pot for two people plus some vegetables costs around 70-80 yuan. There's not much entertainment in town at night, so go to bed early; you'll need to get up early the next day to see the morning mist. 07 Baiyin|Gansu The Yellow River Stone Forest is the kind of place where you might think, "It's just rocks," before you go, but you'll be awestruck once you arrive. The rocks are grayish-yellow, forming rows of pillars, dozens of meters high. Walking through it feels like entering another planet. There are electric carts at the entrance to the core area, where you can take a sheepskin raft across the Yellow River or hike along the boardwalk. ⚠️ A sheepskin raft ride costs a few dozen yuan. It's worth trying, but it can be unstable when the waves are high; if you're afraid of water, don't take it. ⏰ It's recommended to enter around 3 or 4 pm, when the sunlight shines obliquely on the stone forest, revealing its textures and layers. Going at noon results in a hazy, grayish appearance, obscuring the three-dimensional effect. The scenic area is large; allow at least four hours. 🍜 There are vendors selling liangpi (cold skin noodles) at the exit; a bowl costs five yuan, is spicy and sour, and is very refreshing after sightseeing. 08 Hengyang|Hunan Nanyue Hengshan: If your physical fitness is average, don't plan to hike the entire way. 🚄 Take the scenic area bus to Banshanting, then take the cable car to Nantianmen. Climb the rest of the way yourself; this is the most energy-efficient way and allows you to see the most scenic sections. Zhurong Peak at the summit is the highest point, offering expansive views, and on a clear day, you can see a sea of ​​clouds. ⚠️ It's windy on the mountain, and even colder in winter. You don't need to rent coats at the foot of the mountain; they are available at Nantianmen for similar prices. Nanyue Grand Temple is located at the foot of the mountain and is separate from the Hengshan scenic area. This temple is unique, coexisting with Buddhism and Taoism. The front hall houses Buddhist statues, while the back hall is dedicated to Taoism. It's very popular with worshippers. 🎫 The entrance fee is only a few dozen yuan, not expensive. A complete tour takes about an hour. ⏰ I recommend visiting the main temple first, then climbing the mountain. This way, you'll have more energy in the morning and can descend before dark. 🍜 There's a noodle shop at the foot of the mountain specializing in pork bone noodles. The broth is milky white, the noodles are smooth, and a bowl costs around ten yuan. Eating there after the climb felt incredibly refreshing. None of these eight places are "must-sees," but each one leaves a lasting impression. Do you have any hidden gems in less-traveled cities? Share in the comments, and I'll check them out next time. Everyone says only popular cities are worth visiting, but I think what truly makes a lasting impression are often the places you didn't expect to see. This time, I chose eight less-traveled cities. Some could be explored in a whole day, others in half a day, but each one has left me talking about it for days afterward. 01 Hanzhong | Shaanxi 📍 I recommend going to the Shimen Plank Road early in the morning. It opens at 8:30 AM, and when I arrived at 9:00 AM, it wasn't crowded. The plank road is built along the mountainside, with the Bao River flowing beneath your feet. It's a bit shaky, but not dangerous. The entire walk takes about two hours, and there are several viewing platforms along the way offering panoramic views of the river's bends. ⚠️ There's a section of the plank road with very steep steps. If you're with elderly people or children, you can turn back after the second viewing platform; the scenery is similar after that. 🍜 For lunch, head back to the city center for a bowl of hot noodles, a common breakfast in Hanzhong, but they also sell it at lunchtime. The noodles are chewy, the chili oil is fragrant, and a bowl costs six yuan. Served with some vegetables and tofu, it's very satisfying. In the afternoon, visit the Ancient Han Terrace, which is free. The courtyard isn't large; you can explore it in half an hour. There's a small museum inside that tells the history of Hanzhong as the birthplace of the Han Dynasty; you can stay longer if you're interested. In the evening, take a walk along the Han River. The riverside walkway is well-maintained, frequented by locals rather than tourists. At sunset, the water shimmers with golden light, casting long shadows of the buildings on the opposite bank – even more beautiful than during the day. ⏰ Recommended time: 6-7 PM, when the light is softest. 02 Shannan | Tibet If you only have time to visit Shannan, go to Yamdrok Lake. It's about a two-hour drive from the city. After crossing the Gangbala Pass, the moment Yamdrok Lake suddenly appeared before me, I was stunned for a moment. The water was an unrealistically blue, like someone had poured paint into the valley. ⚠️ The altitude is close to 5000 meters. Don't run or jump; walk slowly. I got so excited seeing people taking pictures that I couldn't breathe after just a few steps. It's windy by the lake, so be sure to bring a hat, or you'll get a headache. 🚄 Hiring a car or sharing a ride is recommended. It costs about 300 yuan one way, enough for a day trip; you don't need to stay overnight. There are several viewing platforms at Yamdrok Lake, the one at the top of the mountain is the most spectacular, but also the most crowded. Driving down to the lakeside is much quieter, allowing for a closer look at the water lapping against the shore, and the color appears even more translucent up close. ⏰ It's best to arrive in the morning; in the afternoon, clouds often block the light, making the lake less blue. 03 Taiyuan|Shanxi Tianlong Mountain and Jinci Temple can be visited on the same day, as they are not far apart. In the morning, visit the Jinci Museum first, a place that is often underestimated. The wooden dragon carving in front of the Holy Mother Hall, dating back to the Northern Song Dynasty, is extremely well-preserved, with even the scales on the dragon's claws clearly visible. ⚠️ Guided tours at Jinci Temple are available for an additional fee, but it's not strictly necessary. An audio guide is available at the entrance for 10 yuan, and it provides quite detailed explanations. In the afternoon, head to Tianlong Mountain. The mountain roads are winding, so drive carefully. You can also take the park shuttle bus. The grotto statues on the mountaintop are truly breathtaking, especially the Tang Dynasty Bodhisattva statue; its serene expression is captivating. ⚠️ Photography is prohibited in the grotto area. You can take pictures of the surrounding mountain scenery, but don't sneak photos—it'll be embarrassing if you're caught. In the evening, go to Jinyang Lake Park. This park is huge; don't expect to walk the whole thing. Just rent a tandem bicycle along the lake and ride for a while; the breeze is very pleasant. 🍜 Back in the city at night, have a bowl of "Tou Nao" (a local specialty), which is basically mutton soup with astragalus and yellow wine. The taste is a bit strange, but worth trying. A bowl costs around ten yuan, and it's just right with some shumai (steamed dumplings). 04 Nanjing|Jiangsu Between the Presidential Palace and Confucius Temple, if you can only go to one, I'd choose the Presidential Palace. It's not that Confucius Temple is bad, but it's too crowded; you have to squeeze sideways to walk on holidays. The Presidential Palace has much more to see, spanning from the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom to the Republic of China era, with several layers of history stacked in one courtyard. You can easily spend half a day there. ⏰ It's recommended to book the earliest session, around 9 AM, to avoid crowds and make taking photos easier. The Confucius Temple-Qinhuai River scenic area is best visited at night. With the lights on, the reflections on the river create a truly immersive "Ten-Mile Qinhuai" feel. However, ⚠️ avoid eating snacks inside the scenic area; they're expensive and mediocre. Walk to the nearby Laomendong or a ten-minute walk to Dashiba Street for the same duck blood soup, which will be half the price. Niushou Mountain deserves a separate day. The dome of the Buddha Palace is breathtaking; photos can't capture its grandeur. Standing beneath it and looking up is a truly awe-inspiring experience. 🚄 It's accessible by subway and bus, but a taxi is more convenient. From the city center, it takes about 40 minutes and costs around 70 yuan. Xuanwu Lake can be visited towards the end of your trip. It's free, and the evening is the most pleasant time. Walk along the lake to Jiefangmen, where the city wall and lake merge into a single line. Locals jog and stroll there; you can join them for a pleasant walk. 05 Hainan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture | Qinghai Riyue Mountain and Guide National Geopark may sound like they're from different prefectures, but they can be visited together in a day. Start the day at Riyue Mountain, at an altitude of about 3500 meters. The wind at the mountain pass is strong enough to blow your hat off. Standing on the route Princess Wencheng took to Tibet, the lines of the grasslands and mountains look as if they've been cut by a knife, clean and crisp. ⚠️ There's no shade on the mountain, so sunscreen and sunglasses are a must. In the afternoon, head to Guide National Geopark. The Danxia landforms here are different from those in Zhangye; the color is more reddish-brown, like it's been scorched by a fire. There are electric carts in the park; take one to the innermost viewing platform, and it's just a short walk from there, easy on the legs, perfect for families with elderly members. 🍜 In Guide County, there's a place called "Ga Mian Pian" (literally "Little Noodles"), ten yuan a bowl. The broth is rich, the noodles are chewy, and it warms you up completely. ⏰ See the Danxia landforms at sunset; the colors are most saturated then, as they appear whitish at midday. 06 Shennongjia Forest District | Hubei The Shennongjia Ecological Tourism Area is actually a very large area; one day is simply not enough to see it all. If you only have two days on the weekend, it's recommended to visit only the two core spots: Dajiu Lake and Shennong Peak. Dajiu Lake is famous for its morning mist; ⏰ Arrive at the lakeside before 6 AM, and the mist clinging to the water's surface creates a fairyland-like scene. ⚠️ Accommodation within the scenic area is basic and expensive. It's recommended to stay in Muyu Town and enter the scenic area early the next morning. Shennong Peak is 3100 meters above sea level. Be prepared for the climb; there are many steps, so don't underestimate it. The summit offers a panoramic view; on a clear day, you can see the mountain range stretching to the horizon. 🚄 The scenic areas are far apart, and there is no public transportation. Driving or hiring a car is the most convenient option. ⚠️ Mountain weather is unpredictable; even in summer, bring a jacket. It was sunny at noon the day I visited, but it started raining in the afternoon. 🍜 There's a local hot pot restaurant in Muyu Town that serves cured pork ribs. The portions are generous; a pot for two people plus some vegetables costs around 70-80 yuan. There's not much entertainment in town at night, so go to bed early; you need to get up early the next day to see the morning mist. 07 Baiyin|Gansu The Yellow River Stone Forest is the kind of place where you might think, "It's just rocks," before you go, but you'll be awestruck. The rocks are grayish-yellow, forming rows of pillars, dozens of meters high. Walking through it feels like entering another planet. There are electric carts at the scenic area entrance to take you to the core area, where you can either take a sheepskin raft across the Yellow River or hike along the boardwalk. ⚠️ A sheepskin raft ride costs a few dozen yuan. It's worth trying, but it's not very stable when the waves are high; if you're afraid of water, don't take it. ⏰ It's recommended to enter around 3 or 4 pm when the sunlight shines obliquely on the stone forest, revealing its textures and layers. Going at noon results in a hazy, grayish appearance, obscuring the three-dimensional effect. The scenic area is large; allow at least four hours. 🍜 There are vendors selling liangpi (cold skin noodles) at the exit; a bowl costs five yuan, is sour and spicy, and is very refreshing after sightseeing. 08 Hengyang|Hunan Nanyue Hengshan: If your physical fitness is average, don't plan to hike the entire way. 🚄 Take the scenic bus to Banshanting, then take the cable car to Nantianmen. Climb the rest of the way yourself; this is the most energy-efficient way and allows you to see the most scenic sections. Zhurong Peak at the summit is the highest point, offering expansive views, and on a clear day, you can see a sea of ​​clouds. ⚠️ It's windy on the mountain, and even colder in winter. You don't need to rent coats at the foot of the mountain; they are available at Nantianmen for similar prices. Nanyue Grand Temple is located at the foot of the mountain and is separate from the Hengshan scenic area. This temple is unique, coexisting Buddhist and Taoist practices. The front hall houses Buddhist statues, while the back hall is dedicated to Taoist priests. It's very popular with worshippers. 🎫 The entrance fee is only a few dozen yuan, not expensive. A complete tour takes about an hour. ⏰ I recommend visiting the main temple first, then heading up the mountain. This way, you'll have more energy in the morning and can descend before dark. 🍜 There's a noodle shop at the foot of the mountain specializing in pork bone noodles. The broth is milky white, and the noodles are smooth. A bowl costs around ten yuan. Eating there after the climb makes you feel completely revitalized. None of these eight places are "must-sees," but after visiting, you'll likely find yourself wanting more. Do you have any hidden gems in the city? Share them in the comments, and I'll check them out next time.

When the August breeze blows, I just want to take you somewhere cool. Don’t keep focusing on those overcrowded popular spots. Many truly comfortable and photogenic small towns are just one or two hours away by high-speed train. They have fewer people, beautiful scenery, and reasonable prices. These 8 places are my personal hidden list after scouting and avoiding pitfalls for you. After reading, you might want to change your booking immediately. 1️⃣ Tongren | Guizhou Fanjing Mountain isn’t the kind of mountain you just glance at because you’re there. It really makes your legs weak from climbing, but it’s truly worth it. ⏰ Arrive at the mountain gate before 7 AM to avoid the main tour groups. After taking the cable car up, the nearly vertical steps to the Red Cloud Golden Summit require using both hands and feet for stability. When I reached halfway, the fog suddenly cleared, and the distant mushroom-shaped rocks seemed to emerge from a painting. That moment made waking up early totally worth it. 🍜 At Jiangkou County at the foot of the mountain, the beef offal rice noodles have a rich broth. Add a spoonful of spicy chili paste, and you’ll feel instantly refreshed. ⚠️ Remember to book tickets three days in advance on the official mini program. Same-day tickets are almost impossible to get on site. 🚄 It takes about 40 minutes by taxi from Tongren Station to the scenic area. Carpooling is more cost-effective. 2️⃣ Wenshan Zhuang and Miao Autonomous Prefecture | Yunnan The beauty of Puzhehei is the kind you can’t capture even one-tenth of in photos, especially in summer when lotus flowers cover the water. 📍 Rent a willow-leaf-shaped boat at Qinglongshan Pier and row into the lake’s center. Water plants sway beneath the boat, the breeze is cool, and the sun is gentle. I prefer after 5:30 PM when most tourists have left. Standing on Lover’s Bridge watching the sunset stretch the mountain shadows, the whole village feels as quiet as if asleep. ⚠️ Don’t take a boat ride at noon. The intense sun and rising water vapor will make you regret it. 🍜 Street stalls sell fried lotus flowers and lotus leaf chicken—one sweet and crispy, the other savory and fragrant. Eat them with iced jelly for a refreshing treat. This place is great for bringing parents. The pace is slow, and the roads are flat. 3️⃣ Jiangmen | Guangdong Kaiping Diaolou isn’t a spot you just glance at and move on. It’s like scattered memories in rice fields, perfect for a slow stroll. 📍 Ming Shi Lou in Zili Village lets you go upstairs. Open the wooden window, feel the breeze over the rice fields, and see the gray diaolou clusters in the distance. You’ll suddenly understand why this was a filming location for “Let the Bullets Fly.” ⚠️ Don’t just visit Liyuan Garden. It’s crowded and commercialized. Zili Village and Jinjiangli have more authentic charm. 🍜 The village grandma’s eel rice has distinct grains and sweet, fresh eel strips. I ate two bowls in a row. 🚄 It’s about 40 minutes by taxi from Jiangmen Station. Renting a car for a day to visit several villages is recommended. 4️⃣ Qinhuangdao | Hebei Beidaihe and Shanhaiguan are two very different places—one for relaxing, the other for exploring. I suggest spending two separate days. ⏰ Arrive before 5 AM at Beidaihe’s Geziwo Park for sunrise. The sea turns pink and gold, and after the tide recedes, you can find small crabs. 📍 The ancient city wall at Shanhaiguan has the best light after 4 PM. The wind on the city tower is strong enough to blow off your hat, but the view overlooking the old city is breathtaking. ⚠️ Don’t eat seafood at the scenic area entrance. It’s expensive and not fresh. Walk two blocks into town to find small local restaurants favored by residents. 🍜 The pork and scallion buns from Si Tiao Baozi Shop have thin skin and generous filling. Pair with a bowl of millet porridge for comfort. 5️⃣ Sanming | Fujian Dajin Lake and Taining Ancient City are places where you won’t want to rush once you arrive. 📍 Take a boat on Dajin Lake. The water is emerald green, the mountains are the red Danxia landform, and together they look like an unfinished painting. ⏰ The light is best after 3 PM when the lake shimmers with golden hues. Taining Ancient City is quieter than expected, with bluestone paths, old wooden doors, and grandpas sunbathing. Walking around calms the heart. 🍜 The warm mushroom buns in the ancient city have a sticky outer layer and a filling of dried bamboo shoots and minced meat. One bite bursts with juice. ⚠️ The boat ticket includes a guided tour. Don’t buy the “blessing bands” they try to sell—they’re useless. This spot is perfect for couples to stroll and chat slowly. 6️⃣ Chifeng | Inner Mongolia Hasahatu Stone Forest is the kind of place where standing before it makes you feel tiny. Huge granite stacks form strange shapes, like alien relics. ⏰ Arrive before 9 AM when the light hits the stones at an angle, making the textures especially clear. It’s less crowded, and you can hear the wind whistling through the cracks. 📍 There’s a viewing platform inside the park. Climb up to see the entire stone forest spread across the grassland, with rolling hills in the distance. The vastness is beyond what a camera can capture. ⚠️ There are no proper restaurants in the park. Bring some snacks and water. Don’t expect to get a full meal inside. 🚄 It’s about a 2-hour drive by car from Chifeng Station. The roads are good, but don’t speed—cattle often cross the grasslands. 7️⃣ Hainan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture | Qinghai Riyue Mountain and Guide National Geopark offer two completely different kinds of awe. Riyue Mountain is gentle, with prayer flags fluttering on the grassland and the scent of butter tea in the wind. The legend of Princess Wencheng adds a touch of melancholy. 📍 Guide Geopark is vast and dramatic. The Danxia landform looks like it’s been sliced by a knife, glaringly red. Standing on the viewing platform, you’ll feel like you’re on Mars. ⏰ The light at dusk in the geopark is magical, making the mountains look like they’re burning. ⚠️ The altitude is nearly 3,000 meters. Avoid running or jumping to prevent shortness of breath. 🍜 The yak yogurt in Guide County is perfectly sour. Add a spoonful of sugar, and it’s amazing. Great for photography lovers—every shot looks like a masterpiece. 8️⃣ Yichun | Heilongjiang Tangwang River Forest and Strange Stones is a place where forest and bizarre rocks blend together. 📍 Walking in, you’re surrounded by green. Pine trees block the sky, moss and fallen leaves cover the ground, and the air is cool with a fresh scent of plants. ⏰ Arrive before 8 AM when the morning mist hasn’t lifted. The stone forest appears faintly in the fog, like a fairyland. ⚠️ There are many mosquitoes in the park. Long sleeves and pants are a must. Don’t skimp on mosquito repellent. 🍜 Afterward, have a hot pot stew in Yichun city—pork ribs with green beans and pancakes. The steaming meal smooths out a day in the wild. It’s great for bringing kids, who will have a blast playing among the stone cracks and tree roots. Among these 8 places, my personal favorites are Tongren and Qinghai. How about you? Is there a place that makes you want to set off as soon as you see its name? Share in the comments. Maybe next time I’ll scout it for you.

Want to travel in August but afraid of crowds? I'm going to avoid the hot spots. These 6 routes offer different experiences: some are so cool you'll need a jacket, others are breathtakingly beautiful, yet there's hardly anyone to compete for your best photo spot. Take advantage of the last days of summer vacation and choose one to go! 01 Lhasa City | Tibet Many say Lhasa is oxygen-deprived, but nobody tells you that in August, the lush greenery is still in full bloom, and you'll need a light down jacket in the mornings and evenings. Don't rush straight to the Potala Palace; let your body adjust for a couple of days first. ⏰ After 3 PM, the sunlight makes the white walls gleam. From the Chakpori Hill viewing platform, the Potala Palace's silhouette looks like it was painted on. Remember to book your tickets a day in advance through the official WeChat account; during peak season, you'll likely be unable to buy tickets for the same day by queuing on-site. The Jokhang Temple is best visited in the early morning. 📍 The incense smoke from the Barkhor Street pilgrimage route hasn't yet dissipated. Follow the locals clockwise, and you'll smell the mingled aromas of yak butter and barley. ⚠️ Don't take photos directly in front of worshippers; respect is more important than the photo quality. After your visit, the teahouses in the alleys are packed. A pot of sweet tea costs eight yuan and can last all afternoon. Namtso Lake is a day's drive from the city center and back. It's recommended to hire a car or share a ride; it will cost around 200 yuan per person. ⏰ Around 7 PM, the lake turns a deep blue, and the wind is strong enough to blow your hat away, so remember to bring a windproof jacket. The Sacred Elephant Gate is temporarily closed, so don't make a wasted trip. 02 Hainan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture | Qinghai Many people visit Qinghai Lake and then leave, missing out on the nearby Hainan Prefecture. This is a hidden gem for escaping the summer heat; the average temperature in August is only slightly over 20 degrees Celsius, and you'll need a quilt at night. Sun and Moon Mountain isn't worth half a day; ⏰ a half-hour stop if you're passing by is enough. Standing on the grassy slope at the mountain pass, the wind carries the mixed scent of grass and cow/sheep dung, and prayer flags flutter in the distance. The Daotang River is right at the foot of the mountain; the water does flow westward, so just take a picture and check it off your list. The main attraction is Guide National Geopark. 📍 From Xining, take the G6 Beijing-Tibet Expressway and then S201; the whole trip takes about an hour and a half. The Danxia landforms in the park are a vibrant red, as if they've been burned. ⚠️ Don't go at midday; the sun is scorching and there's no shade. ⏰ After 4 PM, the sunlight shines obliquely on the rock walls, revealing all the color layers. The entrance fee, including the sightseeing bus, is about 80 yuan; two hours is enough to explore the entire area. 03 Liuzhou City | Guangxi Liuzhou in August is sweltering, but the sour and spicy flavor of snail rice noodles is just right to make you sweat—it's refreshing! Don't just focus on the city center; the banks of the Liujiang River are the locals' summer retreat. ⏰ Around 6 PM, the sun isn't so intense anymore; take a walk along the riverside promenade. A gentle breeze carries moisture from the river; you can see people swimming and fishing. 📍 The Jiangbin Park area is the most comfortable, with elderly people playing chess under the willow trees. Near Wenhui Bridge, the graffiti wall under the bridge is a great photo opportunity, with the river and the lights on the opposite bank as a backdrop. Chengyang Eight Villages is located north of Liuzhou, near Sanjiang County, about a two-and-a-half-hour drive away. It's much cooler than the city center, with a Dong-style covered bridge spanning the stream, the water so clear you can see the stones. ⚠️ Don't miss the village's "Hundred Families Feast"—it costs 60 yuan per person, the dishes are freshly prepared by local women, and the portions are so generous you'll be stuffed. For accommodation, you can choose a wooden guesthouse in the village for around 100 yuan a night; falling asleep to the sound of the stream is incredibly relaxing. 04 Linyi City | Shandong Escape the heat without going to the mountains; Linyi's underground canyon is a natural air conditioner. The temperature inside is a constant 18 degrees Celsius, so you'll need long sleeves. The Firefly Water Cave & Underground Grand Canyon Scenic Area is a combined ticket, perfect for a day trip. Start with the Grand Canyon: ⏰ Arrive before 10 AM to avoid long queues. The caves are strangely shaped, and the underground river rafting is worth trying; the course is about one kilometer long, the current is gentle, suitable for both the elderly and children. ⚠️ The cave is slippery, wear non-slip shoes, not flip-flops. In the afternoon, visit the Firefly Water Cave. ⏰ The 2:30 PM session is ideal. After the lights are dimmed, thousands of fireflies cling to the rock walls, creating a starry reflection. 🦟 Be aware of mosquitoes outside the cave, spray some mosquito repellent before entering. The entire scenic area takes about four hours. Parking at the entrance costs 10 yuan. Yimeng Mountain is nearby, but it's humid and hot in August, not as comfortable as the underground cave. If you're short on time, skip Yimeng Mountain and spend half a day at Wang Xizhi's Former Residence in Linyi city. The entrance fee is 20 yuan, it's less crowded and quieter, perfect for a rest. 05 Hangzhou | Zhejiang August in Hangzhou is unbearably hot, but the lush greenery along West Lake and the Xixi Wetland can save you. Avoid the crowds at Broken Bridge; locals head west. ⏰ West Lake is most beautiful at 6:30 am. The Su Causeway is only frequented by joggers, lotus flowers bloom in abundance, and the air is filled with the scent of aquatic plants. 📍 Enter from Quyuanfenghe and walk to Yanggong Causeway. This section is shaded by dense trees, making it less sunny. If you want to save energy, rent a shared bicycle and ride along Beishan Street; the plane trees completely block out the sunlight. Xixi National Wetland Park is better visited in the afternoon. ⏰ After 3 pm, it's less humid. Take a traditional rowboat ride through the waterways; the sounds of the boatman rowing and birdsong blend together. ⚠️ Tickets plus boat fare are about 150 yuan; buying online in advance can save you 20 yuan. The boat trip takes about an hour. After disembarking, you can have a bowl of Pian'erchuan noodles on Hezhu Street—the broth is incredibly delicious! The China Umbrella Museum and Prince Bay Park are not far apart and can be combined into a half-day trip. The Umbrella Museum is free, but closed on Mondays, so don't waste your time. The large lawn at Prince Bay Park is perfect for relaxing and daydreaming. ⏰ At 5 pm, the light filters through the trees, casting a golden glow on the grass—perfect for photos without filters. ⚠️ There are many mosquitoes; long pants are wiser than shorts. 06 Wuhan City | Hubei Province August in Wuhan is scorching hot, but the lake breeze of East Lake and the night tour of the Yellow Crane Tower will give you a respite. Avoid long walks during the day; go out in the evening. It's recommended to visit the Yellow Crane Tower Park in the evening. ⏰ Enter the park at 5:30 pm to catch the sunset. Standing on the tower overlooking the Yangtze River and the Wuhan Yangtze River Bridge, the breeze blowing from the river is more comfortable than an air-conditioned room. ⚠️ Night tickets and daytime tickets are separate. The Yellow Crane Tower after it's lit up at 7 PM has a different feel; the lights illuminate the eaves, perfect for photos. Tickets are around 70 yuan; book online in advance to avoid queuing. The East Lake Greenway is Wuhan residents' summer retreat. ⏰ Start cycling on the Moshan section at 8 AM. The lakeside willows provide shade, and the lake breeze makes you want to stay. 📍 Enter from the Liyuan Square entrance, rent a shared bike, and cycle along the lake to Luoyan Island. The whole journey is about 10 kilometers, taking about two hours with stops. ⚠️ After 11 AM, the sun gets too strong, so leave quickly. Songyang Temple and the Huangpi Mulan Cultural and Ecological Tourism Area are both in the north, suitable for a day trip by car. Songyang Temple is free; the ancient trees inside are several degrees cooler than in the city. The Mulan Scenic Area is large; ⏰ choosing the grassland area is enough. Tickets are 60 yuan; the grassy slopes are windy, perfect for picnics. ⚠️ Food in the scenic area is expensive; bringing your own food is more cost-effective. 07 Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture | Sichuan In August, Aba enjoys daytime temperatures in the early twenties (Celsius) and nighttime temperatures only in the teens (Celsius), making it a true haven from the summer heat. However, due to the high altitude, avoid strenuous exercise. Jiuzhaigou is most beautiful in autumn, but the water is actually even clearer in August. ⏰ Enter the park before 10 AM for the clearest reflections in Mirror Lake, where the water is as still as a mirror. ⚠️ The scenic area operates on a reservation system. Tickets must be booked three days in advance through the official WeChat account; during peak season, they are usually sold out on the day of purchase. Five-Flower Lake and Long Lake are the highlights; don't spend too much time in Shuzheng Village, saving your energy for the higher areas. Four Sisters Mountain is more suitable for hiking enthusiasts. 📍 Shuangqiao Valley is the easiest of the three valleys, with a combination of sightseeing bus and boardwalk throughout. At an altitude of 3800 meters, you'll be out of breath if you walk fast. ⏰ After 3 PM, the sunlight shines obliquely, turning the peak of Yaomei Peak golden—a moment well worth the ticket price. The entrance fee plus sightseeing bus is about 150 yuan. There are no restaurants inside the valley, so bring your own food. Huanglong and Jiuzhaigou can be visited together, but it's recommended to separate them into two days. The Five-Colored Pool boardwalk in Huanglong Scenic Area is quite tiring; ⏰ go in the morning for the best light and the most vibrant colors. ⚠️ The altitude is higher, increasing the risk of altitude sickness. Bring oxygen cylinders in advance; they cost twice as much at the scenic area. 08 Tianshui City | Gansu Tianshui is known as Gansu's "Little Jiangnan." August is neither too dry nor too hot, and the lush greenery of Maijishan Grottoes will make you forget you're in Northwest China. Maijishan Grottoes are a must-see. ⏰ Enter as soon as it opens at 8 AM to avoid crowds and enjoy better lighting. The boardwalk is built on a cliff, with your feet suspended in mid-air; those with a fear of heights may feel weak in the knees, but the smiling Buddha statues will make you forget your fear. ⚠️ To protect the cultural relics, photography is not allowed inside the caves; please keep your phone safe. Tickets are approximately 90 RMB, including the scenic area shuttle bus. Wushan Water Curtain Cave is about an hour's drive from the city center and is home to the Lashao Temple Buddha. The cliff carvings here are even more rugged than those at Maijishan Grottoes. The Buddha is about 40 meters tall; standing beneath it and looking up is breathtaking. ⏰ Arrive at 2 PM; the sunlight will be perfect for the Buddha's face. ⚠️ Ignore the people selling incense at the entrance and just walk in. Fuxi Temple is located in the city center and is free to enter, but closed on Mondays. The ancient cypress trees in the temple are over a thousand years old, their shade completely covering the courtyard. ⏰ After 6 PM, there are fewer tourists. Sitting on the steps in front of the temple, watching the sunset paint the rooftops orange, there's an indescribable sense of peace. Want to travel in August but afraid of crowds? I'll avoid the popular tourist spots. These six routes offer varying experiences: some are so cool you'll need a jacket, others are breathtakingly beautiful, yet surprisingly, there's little competition for good photo spots. Take advantage of the last days of summer vacation and choose one to travel to. 01 Lhasa City | Tibet Many say Lhasa is oxygen-deficient, but few tell you that in August, the lush greenery is still vibrant, and you'll need a light down jacket in the mornings and evenings. Don't rush straight to the Potala Palace; let your body acclimatize for a couple of days first. ⏰ After 3 PM, the sunlight makes the white walls gleam. From the Chakpori Hill viewing platform, the Potala Palace's silhouette looks like it was painted on. Remember to book your tickets a day in advance through the official WeChat account; during peak season, it's almost impossible to buy tickets for the same day by queuing on-site. The Jokhang Temple is best visited in the early morning. 📍 The incense smoke from the Barkhor Street pilgrimage route hasn't yet dissipated. Follow the locals clockwise, and you'll smell the mingled aromas of yak butter and barley. ⚠️ Don't take photos directly in front of worshippers; respect is more important than the photo quality. After your visit, the teahouses in the alleys are packed. A pot of sweet tea costs eight yuan and can last all afternoon. Namtso Lake is a day's drive from the city center and back. It's recommended to hire a car or share a ride; it will cost around 200 yuan per person. ⏰ Around 7 PM, the lake turns a deep blue, and the wind is strong enough to blow your hat away, so remember to bring a windproof jacket. The Sacred Elephant Gate is temporarily closed, so don't make a wasted trip. 02 Hainan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture | Qinghai Many people visit Qinghai Lake and then leave, missing out on the nearby Hainan Prefecture. This is a hidden gem for escaping the summer heat; the average temperature in August is only slightly over 20 degrees Celsius, and you'll need a quilt at night. Sun and Moon Mountain isn't worth half a day; ⏰ a half-hour stop if you're passing by is enough. Standing on the grassy slope at the mountain pass, the wind carries the mixed scent of grass and cow/sheep dung, and prayer flags flutter in the distance. The Daotang River is right at the foot of the mountain; the water does flow westward, so just take a picture and check it off your list. The main attraction is Guide National Geopark. 📍 From Xining, take the G6 Beijing-Tibet Expressway and then S201; the whole trip takes about an hour and a half. The Danxia landforms in the park are a vibrant red, as if they've been burned. ⚠️ Don't go at midday; the sun is scorching and there's no shade. ⏰ After 4 PM, the sunlight shines obliquely on the rock walls, revealing all the color layers. The entrance fee, including the sightseeing bus, is about 80 yuan; two hours is enough to explore the entire area. 03 Liuzhou City | Guangxi Liuzhou in August is sweltering, but the sour and spicy flavor of snail rice noodles is just right to make you sweat—it's refreshing! Don't just focus on the city center; the banks of the Liujiang River are the locals' summer retreat. ⏰ Around 6 PM, the sun isn't so intense anymore; take a walk along the riverside promenade. A gentle breeze carries moisture from the river; you can see people swimming and fishing. 📍 The Jiangbin Park area is the most comfortable, with elderly people playing chess under the willow trees. Near Wenhui Bridge, the graffiti wall under the bridge is a great photo opportunity, with the river and the lights on the opposite bank as a backdrop. Chengyang Eight Villages is located north of Liuzhou, near Sanjiang County, about a two-and-a-half-hour drive away. It's much cooler than the city center, with a Dong-style covered bridge spanning the stream, the water so clear you can see the stones. ⚠️ Don't miss the village's "Hundred Families Feast"—it costs 60 yuan per person, the dishes are freshly prepared by local women, and the portions are so generous you'll be stuffed. For accommodation, you can choose a wooden guesthouse in the village for around 100 yuan a night; falling asleep to the sound of the stream is incredibly relaxing. 04 Linyi City | Shandong Escape the heat without going to the mountains; Linyi's underground canyon is a natural air conditioner. The temperature inside is a constant 18 degrees Celsius, so you'll need long sleeves. The Firefly Water Cave & Underground Grand Canyon Scenic Area is a combined ticket, perfect for a day trip. Start with the Grand Canyon: ⏰ Arrive before 10 AM to avoid long queues. The caves are strangely shaped, and the underground river rafting is worth trying; the course is about one kilometer long, the current is gentle, suitable for both the elderly and children. ⚠️ The cave is slippery, wear non-slip shoes, not flip-flops. In the afternoon, visit the Firefly Water Cave. ⏰ The 2:30 PM session is ideal. After the lights are dimmed, thousands of fireflies cling to the rock walls, creating a starry reflection. 🦟 Be aware of mosquitoes outside the cave, spray some mosquito repellent before entering. The entire scenic area takes about four hours. Parking at the entrance costs 10 yuan. Yimeng Mountain is nearby, but it's humid and hot in August, not as comfortable as the underground cave. If you're short on time, skip Yimeng Mountain and spend half a day at Wang Xizhi's Former Residence in Linyi city. The entrance fee is 20 yuan, it's less crowded and quieter, perfect for a rest. 05 Hangzhou | Zhejiang August in Hangzhou is unbearably hot, but the lush greenery along West Lake and the Xixi Wetland can save you. Avoid the crowds at Broken Bridge; locals head west. ⏰ West Lake is most beautiful at 6:30 am. The Su Causeway is only frequented by joggers, lotus flowers bloom in abundance, and the air is filled with the scent of aquatic plants. 📍 Enter from Quyuanfenghe and walk to Yanggong Causeway. This section is shaded by dense trees, making it less sunny. If you want to save energy, rent a shared bicycle and ride along Beishan Street; the plane trees completely block out the sunlight. Xixi National Wetland Park is better visited in the afternoon. ⏰ After 3 pm, it's less humid. Take a traditional rowboat ride through the waterways; the sounds of the boatman rowing and birdsong blend together. ⚠️ Tickets plus boat fare are about 150 yuan; buying online in advance can save you 20 yuan. The boat trip takes about an hour. After disembarking, you can have a bowl of Pian'erchuan noodles on Hezhu Street—the broth is incredibly delicious! The China Umbrella Museum and Prince Bay Park are not far apart and can be combined into a half-day trip. The Umbrella Museum is free, but closed on Mondays, so don't waste your time. The large lawn at Prince Bay Park is perfect for relaxing and daydreaming. ⏰ At 5 pm, the light filters through the trees, casting a golden glow on the grass—perfect for photos without filters. ⚠️ There are many mosquitoes; long pants are wiser than shorts. 06 Wuhan City | Hubei Province August in Wuhan is scorching hot, but the lake breeze of East Lake and the night tour of the Yellow Crane Tower will give you a respite. Avoid long walks during the day; go out in the evening. It's recommended to visit the Yellow Crane Tower Park in the evening. ⏰ Enter the park at 5:30 pm to catch the sunset. Standing on the tower overlooking the Yangtze River and the Wuhan Yangtze River Bridge, the breeze blowing from the river is more comfortable than an air-conditioned room. ⚠️ Night tickets and daytime tickets are separate. The Yellow Crane Tower after it's lit up at 7 PM has a different feel; the lights illuminate the eaves, perfect for photos. Tickets are around 70 yuan; book online in advance to avoid queuing. The East Lake Greenway is Wuhan residents' summer retreat. ⏰ Start cycling on the Moshan section at 8 AM. The lakeside willows provide shade, and the lake breeze makes you want to stay. 📍 Enter from the Liyuan Square entrance, rent a shared bike, and cycle along the lake to Luoyan Island. The whole journey is about 10 kilometers, taking about two hours with stops. ⚠️ After 11 AM, the sun gets too strong, so leave quickly. Songyang Temple and the Huangpi Mulan Cultural and Ecological Tourism Area are both in the north, suitable for a day trip by car. Songyang Temple is free; the ancient trees inside are several degrees cooler than in the city. The Mulan Scenic Area is large; ⏰ choosing the grassland area is enough. Tickets are 60 yuan; the grassy slopes are windy, perfect for picnics. ⚠️ Food in the scenic area is expensive; bringing your own food is more cost-effective. 07 Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture | Sichuan In August, Aba enjoys daytime temperatures in the early twenties (Celsius) and nighttime temperatures only in the teens (Celsius), making it a true haven from the summer heat. However, due to the high altitude, avoid strenuous exercise. Jiuzhaigou is most beautiful in autumn, but the water is actually even clearer in August. ⏰ Enter the park before 10 AM for the clearest reflections in Mirror Lake, where the water is as still as a mirror. ⚠️ The scenic area operates on a reservation system. Tickets must be booked three days in advance through the official WeChat account; during peak season, they are usually sold out on the day of purchase. Five-Flower Lake and Long Lake are the highlights; don't spend too much time in Shuzheng Village, saving your energy for the higher areas. Four Sisters Mountain is more suitable for hiking enthusiasts. 📍 Shuangqiao Valley is the easiest of the three valleys, with a combination of sightseeing bus and boardwalk throughout. At an altitude of 3800 meters, you'll be out of breath if you walk fast. ⏰ After 3 PM, the sunlight shines obliquely, turning the peak of Yaomei Peak golden—a moment well worth the ticket price. The entrance fee plus sightseeing bus is about 150 yuan. There are no restaurants inside the valley, so bring your own food. Huanglong and Jiuzhaigou can be visited together, but it's recommended to separate them into two days. The Five-Colored Pool boardwalk in Huanglong Scenic Area is quite tiring; ⏰ go in the morning for the best light and the most vibrant colors. ⚠️ The altitude is higher, increasing the risk of altitude sickness. Bring oxygen cylinders in advance; they cost twice as much at the scenic area. 08 Tianshui City | Gansu Tianshui is known as Gansu's "Little Jiangnan." August is neither too dry nor too hot, and the lush greenery of Maijishan Grottoes will make you forget you're in Northwest China. Maijishan Grottoes are a must-see. ⏰ Enter as soon as it opens at 8 AM to avoid crowds and enjoy better lighting. The boardwalk is built on a cliff, with your feet suspended in mid-air; those with a fear of heights may feel weak in the knees, but the smiling Buddha statues will make you forget your fear. ⚠️ To protect the cultural relics, photography is not allowed inside the caves; please keep your phone safe. Tickets are approximately 90 yuan, including the scenic area shuttle bus. Wushan Water Curtain Cave is about an hour's drive from the city center and is home to the Lashao Temple Buddha. The cliff carvings here are even more rugged than those at Maijishan Grottoes. The Buddha is about 40 meters tall; standing beneath it and looking up is breathtaking. ⏰ Arrive at 2 PM; the sunlight will be shining perfectly on the Buddha's face. ⚠️ Ignore the people selling incense at the entrance and just walk in. Fuxi Temple is located in the city center and is free to enter, but closed on Mondays. The ancient cypress trees in the temple are over a thousand years old, their shade completely covering the courtyard. ⏰ After 6 PM, there are fewer tourists. Sitting on the steps in front of the temple, watching the sunset paint the rooftops orange, there's an indescribable sense of peace.

In August and September, everyone crowds into popular cities, doubling the price of plane tickets and hotels and creating overcrowding. I’m going the other way, picking a few cool and quiet places, some so off the beaten path even locals want to keep them secret. Keep this list handy and follow it to avoid the crowds and enjoy a comfortable trip. 1️⃣ Beijing Don’t just think of the crowds at Tiananmen Square when you hear Beijing. At the end of August, the best times to explore the capital are early morning and evening. I arrived at the Summer Palace at 6:30 AM. Only a few elderly people were exercising along the Long Corridor. The mist over Kunming Lake hadn’t lifted yet, and the reflection of the Tower of Buddhist Incense was as clear as a painting. ⏰ Arrive before 7 AM to enjoy the cool air and get photos of the Seventeen-Arch Bridge without people. The sun is harsh during the day, so don’t force yourself to walk around. Instead, hide in the ancient cypress forest of the Temple of Heaven Park and sit in the shade listening to cicadas—it’s more refreshing than air conditioning. You must book tickets for the Forbidden City seven days in advance through the official account. ⚠️ It’s closed on Mondays, so don’t go then. After 4 PM, head to Beihai Park and rent a small boat to drift in the middle of the lake. The White Pagoda with the sunset and the breeze will blow away the heat. Don’t rush to leave at night. From Wanchun Pavilion in Jingshan Park, you can see the entire Forbidden City. When the lights come on, it’s worth every ticket. 2️⃣ Huanggang | Hubei Huanggang in Hubei is an underrated summer retreat. Luotian Tiantangzhai is high in elevation, about 7–8 degrees cooler than the lowlands. The mountain streams are icy cold. I took the waterfall trail, with the roar of water all along the way and mist spraying on my face—more refreshing than any air-conditioned room. ⏰ Enter the mountains at 2 PM. Sunlight filters through the leaves onto the moss, making every photo look like it has a filter. If your stamina is average, take the cable car up, then walk half an hour to the glass plank road. The abyss below makes your legs weak but it’s thrilling. Macheng Guifeng Mountain is quiet in summer. The rhododendron season is over, but the mountains are lush green. The hiking trails are well maintained and perfect for a slow walk. 🍜 At the farmhouse below, try the hanging pot with cured meat and stewed dried bamboo shoots. It’s savory and goes perfectly with rice. About 40 yuan per person will leave you full. ⚠️ The weather in the mountains changes quickly. Bring a light jacket. Sudden showers can come without warning. 3️⃣ Quzhou | Zhejiang Quzhou is a hidden treasure even locals say is forgotten. Kaihua Gen Gong Fo Guo is not a temple but a root carving art museum hidden in a valley. It has over 500 root-carved Buddha statues, each with a unique expression. Walking inside feels like entering another world. I arrived at 3 PM. The sunlight slanted into the main hall, mixing the scent of wood and incense, making me feel unexpectedly calm. 📍 The road outside Gen Gong Fo Guo is quiet after 6 PM, perfect for a stroll. Jianglang Mountain and Nianbadu are two spots nearby. One is a Danxia landform with strange peaks, the other an ancient town hidden in the mountains. Nianbadu has nine dialects and is called the “kingdom of dialects.” Walking on the cobblestone streets, you see Ming and Qing dynasty houses with no over-commercialized bars or trendy shops, just grandmas selling freshly made copper drum cakes at their doors. ⚠️ If you plan to climb Jianglang Mountain, arrive before 7 AM. The sun is strong at noon, and the steep steps make it easy to get heatstroke. 4️⃣ Shigatse | Tibet In August, Shigatse has daytime temperatures just over 20 degrees and you need a jacket at night. It’s a true summer escape. The Everest base camp is at 5,200 meters elevation with thin air, but seeing the snow-capped peak peeking through the clouds makes it all worth it. ⏰ At 6 AM, the sunrise casts golden light on the summit. That image stays with me. ⚠️ Get your border pass in advance at your registered residence. It’s complicated to get it in Lhasa. Tashilhunpo Monastery in Shigatse city is the Panchen Lama’s seat and much quieter than the Potala Palace. I followed locals spinning prayer wheels. The sound mixed with the smell of butter tea made me feel very peaceful. 🍜 At a small shop by the temple gate, a pot of sweet tea costs 5 yuan, served with Tibetan noodles. Simple but warming. 🚄 There’s a high-speed train from Lhasa to Shigatse. It takes two and a half hours. The view of the Yarlung Tsangpo River outside the window is stunning all the way. 5️⃣ Anyang | Henan Anyang is Henan’s most low-key ancient capital, perfect for summer. The Taihang Grand Canyon has cool breezes in August. The water in Peach Blossom Valley is so green it looks blue. Walking by the water, your feet feel cool. I took the route from Peach Blossom Valley to Taihang Sky Road. The first half is streams and waterfalls; the second half is a mountain road with suddenly open views and mountains spreading out below. ⏰ Enter the valley at 9 AM for the best light and clearest water color. In the afternoon, visit the Yin Ruins, the late Shang dynasty capital where oracle bones were discovered. ⚠️ The Yin Ruins Museum is dimly lit, so phone photos can be blurry. But seeing the inscriptions on turtle shells in person is a hundred times more impressive than in textbooks. 🍜 In Anyang city, flat rice noodles with vegetables are a breakfast staple. The noodles are soft and chewy, the broth rich. Pair it with a fried dough cake for 10 yuan and you’ll be full. 6️⃣ Nanning | Guangxi Nanning is hot in summer, but the heat is manageable. Fubo Temple is in Heng County, about an hour from the city. The temple is small but busy with worshippers. I arrived in the afternoon. The river breeze made me drowsy. The old banyan tree shaded everything. Sitting on a stone bench, I watched fishing boats slowly glide by. ⚠️ There’s no admission fee for the temple, but bring small change for incense donations. The city comes alive at night. 📍 Zhongshan Road night market has old friend noodles, sour snacks, grilled oysters, and more. Eating your way through costs about 50 yuan per person. ⏰ The night market is busiest after 8 PM, but also most crowded. To eat comfortably, arrive just after 7 PM when stalls are setting up and there’s no line. 🍜 For old friend noodles, go to “Fu Ji.” The aroma of pickled bamboo shoots and fermented black beans makes you sweat but you can’t stop eating. 7️⃣ Hainan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture | Qinghai Qinghai’s summer is dry and cool. The sun is strong but the shade is instantly refreshing. Riyue Mountain is where Princess Wencheng looked back at Chang’an on her way to Tibet. It’s 3,500 meters high, windy but with great views. ⏰ Arrive after 4 PM when the light softens. The yak herds on the grassland glow with a golden edge in the sunset. Guìdé National Geopark has Danxia landforms with colors softer than Zhangye’s, like they’ve been washed by water. I walked the boardwalk. The red mountains stand out against the blue sky. ⚠️ The high-altitude UV is strong. Sunscreen and sunglasses are essential. A hat with a chin strap is best because the wind can blow it away. 🚄 There’s a bus from Xining to Guìdé that takes just over two hours. The Yellow River water along the way is clear, changing your perception of the river. 8️⃣ Handan | Hebei Handan, the hometown of Chinese idioms, is perfect in summer and not hot. Guangfu Ancient City is surrounded by water with well-preserved city walls. I rented a bike and rode around. The willow trees by the moat provided shade, and the breeze carried moisture. ⏰ Climb the city wall at 5 PM. The sunset turns the city warm orange and the shadows stretch long. ⚠️ Some “antique-style” shops in the ancient city sell average-quality goods. Just look, don’t buy impulsively. Nuwa Palace, built on a cliff, is said to be where the goddess Nuwa patched the sky. I climbed 99 steps up. Looking back, the fields below looked like a neat chessboard. 🍜 In Handan city, donkey meat sandwiches are a summer favorite. The crust is crispy, the meat flavorful but not dry. Paired with a bowl of mung bean soup, it’s pure summer satisfaction.

Escape the summer heat in August and September with these 8 beautiful, less crowded, and affordable destinations. Most people flock to the beach, but I think it's better to head to the Northwest and mountains. With the same budget, while others are sweltering on the beach, you'll be stargazing in the desert. 01 Xi'an City | Shaanxi Province Xi'an summers are indeed hot during the day, but the mornings and evenings cool down quickly, making it much more comfortable than the sweltering heat of the south. My strategy: In the morning, head straight to the Qinling Mountains (Zhongnan Mountain). It's seven or eight degrees cooler in the mountains than in the city. Walking along the valley entrance, the stream water is so icy it hurts your ankles. Sitting in the shade for a while will cool you down. At noon, find a random farmhouse restaurant at the foot of the mountain, have a bowl of oil-splashed noodles with Bingfeng (a local soft drink), and it'll cost just over twenty yuan. In the afternoon, return to the city. Don't rush to the Terracotta Warriors; go up to the Xi'an City Wall after 5 pm, rent a bicycle, and cycle around. The setting sun will give the crenellations a warm orange hue, and the wind will be dry and not sticky. ⚠️ Entry to the City Wall stops at 9:30 pm in summer, so don't go right at that time. 📍 The South Gate (Yongning Gate) has the fewest people, and there's no queue at the car rental point. For the Qin Shi Huang Terracotta Warriors Museum, it's best to book the first showing in the morning. Enter as soon as it opens at 8:30 am, before Pit 1 is packed with people, allowing you to get a clear view of the terracotta warriors' expressions from the railings. The History Museum is free but difficult to book; try to book three days in advance. If you can't get a reservation, buy a 30 RMB ticket for the Treasure Gallery to avoid the crowds. 🚄 Take Metro Line 2 to Yongning Gate Station; the city wall is right outside, very convenient. 02 Jiuquan City | Gansu Summer in Dunhuang is truly hot, but the dry heat isn't unbearable. And at the end of August, there are significantly fewer tourists, greatly improving the experience. My order was: first, go to the Mogao Grottoes, see a movie at the Digital Center, and then visit the actual grottoes—all indoors, so sunscreen wasn't necessary. ⚠️ Tickets must be booked online at least two weeks in advance. Emergency tickets only allow access to four grottoes, which is a waste. I had a bowl of donkey meat noodles in the city center for lunch, rested until 4 PM, and then headed straight to Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Lake. The sand was still scalding hot, but bearable; walking barefoot on it felt like walking on fine flour. I climbed to the top of the sand dune to watch the sunset, just as the lights at Crescent Lake came on. 📍 Enter from the middle gate, not the east gate. Walking from the east gate to the spring takes an extra 20 minutes. The second day was reserved for Yadan National Geological Park and Yumen Pass. A chartered car costs around 300 yuan a day; remember to bring enough water, as there are no trees and the wind is so strong that hats won't stay on. 🍜 Back in the city center in the evening, apricot juice at the night market cost 3 yuan a cup—sweet and sour, refreshing, and better than any milk tea. 03 Haikou City | Hainan Haikou isn't Sanya; it doesn't have the sophistication of resorts, but it has a vibrant, lively atmosphere and friendly prices. I live near the Qilou Old Street. Every morning, I go to the old man's tea shop for a while. A pot of black tea and two pineapple buns costing ten yuan can while away the whole morning. The Wugong Temple is worth spending half an hour exploring; the ancient trees provide shade, unlike the sun outside, and the well water inside is even cool. In the afternoon, I go to the Crater Park, climbing to the highest point in Haikou. The wind is so strong it could blow you sideways. Looking down, you see a vast expanse of green volcanic landforms, completely different from the barren volcanoes I imagined. ⚠️ It's sunniest from 2 PM to 4 PM, so I recommend going up the mountain after 4 PM. 📍 The volcanic rock-roasted sweet potatoes sold at the park entrance are incredibly sweet and oily, five yuan each, much better than the coconut water in the scenic area. The Qilou Old Street is more beautiful at night than during the day. When the lights come on, the weathered Qilou buildings seem to come alive. Walking along Deshengsha Road and turning into the alley, the sizzling sound of oil pans and the aroma of fried shrimp cakes can waft halfway down the street. Haikou is perfect for those who aren't in a rush. Spend three days there, sleeping in every day – that's the real deal. 04 Zhongwei City | Ningxia Zhongwei is an underrated place. Shapotou is famous, but true savvy travelers start their day with Gaomiao Bao'an Temple. This temple, built atop the city wall, boasts layered pavilions. The hellish murals and suspended sculptures inside are breathtaking, but the sheer scale and grandeur are unmatched by other temples. ⚠️ Gaomiao Bao'an Temple closes at 5 PM, so don't go too late. Have lunch in the city center with a bowl of wormwood noodles – chewy and with a tangy broth to whet your appetite and give you the energy to tackle the desert in the afternoon. The best way to experience Shapotou is to buy a package ticket: ride camels into the desert, then sandboard down. The Yellow River zipline is highly recommended – gliding over the Yellow River with the wind rushing into your ears is more thrilling than a roller coaster, but not as scary. 📍 The best light in the desert area is after 6 PM, casting long shadows on the dune ridges, making photos easy to take without filters. ⚠️ Don't buy shoe covers at the entrance; rent them inside for 10 yuan a pair—much better than those plastic bags. The stars in Zhongwei are famously bright. Find a desert campsite to stay overnight, and the Milky Way is visible to the naked eye. I lay on the sand for half an hour watching it, and my neck ached. 05 Karamay City | Xinjiang Karamay sounds far away, but it's absolutely worth the trip for the Urho World Devil City. The drive from the city center takes about two hours, and the vast Gobi Desert along the way feels like another planet. It's best to enter the Devil City after 4 PM. During the day, the sun is scorching, and even the wind is blazing. In the evening, the light shines obliquely, turning the wind-eroded dunes golden, and the shadows and outlines are incredibly three-dimensional. The scenic area has a small train, but don't just ride it. There are several stops where you can get off and walk deeper into the Yardang landforms. The only sound is the whistling wind, which is where the name "Devil City" comes from. 📍 The trail between the second and third stops is the least crowded, perfect for a leisurely stroll. ⚠️ There are no supply points within the scenic area; bring your own water and snacks. Sunscreen with at least SPF 50+ is essential. If you happen to be there on a clear night, the starry sky here is one of the cleanest in Xinjiang, thanks to the lack of light pollution. 🍜 Back in the city, grab a bowl of noodles—a spicy stir-fried pork noodle soup with two cloves of raw garlic, the chili peppers are so fragrant you'll want to swallow your tongue. 06 Hainan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture|Qinghai The beauty of Qinghai Lake needs no introduction, but Hainan Prefecture itself has two lesser-known places worth visiting along the way. Riyue Mountain is on the main route to Qinghai Lake, at an altitude of 3,500 meters. It's windy, and the temperature is significantly lower than in Xining; a light down jacket in the morning wouldn't be excessive. This is the dividing line between agriculture and nomadic life. Standing on the mountaintop, you can clearly see the line between grasslands on one side and farmland on the other. The Guide National Geopark is even more amazing; the Danxia landforms paired with the Yellow River create a vibrant red color, completely different from the surrounding gray mountains. ⚠️ The geopark is extremely sunny with no shade. Go before 10 am or after 4 pm. 📍 The entire boardwalk in the park takes about an hour to walk. If you're not energetic, just walk the first half, which is the most scenic. Summer in Qinghai is the ultimate in heat relief; daytime temperatures are around 20 degrees Celsius, and you'll need an electric blanket at night. 🚄 Hiring a car from Xining is perfectly feasible for a day trip, costing less than 400 yuan. The drivers know the roads well, and you can even stop to take pictures of rapeseed flowers. 07 Jinan City | Shandong Jinan's summers are sweltering, but its nickname "City of Springs" is well-deserved. The First Spring Under Heaven Scenic Area includes Baotu Spring, Daming Lake, and Five Dragon Pool. A combined ticket allows you to spend a whole day there. Go to Baotu Spring at 7:00 AM, just as it opens, before the crowds arrive. You can see the spring water bubbling up, the surface like a boiling pot, and you can feel a cool breeze on your face. At noon, find refuge in the shade of the trees by Daming Lake, with willow branches drooping down. Sit on a stone bench, eat an ice pop, and watch the boats glide across the water; the heat will dissipate considerably. Go to Thousand Buddha Mountain in the afternoon. Start from the North Gate; the steps aren't too steep, and you can reach the top in half an hour. Looking down, the entire city of Jinan stretches out before you. ⚠️ There are no supply points on the mountain, so bring your own water. 📍 Go down the mountain through the West Gate. You'll exit onto Thousand Buddha Mountain Road. There's a roadside stall selling braised pork belly—fatty but not greasy, it's perfect with rice. Jinan is as famous for its springs as it is for its beer. In the evening, just find a barbecue stall, order a few skewers of lamb, and enjoy an ice-cold draft beer – that's summer in Jinan. 08 Nanyang City | Henan Province Nanyang is a place I've secretly longed to visit. The Xixia Funiu Mountain Laojieling Dinosaur Relics Park Scenic Area has a long name, but the scenery absolutely lives up to it. Located in the heart of the Funiu Mountains, at an altitude of over 1000 meters, the average summer temperature is just over 20 degrees Celsius, requiring a blanket at night. The Dinosaur Relics Park is perfect for families with children, featuring real dinosaur egg fossils – not models, but actual fossils embedded in the rocks – children will be mesmerized. Take the cable car up Laojieling; the sea of ​​clouds and forests at the summit blend together, a deep, almost blackish green. Walking along the boardwalk, the air is filled with the scent of pine needles. ⚠️ Mountain weather is unpredictable; raincoats and light jackets are essential. 📍 The cable car stops operating at 4:30 PM, so don't be late. 🍜 After descending the mountain, I had a meal of pickled fish in Xixia County. Nanyang's pickled cabbage has a unique sourness from the fermented vegetable juice, different from the sourness of Sichuan and Chongqing. I could easily drink two bowls of the soup. Nanyang has a slow pace of life and low prices; a day's meal cost less than 200 yuan per person, making it one of the most economical places among these eight destinations. These eight places are perfect for escaping the summer heat in August and September—less crowded, beautiful scenery, and cheap. Most people flock to the beach, but I think it's better to head to the northwest and mountains. With the same budget, while others are enjoying meals on the beach, you'll be stargazing in the desert. 01 Xi'an City | Shaanxi Xi'an's summers are indeed hot during the day, but cooler in the mornings and evenings, much more comfortable than the humid heat of the south. My itinerary was: head straight to the Qinling Mountains' Zhongnan Mountain in the morning. It's seven or eight degrees cooler in the mountains than in the city. Walking along the valley entrance, the stream water was so cold it hurt my ankles, but sitting in the shade for a while dried up the sweat. At noon, I found a random farmhouse restaurant at the foot of the mountain and had a bowl of oil-splashed noodles with Bingfeng soda for just over twenty yuan. Return to the city center in the afternoon. Don't rush to the Terracotta Warriors. Go up the Xi'an City Wall after 5 PM, rent a bicycle, and cycle around. The setting sun will bathe the crenellations in a warm orange light, and the wind will be dry and not sticky. ⚠️ The City Wall closes for entry at 9:30 PM in summer, so don't arrive right on time. 📍 The South Gate (Yongning Gate) has the fewest people, and there's no queue at the bicycle rental point. For the Qin Shi Huang Terracotta Warriors Museum, it's best to book the first visit in the morning. Enter as soon as it opens at 8:30 AM, before Pit 1 is full. You can then get a good look at the expressions on the terracotta warriors' faces by leaning against the railing. The History Museum is free but difficult to book; try to book three days in advance. If you can't get a reservation, buy a 30 RMB ticket for the Treasure Gallery to avoid the crowds. 🚄 Take Metro Line 2 to Yongning Gate Station. The City Wall is right outside the station, very convenient. 02 Jiuquan City | Gansu Summer in Dunhuang is undeniably hot, but the dry heat isn't unbearable. Plus, the tourist rush ends in late August, significantly improving the experience. My itinerary was: first, visit the Mogao Grottoes, then watch a movie at the digital center and visit the actual grottoes – all indoors, so sunscreen wasn't necessary. ⚠️ Tickets must be booked online two weeks in advance. Emergency tickets only allow access to four grottoes, which is a waste. For lunch, I ate a bowl of donkey meat noodles in the city center, rested until 4 PM, and then headed straight to Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Lake. The sand was still scalding hot, but bearable. Walking barefoot on it, it was as fine as flour. I climbed to the top of the sand dunes to watch the sunset, just as the lights at Crescent Lake came on. 📍 Enter from the middle gate, not the east gate. Walking from the east gate to the spring takes an extra twenty minutes. The second day was reserved for the Yadan National Geological Park and Yumen Pass. A chartered car costs around 300 yuan a day. Remember to bring enough water; there aren't any trees there, and the wind is so strong you can't even wear a hat. 🍜 Back in the city at night, apricot juice at the night market was only three yuan a cup—sweet and sour, refreshing and better than any milk tea. 03 Haikou City | Hainan Haikou isn't Sanya; it lacks the sophistication of resorts, but it has a vibrant, down-to-earth atmosphere and friendly prices. I stayed near the Qilou Old Street and spent my mornings at an old-fashioned tea shop, enjoying a pot of black tea and two pineapple buns for ten yuan. The Wugong Temple is worth spending half an hour exploring; the ancient trees provide shade, unlike the sun outside, and the well water inside is even cool. In the afternoon, I went to the Crater Park, climbing to the highest point in Haikou. The wind was so strong it could blow you sideways, and looking down revealed a vast expanse of green volcanic landform—completely different from the barren volcanoes I had imagined. ⚠️ The sunniest time is from 2 PM to 4 PM; I recommend going up the mountain after 4 PM. 📍 The volcanic rock-roasted sweet potatoes sold at the park entrance are incredibly sweet and oily, only five yuan each, and much better than the coconut water in the scenic area. The Qilou Old Street is more beautiful at night than during the day; when the lights come on, the weathered Qilou buildings seem to come alive. Walking along Deshengsha Road and turning into the alley, the sizzling sound of oil pans and the aroma of fried shrimp cakes can waft across half the street. Haikou is perfect for those who aren't in a rush; spending three days there, sleeping in every day, is the real deal. 04 Zhongwei City | Ningxia Zhongwei is an underrated place. Shapotou is famous, but those who truly know how to explore will first visit Gaomiao Baoan Temple in the morning. This temple is built on the city wall, with layers upon layers of pavilions. The hellish murals and suspended sculptures inside are chilling, but the awe-inspiring feeling is something other temples can't provide. ⚠️ Gaomiao Baoan Temple closes at 5 pm, so don't go too late. At noon, I had a bowl of wormwood noodles in the city. The noodles were chewy and the sour soup was very appetizing; it gave me the energy to fight off the desert in the afternoon. The best way to experience Shapotou is to buy a package ticket: ride camels into the desert, then sandboard down. The Yellow River zipline is definitely worth trying for an extra fee; gliding over the Yellow River with the wind rushing into your ears is more thrilling than a roller coaster, but not scary. 📍 The light in the desert area is best after 6 PM. The dune ridges cast long shadows, so you don't need filters for photos. ⚠️ Don't buy shoe covers at the entrance; rent them inside for ten yuan a pair—much better than those plastic bags. The stars in Zhongwei are famously bright. Find a desert campsite to stay overnight, and the Milky Way is visible to the naked eye. I lay on the sand for half an hour watching it, and my neck ached. 05 Karamay City | Xinjiang Karamay may sound far away, but it's absolutely worth the trip for the Urho World Devil City. Departing from the city in the morning, the drive takes about two hours. The vast Gobi Desert along the way feels like another planet. It's best to enter the Devil City after 4 PM. During the day, the sun is scorching, and even the wind is blazing. In the evening, the sunlight shines obliquely, turning the wind-eroded hills golden, making the shadows and outlines particularly three-dimensional. There's a small train in the scenic area, but don't just ride it. There are several stops where you can get off and walk deeper into the Yardang landforms. The only sound is the whistling wind, which is where the name "Devil City" comes from. 📍 The trail between the second and third stops is the least crowded, perfect for a leisurely stroll. ⚠️ There are no supply points inside the scenic area; bring your own water and snacks. Sunscreen with at least SPF 50+ is essential. If you happen to be there on a clear night, the starry sky here is one of the cleanest in all of Xinjiang, thanks to the lack of light pollution. 🍜 Back in the city, have a delicious bowl of noodles—stir-fried pork noodles with two cloves of raw garlic; the spicy aroma is irresistible. 06 Hainan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture | Qinghai The beauty of Qinghai Lake needs no introduction, but Hainan Prefecture itself has two lesser-known spots worth visiting along the way. Riyue Mountain, located on the main route to Qinghai Lake, sits at an altitude of 3,500 meters. It's windy, and the temperature is significantly lower than in Xining; a light down jacket in the morning wouldn't be excessive. This is the dividing line between agriculture and pastoralism; standing on the summit, the line between grasslands and farmland is clearly visible. Guide National Geopark is even more amazing, with its Danxia landforms and the Yellow River flowing through them, creating a vibrant red that contrasts sharply with the surrounding gray mountains. ⚠️ The geopark is extremely sunny with no shade. Visit before 10 AM or after 4 PM. 📍 The entire boardwalk in the park takes about an hour to walk. If you're not feeling energetic, just do the first, most scenic section. Summer in Qinghai is the ultimate escape from the heat; daytime temperatures are around 20 degrees Celsius, and you'll need an electric blanket at night. 🚄 Chartering a car from Xining is perfectly feasible for a day trip, costing under 400 yuan. The drivers know the routes well, and you can even stop to photograph the rapeseed flowers. 07 Jinan City | Shandong Jinan's summers are sweltering, but its nickname "City of Springs" is well-deserved. The First Spring Under Heaven Scenic Area includes Baotu Spring, Daming Lake, and Wulongtan (Five Dragon Pools). A combined ticket allows you to spend the whole day there. Go to Baotu Spring at 7 am, just as it opens, before the crowds arrive. You can see the spring water bubbling up, the surface like a boiling pot, and feel a cool breeze on your face. At noon, find refuge in the shade of the trees by Daming Lake, with willow branches drooping down. Sit on a stone bench, eat an ice pop, and watch the boats glide across the water—the heat will dissipate considerably. Visit Thousand Buddha Mountain in the afternoon. Start from the North Gate; the steps aren't too steep, and you can reach the top in half an hour. Looking down, the entire city of Jinan unfolds before you. ⚠️ There are no supply points on the mountain; bring your own water. 📍 Descend the mountain through the west gate, and you'll find yourself on Qianfoshan Road. There's a roadside stall selling braised pork belly—fatty yet not greasy, it's absolutely delicious with rice. Jinan's springs are as famous as its beer. In the evening, just find a barbecue stall, order a few skewers of lamb, and enjoy some ice-cold draft beer—that's summer in Jinan. 08 Nanyang City | Henan Province Nanyang is a place I've secretly longed to visit for a long time. The Xixia Funiu Mountain Laojieling Dinosaur Relics Park Tourist Area has a long name, but the scenery absolutely lives up to it. Located in the heart of the Funiu Mountains, at an altitude of over 1000 meters, the average summer temperature is in the early twenties (Celsius), and you still need a blanket at night. The Dinosaur Relics Park is perfect for families with children. It features real dinosaur egg fossils—not models, but actual fossils embedded in the rocks—that will leave kids mesmerized. Take the cable car up Laojieling. At the summit, the sea of ​​clouds and forest blend together, a deep, almost blackish green. Walking along the boardwalk, the air is filled with the scent of pine needles. ⚠️ Mountain weather is unpredictable, so a raincoat and a light jacket are essential. 📍 The cable car stops operating at 4:30 PM, so don't be late. 🍜 After descending the mountain, have a meal of pickled fish in Xixia County. Nanyang's pickled vegetables have a unique fermented bean curd flavor, different from the sourness of Sichuan and Chongqing. You can easily drink two bowls of the soup. Nanyang has a slow pace of life and low prices; a day's meal costs less than 200 yuan per person, making it one of the most economical places among these eight locations.