When summer temperatures in China’s major cities soar past 35°C, it’s time to head for the hills—or the coast. From the misty peaks of Guizhou to the dramatic canyons of Hubei and the breezy shores of Zhejiang, China offers a wealth of cool escapes where you can trade sweltering heat for fresh mountain air, lush landscapes, and outdoor adventures. This guide rounds up the best summer destinations for international travelers, with practical tips on how to get there, what to see, and where to stay.
Table of contents
Open Table of contents
- Top Summer Destinations at a Glance
- 1. Chongli (崇礼) – Beijing’s Backyard Mountain Escape
- 2. Enshi Grand Canyon (恩施大峡谷) – Hubei’s Karst Wonder
- 3. Guiyang (贵阳) – The Cool Capital of Guizhou
- 4. Wenzhou Dongtou (温州洞头) – Zhejiang’s Island Escape
- 5. Yangshuo (阳朔) – Guangxi’s River Paradise
- Best Time to Visit
- Costs
- Practical Tips for International Travelers
- FAQ
Top Summer Destinations at a Glance
| Destination | Best For | Average Summer Temp | Travel Time from Major City |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chongli, Hebei | Mountain resort, hiking, cable car | 20°C | 1.5h high-speed rail from Beijing |
| Enshi Grand Canyon, Hubei | Canyon hiking, karst scenery | 22°C | 2h flight from Beijing, then bus |
| Guiyang, Guizhou | City break, food, art | 23°C | 2h flight from Shanghai |
| Wenzhou Dongtou, Zhejiang | Coastal views, seafood, islands | 27°C | 3h high-speed rail from Shanghai |
| Yangshuo, Guangxi | River scenery, cycling, hiking | 28°C | 2h high-speed rail from Guangzhou |
1. Chongli (崇礼) – Beijing’s Backyard Mountain Escape
Just 180 km northwest of Beijing, Chongli in Hebei Province is famous as a ski destination in winter, but in summer it transforms into a lush, cool retreat with average temperatures around 20°C. The area is part of the Yunding Ski Park (云顶滑雪公园), which offers a range of summer activities including scenic cable car rides, mountain biking, go-karting, and grass sliding.
Getting There
- By High-Speed Rail: From Beijing Qinghe Station to Taizicheng Station (太子城站) takes about 1.5 hours. The station is right at the entrance to Yunding Ski Park.
- By Car: About 2 hours from central Beijing via the G6 expressway.
What to Do
- Yunding Peak Cable Car: Ride to the top for panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Tickets are available at the resort.
- Outdoor Activities: Try the track grass sliding, UTV off-road driving, or mountain biking. The resort also hosts trail running events in late June.
- Hiking: Explore the forested trails around the ski slopes—many are accessible for all fitness levels.
Where to Stay
Yunding Hotel (云顶大酒店) is the main accommodation, with 766 rooms starting from around ¥530 per night for a mountain-view room. The hotel features a swimming pool, billiards, and a restaurant serving local Hebei cuisine. For a more budget-friendly option, consider guesthouses in Chongli town.
Practical Tips
- Bring a light jacket—evenings can be cool.
- Mobile payment (Alipay/WeChat Pay) is widely accepted.
- For more itinerary ideas, see our north China itineraries.
2. Enshi Grand Canyon (恩施大峡谷) – Hubei’s Karst Wonder
Enshi Grand Canyon in Hubei Province is a 35-km-long karst landscape featuring sheer cliffs, towering peaks, and the dramatic Yunlong Rift (云龙河地缝), a deep fissure in the earth. The area is a paradise for hikers and nature lovers, with summer temperatures averaging a comfortable 22°C.
Getting There
- By Air: Fly to Enshi Xujiaping Airport from Beijing (2h), Shanghai (2.5h), or Guangzhou (2h).
- By Bus: From Enshi city center, take a bus to the canyon (about 1.5 hours).
What to See
- Yunlong Rift: A 7.5-km-long underground fissure with waterfalls and lush vegetation. Walk along the boardwalk for close-up views.
- One Pillar of Incense (一炷香): A 150-meter-tall stone pillar that is the canyon’s iconic landmark.
- Cable Car: Ride up for a bird’s-eye view of the canyon and surrounding mountains.
Practical Tips
- Wear sturdy shoes—there are many stairs.
- Bring water and snacks; facilities are limited inside the canyon.
- Tickets can be purchased online via WeChat or at the entrance. Expect to pay around ¥200 for the main attractions.
3. Guiyang (贵阳) – The Cool Capital of Guizhou
Guiyang, the capital of Guizhou Province, is known for its mild summer climate (average 23°C) and vibrant food scene. The city is also home to the A Yunduo Cang (阿云朵仓) arts district, a trendy neighborhood with cafes, galleries, and a skate park, all part of the Guiyang Zhenpo Hotel (贵阳珍珀酒店) complex.
Getting There
- By Air: Guiyang Longdongbao Airport is served by direct flights from major Chinese cities and international hubs like Hong Kong, Bangkok, and Seoul.
- By High-Speed Rail: From Guangzhou (4h), Chengdu (3h), or Chongqing (2h).
What to Do
- Explore A Yunduo Cang: This artsy enclave features boutique shops, coffee roasters, and live music venues. It’s a great place to spend an afternoon.
- Try Local Food: Guiyang is famous for its sour and spicy cuisine. Must-tries include sour fish soup (酸汤鱼), rice noodles (米粉), and grilled tofu (烤豆腐).
- Visit the Zhenpo Hotel: Even if you don’t stay here, the hotel’s art gallery and bar are worth a visit. The hotel is a member of Leading Hotels of the World.
Where to Stay
- Luxury: Guiyang Zhenpo Hotel (from ¥1,400/night) offers art-filled rooms and a 24-hour butler service.
- Mid-range: Look for international chains like Holiday Inn or local boutique hotels near the city center.
Practical Tips
- Guiyang is a great base for exploring nearby attractions like Huangguoshu Waterfall and the Miao villages.
- For food lovers, check out our food guide.
4. Wenzhou Dongtou (温州洞头) – Zhejiang’s Island Escape
Dongtou District in Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, is an archipelago of 302 islands known for its sea clouds, rocky coastlines, and seafood. Summer temperatures hover around 27°C, cooled by sea breezes. The area is particularly famous for its sea of clouds (云海) that often envelops the islands in the morning.
Getting There
- By High-Speed Rail: From Shanghai to Wenzhou South Station (3h), then take a bus to Dongtou (1.5h).
- By Car: About 1.5 hours from Wenzhou city center.
What to See
- Dongtou Sea Cloud Viewing Platform: Best visited at sunrise for a chance to see the misty sea of clouds.
- Bai Die Island (百岛): Take a ferry to explore the smaller islands with hiking trails and fishing villages.
- Seafood Market: Visit the morning market in Dongtou town for fresh catches.
Practical Tips
- Bring sunscreen and a hat—the sun can be strong.
- Ferries to the islands run regularly; check schedules at the port.
- For more coastal destinations, see our east China itineraries.
5. Yangshuo (阳朔) – Guangxi’s River Paradise
Yangshuo in Guangxi Province is famous for its karst peaks, Li River scenery, and outdoor activities. Summer temperatures average 28°C, but the rivers and caves offer natural cooling. It’s a popular destination for cycling, rock climbing, and bamboo rafting.
Getting There
- By High-Speed Rail: From Guangzhou to Yangshuo Station (2h).
- By Bus: From Guilin (1.5h).
What to Do
- Li River Cruise: Take a boat from Yangshuo to Guilin for iconic views.
- Cycling: Rent a bike and explore the countryside, passing through rice paddies and villages.
- Moon Hill: Hike to the top for panoramic views.
Where to Stay
- Budget: Hostels and guesthouses start at ¥100/night.
- Mid-range: Boutique hotels with river views from ¥400/night.
Practical Tips
- Book accommodation in advance during summer.
- Bring insect repellent for evening activities.
- For hiking routes, see our hiking guide.
Best Time to Visit
All these destinations are best visited from June to September, when the weather is warm but not scorching. July and August are peak season, so expect larger crowds and higher prices. Early June and late September offer a good balance of pleasant weather and fewer tourists.
Costs
| Item | Budget (¥) | Mid-range (¥) | Luxury (¥) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (per night) | 100-300 | 300-800 | 800+ |
| Meals (per day) | 50-100 | 100-200 | 200+ |
| Attractions (per day) | 50-150 | 150-300 | 300+ |
| Transport (local) | 20-50 | 50-100 | 100+ |
Practical Tips for International Travelers
- Visa: Most travelers need a tourist visa (L visa) for China. The 144-hour transit visa-free policy applies in some cities like Shanghai and Guangzhou—check eligibility.
- Mobile Payment: Alipay and WeChat Pay are widely used. Set up an account with your international card before traveling.
- Language: English is not widely spoken in smaller towns. Download a translation app like Pleco or Google Translate.
- Etiquette: Dress modestly when visiting temples; remove shoes before entering homes.
- Health: Carry a basic first-aid kit and stay hydrated in summer.
FAQ
Q: Do I need to book tickets in advance for these destinations? A: For popular attractions like Enshi Grand Canyon and Yangshuo’s Li River cruise, it’s advisable to book online via WeChat or travel platforms like Trip.com to avoid long queues.
Q: Are these destinations suitable for solo travelers? A: Yes, all are safe and well-connected. Chongli and Yangshuo are particularly popular with solo backpackers.
Q: Can I use credit cards in these areas? A: Credit cards are accepted in larger hotels and restaurants, but smaller vendors prefer mobile payment or cash. Carry some RMB for emergencies.
Q: What should I pack for a summer trip to these destinations? A: Light clothing, a rain jacket, comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a reusable water bottle.
Q: Are there English-speaking guides available? A: In major tourist spots like Enshi and Yangshuo, English-speaking guides can be arranged through travel agencies or hotels. For more remote areas, consider hiring a guide in advance.