Where to cool off in August? This underrated spot is cool and budget-friendly
This August, I guess you won’t dare to squeeze into popular destinations, fearing crowds and soaring prices. Look back at small cities like Hanzhong, Linyi, and Zhuzhou. The average temperature is just over 20℃, prices are friendly, and they’re reachable within two hours by high-speed train. While others wait in line for two hours at attractions, you can relax under the shade and enjoy iced jelly—now that’s a good deal.
01 Hanzhong | Shaanxi
At 7:30 AM, the steps of the ancient Han platform still hold dew.
📍 The ancient cypress in front of Hantai Wangjiang Tower shades half the courtyard. When the wind blows, the cypress leaves rustle, and the perceived temperature drops below 25℃.
⏰ Arrive before 8 AM. Fewer people, and you can hear birds chirping and the sound of sweeping.
Avoid staying in the city at noon. Turn into the boardwalk by Shimen Reservoir.
🍜 At the boardwalk entrance, there’s a stall selling walnut buns. Freshly baked, break one open to find walnut pieces mixed with fragrant oil. Pair it with a bowl of vegetable tofu soup for a full recharge.
⚠️ After 2 PM, the sun shines directly on the boardwalk. Bring an umbrella; the shade only covers half the path.
Be sure to visit the Han River in the evening.
📍 Walk south from Longgang Bridge. The stones on the riverbank are hot from the sun, but the breeze from the water is cool. I arrived at 6 PM and saw someone soaking their feet in the water, which only reached their calves—refreshingly cold.
02 Linyi | Shandong
Firefly Water Cave or the underground Grand Canyon—can’t decide which to visit first? I suggest the Grand Canyon during the day and the cave before 4 PM. The cave stays at a constant 18℃, and the full walk takes about two hours.📦 Don’t miss the rafting section. Kayaking through the dark river, bumping into stalactites, the sound of water and echoes make it feel like entering an underground palace.
📍 Raincoats are sold at the cave entrance for 5 yuan a set. Don’t skip buying one.
After the Grand Canyon, head straight to Yimeng Mountain.
⏰ Start hiking at 5:30 PM. At the halfway platform, you can see clouds rising from the valley.
🍜 The snack shop at the summit sells pancakes rolled with scallions. The batter is freshly made and brushed with sweet bean sauce, tastier than city restaurants.
⚠️ The mountain path has many steps. If your knees aren’t strong, take the cable car at the east gate of the park for 30 yuan.
03 Zhuzhou | Hunan
The Yan Emperor’s Mausoleum is in Luyuan Town, far from the city but worth a separate trip.
📍 Take a bus from Zhuzhou West Station to Yanling County, then a 20-minute taxi ride.
⏰ Arrive before 9 AM. The whole park is almost empty, with incense mixing with pine scent.
The most comfortable area is the ancient tree zone. The cypress trees are at least 300 years old, covered in moss, shading the stone paths. I sat on a stone bench for half an hour, only hearing the wind rustling the leaves. I didn’t even want to take out my phone.
🍜 At the park entrance, there’s a stall selling mugwort rice cakes, freshly steamed, soft with a slight bitterness, perfect with herbal tea.
⚠️ Don’t eat inside the park. It’s expensive and not tasty. Drive five minutes to town and pick any roadside restaurant. You can eat your fill for 20 yuan.
04 Fuyang | Anhui
Bali River, locals recommend the south bank.
📍 Enter the park’s main gate and turn right. After the bamboo forest is the fish-watching platform. The water is wide and windy. Standing for 10 minutes cools you completely.
⏰ Arrive before 10 AM. The light is just right, and mist covers the lake—no filter needed for photos.
🍜 Afterward, head straight to Guan Zhong Old Street. At the street entrance, a fried skewer stall sells only pork tenderloin and potato slices. Crispy and coated with chili sauce, 3 yuan per skewer.
📍 Midway down the old street is a shop selling Taihe board noodles. The noodles are hand-pulled and chewy, with a broth that has a hint of Chinese herbs.
⚠️ Parking in the park costs 10 yuan per entry. Don’t park on the street; tickets are likely.
05 Dalian | Liaoning
Jinshitan is the first recommendation.
📍 Take metro line 3 to Jinshitan Station. From the exit, it’s a 10-minute walk to the beach. The sand is coarse but the water is clear. You can see little crabs running underfoot.
⏰ Swimming at 2 PM isn’t cold. The wind is strong, and the waves can push you along.
Tiger Beach Ocean Park is okay for kids but don’t expect much as an adult.
📍 The coral pavilion is dimly lit and air-conditioned. Stay too long, and you’ll want to nap.
🍜 At the park entrance, a snack cart sells sea urchin steamed eggs for 15 yuan a serving. The sea urchin is fresh, and the egg is so tender it wobbles.
My favorite is Tangli Lake Park.
📍 Located in Ganjingzi District, a 30-yuan taxi ride from downtown. Few people, wild ducks on the lake, and a wooden boardwalk circles the lake in about 40 minutes.
⏰ Start walking at 6:30 PM. When the sun sets behind the mountain, the water turns golden.
⚠️ There’s no snack shop in the park. Bring your own water.
06 Shannan | Tibet
Yamdrok Lake, 4,400 meters above sea level, but it doesn’t feel cold.
📍 Navigate to Gangbala Mountain viewing platform. It’s a one-hour drive on winding roads, a bit bumpy, but the view is stunning. The lake’s blue shades fade from light to deep blue like a painter’s palette spilled in the valley.
⏰ Arrive around 1 PM. The sunlight is perfect, and the lake’s reflection sparkles like scattered diamonds.
🍜 A yak yogurt vendor near the platform sells a bowl for 10 yuan. It’s sour enough to make you frown, but add a spoonful of honey, and it’s drinkable.
⚠️ Don’t run or jump by the lake. Altitude sickness is easy. Walk slowly and breathe evenly.
If you’re not afraid of altitude sickness, you can find white stones on the rocky shore. Locals say they’re lucky stones. I picked three and put them on my desk.
07 Qujing | Yunnan
Luoping rapeseed flower sea. In July, you can still see late-blooming varieties.
📍 Drive one hour from Qujing city to Jinjifeng cluster. Park at the village entrance and walk 10 minutes. The flower fields are windy, with waves of blossoms and buzzing bees.
Jiulong Waterfall Group, ⏰ arrive before 9 AM. Few people, and the waterfall sound drowns out all noise.
📍 Enter from the west gate and walk up the boardwalk to the first waterfall viewing platform. The mist hits your face, and your clothes get wet in five minutes. It’s cool enough to want a jacket.
🍜 At the park entrance, a stall sells roasted small potatoes with skin. Break one open and dip it in chili powder. Two for 5 yuan.
⚠️ The stones near the waterfall are slippery. Don’t wear flip-flops.
08 Datong | Shanxi
Yungang Grottoes, ⏰ first group enters at 7:30 AM. The slanting light shines into the caves, clearly outlining the Buddha’s eyebrows and eyes.
📍 The outdoor Buddha in Cave 20. Standing at his feet and looking up, the wind makes his robes seem to flutter.
🍜 At the park exit, a shop sells knife-cut noodles. The noodles are wide, and the broth is lamb-based. A bowl costs 14 yuan.
Hanging Temple and Mount Hengshan, it’s best to visit the Hanging Temple first, then hike the mountain.
⏰ Arrive at the Hanging Temple before 2 PM. The light hits the temple’s flying eaves just right.
📍 Standing by the temple railing looking down, the valley wind rises, making your legs weak. Hiking from the foot to the summit of Hengshan takes about two hours. The rocks are exposed, and there’s little shade, but the strong wind dries your sweat quickly.
⚠️ Don’t go back the same way when descending. Take the east stairs to see a pine forest.
For August choices, if you’re not afraid of heat, head to Shannan or Qujing. If you worry about altitude sickness, stay in Hanzhong or Linyi. Pick one and tell me in the comments. I’ll write a detailed guide next time.
The Gourmet Globe Trotter