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

A purple flower sea near Chengdu Romantic like Europe, but only a 45-minute drive away 📍 Location: 眉山·无影教堂 (Meishan · Wuying Church / Church of the Holy Ghost) If you're visiting Chengdu in June, Don't miss this mesmerizing "Verbena Sea". It's a vast purple flower field stretching as far as the eye can see, With a white church standing in the middle of the field. In the evening, the golden light reflects beautifully, Creating a scene that looks like a romantic movie poster. Highlights to know: 💜 Verbena blooms for about 20 days, June is the peak season. 🌅 Best time for photography: 17:00–20:00 Soft, gentle light, not harsh. 🌙 After 19:00, the church lights up, Creating a very romantic atmosphere. For night photography enthusiasts, bringing a tripod is recommended. Getting there: 📍 Set GPS to: 眉山无影教堂 📍 Located in Sino-French Agricultural & Tech Park (天府新区 中法农业科技园) 🚗 About a 45-minute drive from Chengdu. 🎟️ Entrance fee: Free 🅿️ Parking: Free Other nearby attractions: 📍 黄龙溪古镇 (Huanglongxi Ancient Town) Only about 3 km away. Recommended to explore the ancient town first, Then take photos at the purple field in the evening. In one day, you can experience both vintage charm and romantic vibes. This is not just a flower field, It's a "romantic movie set" in the heart of Sichuan Province. If you're looking for a sweet photo spot, Wear a white dress Or clothes that contrast with purple. Your photos will surely stand out on social media, and people will ask for the location.

🌟 Nanchong 3 Days 2 Nights In-Depth Travel Guide (Budget 5000 RMB) 🌟 Suitable for: Couples/Families/Friends Traveling Theme: Three Kingdoms Culture + Jialing River Scenery + Ancient Town Slow Life + Northern Sichuan Cuisine 📅 Itinerary Overview Day 1: Arrive in Nanchong → Langzhong Ancient City (Zhang Fei Temple + Zhongtian Tower) → Jialing River Night Cruise Day 2: Lingyun Mountain/West Mountain Scenic Area → Nanchong City (1227 Square + White Pagoda Park) Day 3: Zhouzi Ancient Town → Return Trip 💰 Budget Allocation (2 people) Item Cost (RMB) Notes Transportation (round trip) 800-1500 High-speed train/self-driving (Chengdu departure high-speed train about 1.5h) Accommodation (2 nights) 600-1000 Langzhong Ancient City guesthouse + Nanchong city hotel Meals 600-800 Northern Sichuan cold noodles, Zhang Fei beef, river fresh seafood Tickets + Experiences 400-600 Ancient city combo ticket, boat rides, etc. Others 300-500 Souvenirs/incidentals Total 4000-5000 Comfortable experience level 🚗 Detailed Itinerary Day 1: Langzhong Ancient City · Three Kingdoms Heritage Morning Depart from Chengdu/Chongqing, take high-speed train to Nanchong North Station (about 1.5h), taxi to Langzhong (1h, about 150 RMB) Recommended stay: Langzhong Huajiantang (ancient courtyard guesthouse) or Du Family Inn (riverfront room) Noon Lunch: Huaguang Post Station (recommended Zhang Fei beef, Baoning vinegar fish, about 60 RMB per person) Afternoon Langzhong Ancient City (combo ticket 110 RMB/person, includes Zhang Fei Temple, Zhongtian Tower, etc.): Zhang Fei Temple: Core Three Kingdoms cultural site Zhongtian Tower: Climb to overlook the ancient city’s blue-tiled rooftops Gongyuan (Imperial Examination Hall): Experience ancient imperial exam scenes Evening Dinner: Li’s Kitchen (river fresh hotpot, about 80 RMB per person) Jialing River Night Cruise (boat ticket 50 RMB/person): See the ancient city walls illuminated by lights Day 2: Nanchong City · Mountains, Water & Culture Morning Charter car back to Nanchong city (1h, about 200 RMB) Lingyun Mountain Scenic Area (ticket 30 RMB/person): Hike to view the big bend of Jialing River Alternative: West Mountain Scenic Area (Wanjuan Tower + Kaihan Tower) Noon Lunch: Northern Sichuan Cold Noodles Main Store (cold noodles + Guokui stuffed with cold noodles, about 20 RMB per person) Afternoon 1227 Shopping Plaza: Check out the “Nanchong Hongya Cave” Republic of China style architecture White Pagoda Park (free): Ming Dynasty white pagoda + Jialing River viewing platform Evening Dinner: Wenjie Hotpot (local favorite, about 70 RMB per person) Stay: Nanchong Tianlai Hotel (Jialing River view room) Day 3: Zhouzi Ancient Town · Jialing Slow Life Morning Taxi to Zhouzi Ancient Town (30 min, about 50 RMB): Stroll the stone slab streets, visit Caishen Tower, Lianxi Shrine Experience: Jialing River fishing boat tour (30 RMB/person) Noon Lunch: Heshou Tofu Feast (intangible cultural heritage tofu cuisine, about 50 RMB per person) Afternoon Flexible schedule based on return time, can visit Beihu Park Return by high-speed train/self-driving 🍜 Must-Try Food List Category Recommended Shops/Dishes Per Person Cost Zhang Fei Beef Various old brands in Langzhong Ancient City 40-60 RMB Northern Sichuan Cold Noodles Northern Sichuan Cold Noodles Main Store (Shunqing Mansion) 10-15 RMB River Fresh Seafood Jialing River Fish House (Yellow Spotted Catfish) 60-80 RMB Guokui (Stuffed Flatbread) Yang Duck Guokui stuffed with cold noodles 8-10 RMB Baoning Vinegar Ancient city vinegar workshop experience Free 📌 Travel Tips Transportation: Walkable inside Langzhong Ancient City, taxi starting fare 5 RMB in Nanchong city Accommodation: Recommended to stay inside Langzhong Ancient City for convenience after night cruise Best Season: Spring and autumn (March-May rapeseed flower season, September-October cool weather) Souvenirs: Zhang Fei beef jerky, Baoning vinegar, silk products (Nanchong is the silk capital) 🎯 Highlights ✅ Ancient City Immersion: One of China’s four great ancient cities, fewer crowds than Lijiang, gentler than Pingyao ✅ Dual Culture: Three Kingdoms (Zhang Fei) + Imperial Examination (Gongyuan) double experience ✅ Jialing River Charm: From Langzhong to Zhouzi Ancient Town, the river views are like ink paintings ✅ Flavor Code: The intertwined tastes of vinegar, spice, and bean flavor in Northern Sichuan cuisine A budget of 5000 RMB easily covers a high-quality trip for 2 people; to reduce to 4000 RMB, choose budget accommodations~ Let me know if you need any adjustments! 🌉🐟

Hey travel buddies! Nanchong, this historically rich city, is absolutely a perfect destination for your short holiday getaway! 🌟 Not only does it boast profound Three Kingdoms cultural heritage, but also offers numerous natural and cultural landscapes waiting to be explored. Check out this guide to Nanchong's top 10 must-see attractions and save it for your trip! 👀 1️⃣ Langzhong Ancient City Ticket: Free Opening Hours: Open all day Highlights: Stroll through the quaint streets and immerse yourself in the historical grandeur of this millennium-old town. Every brick and tile here seems to whisper tales of the past. 2️⃣ Zhu De's Former Residence Ticket: Free Opening Hours: 08:30-17:30 Highlights: Birthplace of the great leader Zhu De, this site is steeped in revolutionary culture. Visit the residence to learn about the struggles of predecessors and receive patriotic education. 3️⃣ Xishan Scenic Area Ticket: Free Opening Hours: Open all day Highlights: With picturesque scenery and fresh air, hike to the mountaintop for a panoramic view of Langzhong Ancient City and embrace nature's tranquility. 4️⃣ Qingquan Temple Ticket: Free Opening Hours: 08:00-17:00 Highlights: This ancient temple features towering old trees and murmuring springs, offering a serene retreat for meditation and relaxation. 5️⃣ 1227 Night Market Ticket: Free (some activities charge separately) Opening Hours: 10:00-22:00 Highlights: Langzhong's commercial hub combines shopping, dining, and entertainment. From trendy brands to local delicacies, it fulfills all your retail and culinary cravings. 6️⃣ Lingyun Mountain Scenic Area Ticket: ¥40 Opening Hours: 08:00-17:00 Highlights: Known for its stunning natural landscapes, this area blends scenic beauty with cultural sites, ideal for hiking and leisurely vacations. 7️⃣ Fengyi Bay Ticket: Free Opening Hours: Open all day Highlights: A vast wetland park with rich ecological resources, where you can admire rare birds and plants while soaking in nature's wonders. 8️⃣ Beihu Park Ticket: Free Opening Hours: Open all day Highlights: Langzhong's urban park features clear lakes and shaded pathways, equipped with recreational facilities for locals to stroll and exercise. 9️⃣ Zhang Lan's Former Residence Ticket: Free Opening Hours: 09:00-17:00 Highlights: Birthplace of the renowned modern educator Zhang Lan, this site holds significant historical and educational value, offering insights into his pedagogical philosophy. 1️⃣0️⃣ Huaguang Tower Ticket: Free Opening Hours: 09:00-17:00 Highlights: Located within Langzhong Ancient City, this historic tower provides a breathtaking bird's-eye view of the entire ancient town.

Tired of the same old chain hotels? Looking for a convenient, friendly, and welcoming place to stay in Nanchong? This 4-star hotel, located 500 m from Nanchong Railway Station, might just be the surprise you need on your journey. 20 years of experience, consistent quality The hotel has been open for 20 years and is a representative of Nanchong's old 4-star hotels. Despite the passage of time, the hotel has always maintained high-quality service, with clean and tidy rooms and complete facilities. Some rooms even offer views of the city at night. The hotel staff are warm and attentive, making you feel at home. Great location, convenient travel The hotel is only 500 m from Nanchong Railway Station, within walking distance, making it very convenient for train travelers. The hotel is surrounded by convenient transportation, with many bus routes, making it easy to reach every corner of Nanchong. Many attractions nearby, all the food, drink, and fun you could want Beihu Park: About 1 km from the hotel, it is the largest comprehensive park in Nanchong, with a beautiful environment, suitable for walking and leisure. Nanchong Museum: About 2 km from the hotel, it has a rich collection of exhibits, allowing you to learn about the history and culture of Nanchong. Xishan Scenic Area: About 5 km from the hotel, it is a famous tourist attraction in Nanchong, with beautiful mountains and rivers and picturesque scenery. Wangfujing Shopping Center: About 3 km from the hotel, it is one of the largest shopping centers in Nanchong, with many brand stores to satisfy your shopping desires. Baituba and 1227: About 2 km from the hotel, it is a famous food street in Nanchong, with many specialty restaurants where you can taste authentic Nanchong cuisine. Trip Moments recommendations: Hotel rooftop: In the evening, go up to the hotel rooftop and take photos of the Nanchong city night view, with bright lights and busy traffic, for a unique flavor. Beihu Park: In the morning or evening, take a walk in Beihu Park, take photos of the lake and mountains, and experience the leisurely life of Nanchong. Xishan Scenic Area: Climb Xishan, take photos of the panoramic view of Nanchong, and feel the charm of the city. Baituba and 1227: At night, go to Baituba and 1227, take photos of the lively night market, taste Nanchong cuisine, and experience the fireworks of Nanchong. Travel tips: The hotel offers free parking, so self-driving travelers can stay with peace of mind. The hotel offers a free breakfast with a wide variety and good taste. There are supermarkets, pharmacies, and other amenities around the hotel, making life convenient. This 20-year-old 4-star hotel may not have luxurious decorations, but it has warm service and a convenient location, making it an ideal choice for your trip to Nanchong.

Hey guys, here's a super detailed 7-day itinerary from Nanchong to Chengdu! Food, fun, and more! Save it and start your journey now! · ------- 🏃Itinerary: D1: Langzhong Ancient Town Stroll through the ancient streets, feel the weight of history, and savor the charm of the ancient town. D2: Langzhong Ancient Town Continue to explore the charm of Langzhong Ancient Town, visit ancient buildings, taste authentic snacks, and enjoy the slow life of the ancient town. D3: Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area Enter Jiuzhaigou and marvel at the wonders of nature, admire the colorful lakes and spectacular waterfalls. D4: Huanglong Scenic Area Visit Huanglong Scenic Area, experience the unique karst landforms, and admire natural wonders such as the Five-Color Pond. D5: Ruoergai Flower Lake Ecotourism Area Visit Ruoergai Flower Lake, experience the unique scenery of the plateau wetland, and get close to nature. D6: Dujiangyan Scenic Area Visit the Dujiangyan Irrigation System, learn about the ancient water conservancy culture, and appreciate the wisdom and craftsmanship of the ancients. D7: Nanchong - Guizhou End your pleasant journey and head to Guizhou from Nanchong to continue exploring beautiful scenery. · ------- Some tips: · Food: Nanchong rice noodles and Chengdu hot pot are a must! Don't forget to try the local snacks, they're delicious! 🍜🍲 · Local customs: Experience the leisurely tea house culture and feel the slow pace of life in Chengdu. 🍵🌆 · Photo spots: Wide and Narrow Alley and Jinli Ancient Street are great for photos! 📸🏮 · Transportation: It's easy to get from Nanchong to Chengdu, and both car and high-speed rail are good options. 🚗🚄 · Accommodation: It's recommended to stay in downtown Chengdu for convenience. 🏨🌃 · Weather: Check the weather forecast and dress appropriately. 🌦️👗 · ------- 🌟Don't forget to like and follow for more travel tips from Nanchong to Chengdu!🌟

🌴First time traveling to Nanchong? Don't miss this one-day itinerary! 🌴Chengdu - Nanchong - Qile Temple - Qinghui Pavilion - Heming Mountain - 1277 Night Market - Hyatt Place Nanchong Gaoping - ⭐Qile Temple: Located in Xishan Scenic Area, you can hike or take a cable car up and down the mountain. The temple is ancient and has a rich history and culture. You can also overlook the city of Nanchong. ⭐Qinghui Pavilion: A landmark on the banks of the Jialing River, the night view is particularly beautiful. ⭐Heming Mountain: The scenic area has the Wuliang White Pagoda from the Ming Dynasty, known as the Nanchong White Pagoda! There is also Baoshou Temple in the scenic area, where you can pray and stroll around. You can also drink tea and rest by the lake. ⭐1277 Night Market: A great place for a city walk, with all kinds of snacks and food, and the night view is also super nice~ 👌We stayed at Hyatt Place Nanchong Gaoping, which is conveniently located and close to nearby attractions! 🌈More importantly, you can see the entire Jialing River, and the floor-to-ceiling windows are so comfortable! 🐼The hotel has high-altitude afternoon tea, authentic Cantonese cuisine, a gym, a swimming pool, and other facilities. Downstairs is the Binfen Riverside Wetland Park, which is a pleasant view~

#One-day City Tour Sichuan Nanchong, a small city located between Chengdu and Chongqing, is a very suitable city for City Walk😜😜. Jialing River, as the mother river of Nanchong City, runs through the city. The river surface is wide and the water is very clean. Nanchong's scenic spots are also concentrated near the Jialing River. The starting point of a one-day tour starts from the Jialing River😝😝. Walking along the scenic Jialing River, you can see three towers standing tall, with green glazed tiles on the roof and high eaves, showing a majestic and magnificent momentum everywhere. This is Qinghui Pavilion, the largest, most craftsmanship-complete, and most restored Song Dynasty antique building currently under construction in Sichuan. The 75.09-meter-high Qinghui Pavilion is equipped with 29.9-meter-high auxiliary towers on the left and right, with a total construction area of ​​12,000 square meters. Among them, Qinghui Pavilion has a total of 9 floors, with a hierarchical format of "five visible and nine hidden", and the north and south auxiliary towers are both 3 stories high. In addition to the "one main and two secondary" main buildings, the surrounding landscapes include the "Ten Scenic Spots Around the Lake", including the Landscape Lake, Qunshu Gallery, Yanbo Pavilion, Cenbitang, Chanting Gallery, Zhaoyue Pavilion, and Kezhi Square. It feels great to set aside a day to visit Nanchong 😎😎. Friends who come to Nanchong for tourism, remember to visit the Jialing River and its landmark building, Qinghui Pavilion. Any photo you take will be very photogenic📷. Detailed address: Nanmenba Ecological Park, No. 20, Section 4, Binjiang Middle Road, Dongnan Street, Shunqing District, Nanchong City

This is a small town backed by the Jialing River, the river is as blue as the 'sea', and it's incredibly beautiful! Many people camp here in their spare time, with family, girlfriends, tables and chairs, delicious food together, watching the 'sea' by the river~ It's very comfortable! ~ Personal favorite landscapes: 1. North Lake Park The park is well laid out with grass, the green grass is lush, and the scenery is beautiful. There are three islands in the lake; the east is called 'Oasis', the middle is called 'Floating Green', and the west is called 'Bird Paradise'. 2. Coming out of Jiqing Lane on Binjiang Road, it's a great place to shoot, you can shoot the lawn, sea, bridge, and building at the same time, it's very layered, both romantic and bustling. 3. Gold Coast The Gold Coast in Jialing District is also a good place to see the 'sea'. You can invite a few friends to have a picnic by the river, full of happiness.

Lunch🍽 Appetizer soup or salad (salad in large plates). A wide choice of main courses (the ready-to-eat pork chop rice is very cheap) Dessert adds $38 Finally, there is lemon tea or lemon🍋 water $100-150 per person

Address – G/F, Phase 3, Olympian City Shopping Centre Environment/Facilities-Shudi Specialties - Shanghainese cuisine Price per person: $200 Rating – 9/10 Drunken chicken and stinky tofu are delicious

Hotels - Fu Ya Hotel Nanchong Food & Restaurants - Numerous locations Shopping - Wanda Mall #deliciousfood

#merrychristmas

Many people head straight to the beach in July, only to find more people than sand. Actually, if you go inland, there are several underrated small cities within a 2-hour high-speed train ride, costing just a few hundred per person, where you can enjoy a different kind of cool. Wade in the water by Jingpo Lake, watch the sunset at Fuxian Lake, listen to the rain in Langzhong ancient town—each place naturally offers a summer escape where kids can run free without tiring out parents. 01 Mudanjiang | Heilongjiang ⏰ Arrive at the Jingpo Lake boardwalk at 7 AM. The lake is shrouded in mist, and occasionally a fish jumps out, making the kids clap excitedly. Before 10 AM, there’s no strong sun. Push the stroller along the gentle slope near Diaoshuilou Waterfall—no stairs to climb. 🍜 The lakeside fish soup restaurant serves tender fish with few bones. Kids scoop it up with a spoon and ask for more after finishing a bowl. 📍 To avoid crowds, enter through the north gate. It’s 80% less crowded, and you can crouch in volcanic rock crevices to find little shrimp. ⚠️ After 3 PM, the lake’s glare is harsh. It’s best to return to the city to rest. Mudanjiang’s riverside park has a fountain at night. Locals bring small stools to watch for free without crowds. 02 Yuxi | Yunnan At 4 PM, open the guesthouse door and the breeze from Fuxian Lake rustles the bougainvillea in the yard. Kids take off their shoes and step on the fine sand by the lake shore, toes sinking in, saying it feels like ice cream. 🍜 Street stalls serve copper pot potato rice with crispy crust. Kids grab small pieces with their hands to eat. 📍 The breeze from the foot of Ailao Mountain carries the scent of pine needles and earth. Walk the gentle slope in Shimen Gorge Scenic Area. Kids can walk on their own for half an hour. ⏰ At 6:30 PM, the lake turns a powdery purple under the sunset. Photos straight from the phone look like watercolor paintings. ⚠️ Don’t book half-day tours. Rent a car and drive to the west shore. It’s less crowded, and you can negotiate with fishermen to take a short boat ride. 03 Nanchong | Sichuan Langzhong ancient town or Lijiang—which to choose? I pick Langzhong. The ancient town has no entrance fee. Kids can push strollers through alleys freely without worrying about bumping into vendors. 📍 At the foot of Zhongtian Tower is Zhang Fei beef shop, serving freshly sliced hot beef. Kids chew it as a snack, their cheeks puffed out. ⏰ Walk the city wall near Huaguang Tower in the cool morning. The stone steps are wide enough for a 3-year-old to climb on their own. 🍜 For lunch, avoid the main street. Turn into Shuangzhaizi Street, where an elderly lady sells oil tea sprinkled with crispy fried dough. Kids slurp it happily. ⚠️ After 8 PM, the ancient town’s lanterns light up, but with kids, it’s best to leave by 7:30 PM. There are many mosquitoes, and the cobblestone streets make stroller pushing bumpy. 04 Wuzhong | Ningxia At the Yellow River, the most common question is: what can kids play with? At the Qinglongxia Yellow River Grand Canyon Tourist Area, no climbing is needed—just take a boat. 📍 Board at the 108 Tower dock. The ticket includes a guided tour. Kids stare out the window at cliff holes asking, “Are those bird nests?”—more focused than watching cartoons. ⏰ Arrive before 10 AM to avoid crowds and catch the 10:30 AM ferry. The river breeze feels better than air conditioning. 🍜 After disembarking, there’s a stall selling Huaiyuan spicy strips at the entrance. Kids say they look like noodles. Choose mild spice for safety. ⚠️ Don’t buy the bungee jump in the package; kids aren’t tall enough. Save the money to eat hand-pulled lamb in Wuzhong city. The meat is tender and not gamey. Kids enjoy gnawing bones more than chicken legs. 05 Ankang | Shaanxi If you only have two days, spend one playing in the water and the other visiting ancient terraced fields: Day 1 at Qiancheng River, Day 2 at Fengyan ancient terraces. 📍 At Qiancheng River’s creek, the water only reaches kids’ calves. Wearing holey shoes, they can step on stones to cross. My kid crouched there for an hour catching little shrimp. ⏰ It’s best to arrive early, ideally before 8 AM, to park close and save a 500-meter walk. 🍜 Bring your own lunch. The scenic area only sells instant noodles. At Fengyan terraces’ viewing platform, strollers can reach directly. Overlook layers of rice paddies, a green carpet in July. ⚠️ Don’t try climbing the terraces’ ridges online; the mud is slippery and easy to fall. At the farmhouse below, steamed pots with ribs and lotus root are so good kids drink the soup clean. 06 Shenyang | Liaoning Center your trip around Beiling Park and explore nearby spots on foot. 📍 Enter Beiling Park through the main gate. The large lawn is perfect for a picnic blanket. Kids chase pigeons until they sweat. ⏰ Arrive before 9 AM and take the sightseeing bus to the tomb, saving a kilometer of walking. Exit the east gate and walk 10 minutes to Shenyang Expo Garden. The botanical hall has giant cacti. Kids point and say, “They look like cartoons.” 🍜 For lunch, go to the Hui snack street near Beita Falun Temple. The shumai wrappers are thin. Kids use chopsticks to pick them up, giggling when juice drips on the table. ⚠️ The Wujingjingguang Relic Pagoda is closed on Mondays. Don’t go if it’s closed. After 4 PM, the Expo Garden is shaded by trees, making photos less ideal, but the cool shade is perfect for playing on slides. 07 Baiyin | Gansu At the Yellow River Stone Forest, I recommend staying at a farmhouse inside the scenic area. After 5 PM, the sun slants, casting long shadows of the stone forest. Kids look up and say it looks like an alien castle. 📍 Take a donkey cart inside. The clanging ride lasts half an hour. Kids sit on the cart pulling the donkey’s ears, more excited than riding an off-road vehicle. ⏰ At 7 AM the next day, take advantage of the cool morning to hike the flat Yinjia Valley trail. Kids can walk a kilometer on their own. 🍜 The farmhouse serves home-style dishes. The stir-fried shredded potatoes are dry and fragrant. Kids finish a bowl with rice. ⚠️ Don’t go to the stone forest at noon; the ground is hot enough to fry eggs. Bring long sleeves. Mosquitoes go crazy by the river at dusk. I got seven bites as an adult. 08 Suzhou | Jiangsu How to visit Tiger Hill and Hanshan Temple with kids? Follow this order: 📍 Start at Tiger Hill, enter from the south gate. Push the stroller up the gentle slope to Sword Pool without tiring. Kids squat on the Thousand-People Stone counting ants in the cracks for ten minutes. ⏰ Finish before noon and take a taxi to Shantang Street. Find an old riverside noodle shop. 🍜 Fengzhen pork noodles have a mild broth that kids can slurp the noodles from. In the afternoon, head straight to the Humble Administrator’s Garden. Don’t try to see it all; just explore the eastern area. Kids crawl through rock caves like a maze. ⚠️ Visit Hanshan Temple near dusk when crowds thin. Don’t buy the bell-ringing ticket; kids are scared of loud sounds. Turn right out of the temple gate into a small alley selling plum blossom cakes. The red bean filling is hot, so cool it before giving it to kids. These places cost just over 1,000 per person for a 3-day, 2-night summer stay. Which have you taken your kids to? Share in the comments, and I’ll help you avoid pitfalls.

Nanchong White Tower is the local nickname. It cannot be found on maps because it is actually the Wuliang Pagoda located on Heming Mountain on the east bank of the Jialing River. After taking a car from the Liberation Monument to the entrance of Heming Mountain Park, the rain suddenly intensified, and I prepared myself for hiking in the rain. Once inside the park, I realized there was no mountain to climb. Heming Mountain is not tall, and the terrain is gentle. With cars available for transport, I had already reached the top of the mountain. Following the signs straight to the main attraction, the Wuliang Pagoda, I crossed the square in the rain, and the towering silhouette of the pagoda appeared before me. At the base of the pagoda, I saw a sign marking it as a national key cultural protection site. The pagoda is square with four corners. I counted thirteen levels in total. It stands on a stone base, with a finial at the top. The pagoda was first built during the Northern Song dynasty and was originally named the Jianlong Wanshou Pagoda. During repairs to the internal stairs in the Ming Chongzhen period, a stele was erected naming it the Wuliangshou Pagoda. The pagoda is a wood-brick-stone structure imitation, with a total height of 37.1 meters. Its square shape carries the style of Tang dynasty pagodas. The pagoda does not appear white but somewhat reddish, likely due to the red decorations on its body and years of exposure to wind and sun. Heming Mountain got its name from the Tang dynasty female Taoist Xie Ziran, who practiced ascension there, and the sound of cranes calling together. On a nearby small hillside is the Wangjiang Corridor. Climbing up to the three-level Wangjiang Pavilion, through the treetops, you can see the endlessly flowing Jialing River, shrouded in mist and rain. On the other side of the pagoda’s hillside is Baoshou Temple. I climbed the steps to visit the temple. Halfway up the slope, I came across the Anhanhou Pavilion, built to commemorate Wang Ping, a general of Shu Han. Wang Ping was from Yizhou. He originally served under Cao Cao but later surrendered to Liu Bei. He was appointed as a tooth commander and deputy general. During the Battle of Jieting, Wang Ping led the vanguard of Ma Su’s army and safely returned with the troops. Due to his outstanding performance, Zhuge Liang appointed him as a staff officer, promoted him to general who suppresses rebels, and granted him the title of Marquis of Ting. After Zhuge Liang’s death, Wang Ping guarded Hanzhong and was titled general who guards the north and later Marquis of Anhan. Wang Ping was buried in Dazhu County. Because his descendants moved to Nanchong, his tomb was relocated to Gaoping. In 1999, it was moved to this site. In front of Baoshou Temple is the morning bell tower, built on a high platform with a bronze bell hanging below. During the Kangxi period of the Qing dynasty, monks rang the bell early every morning. The bell’s sound reached the clouds and echoed across to the ancient city on the opposite bank. The “White Tower morning bell” is one of Nanchong’s eight ancient scenic spots. At the riverside exit near the White Tower, connected to Jiangdong Avenue, I saw the Heming Mountain cultural wall, about 6.6 meters high and over a thousand meters long. It also serves as a protective wall for the mountain.

July in Nanchong is really hot and humid, but the moment the breeze from the Jialing River blows through, you feel it’s worth it 🥵 I took three days off to come here without doing any complicated planning, just following a lazy traveler’s logic. Including food, lodging, and activities, it cost just over 800 per person. Two and a half days in Langzhong ancient city plus the city’s river view is just right—no rushing, no regrets. 🏮 My lazy itinerary (no rush version) Day 1 Arrive at Nanchong North Station by afternoon high-speed train, transfer at the same station to a C-series train for a half-hour ride to Langzhong Station, then a 10-yuan taxi to the ancient city. First, stroll to Zhongtian Tower for a panoramic view, then slip into Zhang Fei Temple to catch the 10 AM "Zhang Fei patrol" performance. At the Gongyuan, you can change into a scholar’s costume for photos. Afterward, head to North Street to try guokui with cold jelly noodles. At 6 yuan, the crispy outside and cool inside texture is amazing. In the evening, climb Huaguang Tower to watch the sunset. The U-shaped bend of the Jialing River and the layers of blue tiles in the ancient city make for phone wallpaper-worthy shots 🌇 At night, take the Jialing River night cruise for 68 per person. The river breeze with barbecue, plus a serving of Baoning vinegar-soaked chicken feet, is perfect. Day 2 Sleep in naturally, then cross the floating bridge to wander around Nanjingguan ancient town. Next, climb Jinping Mountain (free!) for a citywide view. Du Fu’s line "Langzhou city south is rare in the world" really resonates here. In the afternoon, return to Nanchong city center. At Zhu’er rice noodle shop, order a bowl of lamb rice noodles with fried tofu soaking in broth. Then visit Xishan Scenic Area (20 entrance fee) to climb Wanjuan Tower. End the evening at 1227 night market with mashed potatoes and grilled sweet potato skin 🍢 Day 3 Visit Lingyun Mountain (60) or, if feeling lazier, rent a boat at Beihu Park. Buy some Zhang Fei beef and Baoning vinegar as souvenirs, then head out. 💰 Here’s the total cost summary Round-trip high-speed train fares depend on departure city: from Chengdu East, second-class seat costs just over 90; from Chongqing North, just over 60. The ancient city streets and alleys are free to enter. The core six-attraction combo ticket bought in advance on Trip.com is 100 (110 on site), including Zhang Fei Temple, Gongyuan, Zhongtian Tower, Huaguang Tower, Northern Sichuan Government Office, and Wenmiao. Buying tickets individually is more expensive. Accommodation for two nights averages 200–350 per person. Food costs about 120 per day max. Night cruise is 68, Baoning vinegar-soaked chicken feet 20–30 optional. Two and a half days for 700–900 per person is very comfortable. If you splurge on a river view room, it goes up to about 1,100. 🏠 Accommodation recommendations (no pitfalls) The Ming and Qing courtyard houses in Langzhong ancient city are the soul of the place, but a heads-up—don’t choose rooms facing the main street. Tourists can be noisy at night, and the early morning street cleaning sounds can disturb light sleepers. If your budget is limited, go for guesthouses near Zhongtian Tower or Zhuangyuan Street inside the ancient city. You can get a courtyard room for just over 200. Most hosts offer tea and fruit plates. If driving, parking at the visitor center and walking over is convenient. For river views, book one of the guesthouses next to Huaguang Tower. For just over 300, you can get a terrace room with night views of Nanjingguan and Jinping Mountain’s lights. The atmosphere for a lantern-lit Hanfu night tour is perfect 📸 For the last night in the city, it’s best to stay near Shunqing Binjiang Road. Jiazhou Ligang or Tianfu Shangya are riverside hotels, and it’s close to buying local specialties the next day. Book through Trip.com. Ancient city guesthouses rise quickly in price on July weekends, so locking in early is more reliable than asking on site. 🎋 Price anchors to avoid confusion Courtyard guesthouses inside the ancient city usually cost 200–400 per night. River view terraces go for 300–600. Places like Huajian Tang, an old vinegar workshop converted into a Northern Sichuan residence, start at 600. In the city, chains like Jinjiang Inn Plus or Xiangwang·Hao Hotel near the Shunqing Five-Star Garden area offer clean rooms for just over 100. They’re close to 1227 and Model Street, with plenty of food downstairs at night. Langzhong ancient city combo ticket is 100 online, 110 on site. Huaguang Tower alone is 20, Zhang Fei Temple 50. If you only visit two spots, buying tickets individually is cheaper. In July, be sure to bring sunscreen and flat shoes. The ancient city is all stone slabs, and the midday sun can burn your feet. It’s more comfortable to stroll early morning or evening ☀️ Buy Baoning vinegar from established brands. Zhang Fei beef tastes better loose than vacuum-packed. Ignore street offers for "free ancient costume photos"—they’re hidden cost traps. Overall, Nanchong is an underrated value destination in Sichuan. The food is spicy and satisfying, the river breeze refreshing, perfect for a weekend getaway.

Taking kids out in summer, who says you have to go to crowded beaches? These mountain towns and ancient villages stay around 22 degrees, feeling cooler than air conditioning. They’re just 3 hours away by high-speed train, with accommodations under 100 yuan, and so quiet you can hear the cicadas. The right way to spend July is to hide away in these underrated, off-the-beaten-path spots where kids have a blast and your wallet stays happy. 01 Baishan | Jilin ⏰ At 6 AM, the north slope gate of Changbai Mountain isn’t open yet, and the air smells of pine needles. If you’re with kids, it’s best to go straight to the west slope—fewer steps, and the flower fields on both sides are in full bloom. The surface of Tianchi Lake looks like cold jade. When the wind blows, you’ll want to wrap up tight—temperatures here are only about 15 degrees in July. 📍 The forest trail at the valley bottom on the way down is all wooden boardwalks with dense shade. Squirrels might suddenly dart out. 🍜 In Erdaobaihe Town at the foot of the mountain, find a Korean restaurant for cold noodles with sweet and sour pork. Kids will eat it up. ⚠️ Remember to bring a long-sleeve windbreaker. The temperature difference between mountain top and bottom is at least 10 degrees. 02 Jingzhou | Hubei You have to choose between Jingzhou ancient city and the lantern folk customs. Taking kids to the lantern folk customs is more reliable—run a lap on the ancient city wall during the day. It’s so quiet you can hear your own footsteps. In the evening, head to the lantern area. When the lights come on, kids’ eyes light up. 📍 Moss grows in the brick joints of the city wall at the east gate’s barbican. It feels cool to the touch. 🍜 At the moat, “Juzhen Garden” serves sticky rice wrapped around fried dough sticks. Kids can hold one in each hand. ⚠️ The lantern folk customs area has a night market on weekends, but some stalls are closed on Mondays. Don’t go for nothing. 03 Qianxinan Buyi and Miao Autonomous Prefecture | Guizhou Before you hear the water in Maling River Gorge, you smell the mist. The trail runs along the cliff, and waterfalls crash down overhead. The mist is so cool it makes you shiver. 📍 At the “Pearl Waterfall,” put on a raincoat and kids can catch water with their hands. Then head to Wanfenglin. The light before sunset is the gentlest. Rent an electric bike and ride around the bagua-shaped rice fields. The breeze smells like rice. ⚠️ The trails in the gorge are slippery. Wear non-slip shoes and don’t let kids run. 04 Jingdezhen | Jiangxi What can kids do? In the Taoxichuan creative district, find a pottery studio and sit for two hours straight. Ask the staff “How much for a pottery wheel experience?” They’ll say “60 yuan, firing and shipping included.” 📍 The ancient kiln folk museum is even better. The kiln fire is still burning, and master craftsmen hand-shape clay. Kids won’t blink. 🍜 At noon, go to “Home Cooking” for alkaline rice cakes stir-fried with cured meat. Choose mild spiciness. Kids can eat two bowls of rice. ⏰ After 5 PM, the lights in Taoxichuan come on one by one, perfect for a stroll and night photos. ⚠️ Some workshops in the ancient kiln close at 4 PM. Go to the old Chai kiln area first. 05 Nanchong | Sichuan Taking elders to Langzhong ancient city? Stick to the Zhongtian Tower area. It’s mostly flat, and you can rest under the archways. If you’re alone, explore Zhang’s courtyard slowly and admire the window carvings. With kids, head straight to Huaguang Tower. From the top, you can see the Jialing River make a big bend. 🍜 At the street corner, the “Old Brand Beef Noodles” has a rich broth. Add a spoonful of chili. The noodles are chewy. ⏰ At 7 AM, the ancient city is still asleep. The stone paths glisten with dew and creak underfoot. ⚠️ Don’t take the sightseeing bus in the ancient city. The route is roundabout. It’s better to walk. 06 Hechi | Guangxi Xiangbei’s Peach Blossom Land is the heart. 📍 From here, go 10 km south to Sanliyangdu. Bamboo rafts float on dark green water. Phoenix tail bamboo bends to the water’s surface. Cool air rises from your feet. Then head north to Donglan’s mountains and waters. Waterfalls hide in the valleys. Kids can splash in the water, which is so clear you can see small fish. ⏰ After 2 PM, the sun is blocked by the mountains, making it the perfect time to splash in the water. 🍜 The rice noodles in Xiangbei town have a broth made from chicken bones, so fresh it’ll make your eyebrows raise. ⚠️ Bring a change of clothes. Kids will definitely get soaked. 07 Ngari Prefecture | Tibet Mount Kailash isn’t for everyone to circle, but biking a short stretch around Lake Manasarovar is enough to amaze kids. 📍 Rent a bike from Ho’er Township and ride along the lakeshore. Snow-capped mountains reflect in the lake. The wind is strong enough to clear your head. ⏰ Summer afternoons are scorching, but once you enter the shade, it’s cold enough to shiver. ⚠️ At 4,700 meters altitude, kids must be checked for altitude sickness. Carry oxygen tanks and glucose. 🍜 Along the way, Tibetan tea houses serve butter tea and tsampa. Kids might not like it, but it provides energy. 08 Pingdingshan | Henan Yao Mountain and the Central Plains Buddha area are perfect for a family day trip. 📍 Take the cable car up Yao Mountain. The shade is thick and the sound of mountain springs accompanies you. There aren’t many mountain paths kids can run on, but there’s a flat “forest trail” that feels like walking in an air-conditioned room. Going down to see the Buddha, kids will say “wow” looking up from the base. 🍜 At the scenic area entrance, “Yao Mountain Local Cuisine” serves bamboo shoots stir-fried with cured meat and mountain mushroom soup. The flavors are mild and kid-friendly. ⚠️ The cable car closes at 5:30 PM. Don’t wait for the last ride. In these places, the mountain breeze in Baishan, the water in Hechi, and the mist in Qianxinan are all unreasonably cool. Which one moves you most? Share in the comments.

If you say Nanchong isn’t fun, have you really been to Qipingzhai? I’m the first to disagree. These three places will completely change your perspective. 🏕️ Qipingzhai The mountaintop grassland is wild and beautiful It’s a 40-minute drive from downtown. The mountain road is winding but easy to drive. The moment I reached the top, I was stunned. A vast meadow spreads across the ridge, like a hidden little Xinjiang in northeast Sichuan. The wind is strong, and the waves of grass roll endlessly. You could stand there and daydream all afternoon. The must-visit cliff swing lets you swing out over a sheer drop. My legs were shaking when I sat on it, but the thrill of flying out made me scream with joy. There’s also a glass viewing platform nearby that’s perfect for photos. If you’re nervous, standing at the edge still gives the feeling of walking on clouds. I recommend going after 3 PM when the light is soft and the meadow glows golden. There are small stalls selling cold noodles and jelly noodles at the top, surprisingly tasty. Remember to bring a light jacket. The high altitude wind can get really cold. ⛰️ Lingyun Mountain The locals’ backyard garden Located in Gaoping District, a taxi costs just a few bucks to the foot of the mountain. This place is truly peaceful, unlike those crowded popular mountains. Climb slowly along the stone steps, shaded by ancient cypress trees blocking out the sun. Halfway up is Lingyun Temple. It’s small but very popular with worshippers. I sat inside for a while, listening to the bell and watching the incense smoke, feeling very calm. At the summit viewing platform, you get a full view of Nanchong city and the Jialing River. The river curves like a bow through the city. It’s stunning at sunset, with golden light melting over everything. The mountain isn’t high. It takes 30–40 minutes to reach the top, easy for elders and kids. At the foot is an old shop selling freshly baked guokui (crispy flatbread) that flakes apart. You have to try it with cold noodles inside—a flavor Nanchong locals have loved since childhood. 🌿 Beihu Park Slow living in the city Right in the center of Shunqing District, it’s perfect for a stroll after a meal. This park really understands life. There’s a small island in the lake connected by winding boardwalks. Willows hang low over the water, swaying like a painting in the breeze. Many local seniors gather here to drink tea and play cards, full of everyday charm. You can rent a small boat for 30 yuan per half hour and drift slowly—it’s very relaxing. Don’t miss the dawn redwood forest at the north gate. The trees stand straight like soldiers in formation. In autumn, when the leaves turn red, it’s breathtaking and makes every photo look filtered. The park is free and opens at 6 AM. After your walk, head to the alley across the street for a bowl of Shunqing rice noodles. The spicy wontons with chili oil are also amazing. The broth is bright and fresh with fragrant chili oil. One bowl will leave you feeling great. 💡 Tips Qipingzhai and Lingyun Mountain have no entrance fee and free parking. Drive slowly on the winding mountain roads. GPS signal can be spotty, so download offline maps in advance. Beihu Park is best visited at dusk when it’s cooler and the night lights come on. Nanchong’s food is a treasure trove: guokui with cold noodles, Shunqing rice noodles, Yang duck, and square guokui. Any street stall is delicious—don’t just focus on the popular spots.

Summer heat relief doesn’t always mean heading to the far northwest. Within two or three hours by high-speed train, you can slip into a small town, enjoy the mountain and lake breeze, and savor authentic coolness. This time, we picked 8 places—some so off the beaten path even locals don’t talk much about them, some naturally air-conditioned, and others are underrated summer escapes. Whichever you choose, you won’t go wrong. 01 Wuhu | Anhui Fantawild Tourist Area is best for families with kids, but you have to pick the right park. Phase one, “Happy World,” is mostly outdoors and can leave you sunburned by 3 PM; for cooler fun, go to “Dream Kingdom,” which has more indoor attractions and air-conditioned queues. 🍜 Don’t eat inside the park at noon—it’s expensive and not tasty. Turn right when you exit and try “Geng Fuxing,” where shrimp roe noodles and soup dumplings fill you up for about 30 yuan per person. ⏰ Arrive around 10 AM, start with indoor roller coasters and 4D movies, then hit outdoor rides after 4 PM. ⚠️ Check wait times on the official app in advance to avoid wasting time. 02 Baoshan | Yunnan Tengchong is an underrated summer getaway in Yunnan. Early mornings in Heshun Ancient Town smell of dew by the rice fields, with only occasional dog barks on the stone streets. 📍 Turn into Cunjia Alley, where the oil sizzles frying fresh pea flour noodles for 5 yuan a bowl. When it gets hot at noon, head to Beihai Wetland, drifting on bamboo rafts with water plants swaying in the breeze—more refreshing than air conditioning. ⏰ At 5 PM, go to Yunfeng Mountain. The cable car ride is easy, and from the top, you can see the entire volcanic cluster. ⚠️ Don’t visit the volcanic hot springs in the morning—it’s crowded and murky. Go after 4 PM when it’s less busy and the water is clear. 🎒 If you bring elders, skip the last steep steps on Yunfeng Mountain—they’re so steep you might have to crawl down. 03 Nanchong | Sichuan Langzhong Ancient City is a small player compared to Lijiang. The east gate is packed like rush hour, while the west gate is so empty you could practice tai chi. 🍜 At 7 AM, the beef noodle stall next to Zhang Fei Temple is full of locals. A bowl of spicy red oil noodles with a side of pickled radish is satisfyingly spicy. 📍 Zhongtian Tower is shaded after 4 PM. Climb up to avoid the sun and see the whole ancient city’s blue-tiled roofs. ⚠️ Don’t take the “dinner cruise” on the river—it’s overpriced and the food is sloppy. Bring your own camera, enter from the south gate, and stroll along the city wall base. The evening light stretches your shadow long and just right. 04 Tongren | Guizhou Fanjing Mountain is so famous you’d expect crowds, but in July it’s refreshingly cool. ⏰ Arrive before 8 AM at the foot of the mountain. Take the cable car up, then relax under the pine tree by Cheng’en Temple before hiking. 📍 The Red Cloud Golden Summit requires climbing nearly vertical steps. It looks scary but takes only 10 minutes. If you’re with family, especially elders, skip it—they might get weak knees. 🎒 If you have kids, play in the clear water of Yamugou at the foot of the mountain, where you can see tiny shrimp between the stones. 🍜 After descending, don’t eat at the scenic area entrance. Go to a nearby village farmhouse for freshly made sour soup fish, with a sourness that hits your head. ⚠️ You must book Fanjing Mountain tickets three days in advance via the official account. No chance of getting tickets on the day. 05 Songyuan | Jilin Chagan Lake is famous for winter fishing, but summer is just as fun. 📍 On Jinchan Island’s beach, the water is shallow, and the Chagan Lake breeze drops the temperature by 10 degrees. 🍜 At noon, eat a whole fish feast at a lakeside farmhouse. Fathead fish stewed with tofu is so tender it falls apart with chopsticks. ⏰ Rent an electric bike after 6 PM and circle the lake. The sunset turns the water orange, and the quiet only lets you hear the waves. ⚠️ Don’t buy the so-called “wild dried fish” at the scenic entrance—it’s expensive and tough. Better buy fresh fish yourself and have the shop prepare it. 🎒 Great for couples or families driving themselves. Park by the lake and bring a picnic mat to lie down all afternoon. 06 Qinhuangdao | Hebei Beidaihe and Shanhaiguan can be done in one day, but the order matters. ⏰ Start at Beidaihe in the morning. Pigeon Nest Park is quiet. Get up at 5 AM to watch the sunrise with seagulls flying overhead. 📍 When it gets hot at noon, find a café near Laohushi. The sea breeze and an iced Americano will revive you. 🍜 Don’t eat lunch in the scenic area. Go to “Husband Dumpling House” on Haibin Road, where fresh mackerel dumplings have a springy, fresh filling. ⚠️ In the afternoon, go to Shanhaiguan. Don’t enter through the east gate; the south gate is less crowded. The wind on the city wall dries your sweat. 🎒 If you have kids, don’t climb the “First Pass Under Heaven” city wall—it’s tiring. Instead, rent bikes at the base of the pass for a cool and safe ride. 07 Heihe | Heilongjiang The Wudalianchi volcanic cluster and cold springs are the ultimate summer escapes. 📍 Climb the Laoheshan volcanic crater—it’s not tiring. Standing on the edge feels like stepping on the earth’s wound. 🍜 After descending, take a sip of cold spring water. It’s icy enough to make your teeth chatter but deeply refreshing. ⏰ Visit the volcano in the morning, then soak in the cold spring at Yaquan Lake in the afternoon. The 17–18℃ water feels like hitting the freeze button. ⚠️ Don’t wear white clothes climbing Laoheshan—volcanic ash stains won’t wash out. 🎒 Perfect for solo travelers or friends. Bring slippers to wade in the cold spring. 08 Zhanjiang | Guangdong Huguangyan is a hyped-up attraction, but once you visit, you’ll see it’s truly amazing. 📍 The water in Ma’er Lake is so clear you can see the bottom. Walking around the lake takes only half an hour, shaded all the way. ⏰ It’s not hot at noon. The lake breeze lowers the temperature, making it more comfortable than air conditioning. 🍜 After the scenic area, ride an electric bike five minutes to “Old Hong’s White Cut Chicken.” The chicken skin is crispy, the meat tender, and with sand ginger sauce, you’ll eat two bowls of rice. ⚠️ Don’t buy the so-called “mineral water” inside the scenic area. Free drinking water is available lakeside. 🎒 Great for solo daydreaming or couples strolling. Bring a book and headphones to sit all afternoon. Among these 8 places, I’m most biased toward Baoshan and Heihe. One is so slow you can hear your heartbeat, the other so cool you forget it’s summer. Which have you been to? Share in the comments, or if you have a secret summer escape, don’t keep it to yourself.

🌟 Three cities · everyday life | Langzhong · Fuliang · Songyang A secret journey through time 🌟 On this trip, we’ll feel the evening breeze by the Jialing River in Langzhong, Sichuan, explore the birthplace of porcelain and tea in Fuliang, Jiangxi, and dream of retreating to the mountains in Songyang, Zhejiang. Here’s a detailed guide for you. Let’s go! ✈️ · -- 🏮 First stop: Langzhong ancient city, Sichuan (2 days 1 night) “The Jialing River’s water is half the ancient city” 🗺️ How to get there · 🚄 High-speed train: direct to Langzhong station. Taxi from the station to the ancient city costs about 20 yuan. · ✈️ Plane: fly to Nanchong Gaoping Airport, then transfer by train or bus (about 1.5–2 hours). · ⚠️ Self-drive: park outside the city at South Gate or Zhang Fei Square parking lots, then walk into the city. 🏨 Where to stay · 🏠 Homestays inside the ancient city: immersive experience, but wooden buildings usually have poor soundproofing, so avoid if sensitive to noise. · 🏢 Hotels outside the ancient city: better value and quiet, 10-minute walk to the city. 🗓️ Daily itinerary Day 1: Stroll the ancient city & Three Kingdoms history · Morning: visit Zhang Fei Temple (Han Huanhou Shrine), Gongyuan, and Northern Sichuan Administrative Office to experience imperial exams and official culture. · Noon: skip the main street snacks and try Yin Xian beef noodles (thick broth) or guokui with liangfen. · Afternoon: climb Zhongtian Tower or Huaguang Tower for a panoramic view of the ancient city 🏯. · Evening: watch the live show “Langyuan Wonderland” (8:00–9:00 PM) and try the special vinegar foot soak (10–30 yuan) for relaxation. Day 2: Climb high and enjoy the Jialing River view · Morning: take a boat across the river to climb White Pagoda Hill, a perfect spot for photos of the ancient city and sunset 📸. · Noon: taste authentic Zhang Fei beef (dip in Baoning vinegar) and steamed buns with sugar. 🍜 Must-try foods · Langzhong beef noodles: signature thick broth, look for Yin Xian beef noodles. · Guokui with liangfen: crispy and smooth, perfect for eating on the go. · Baoning vinegar: buy from old shops, tangy and appetizing. · -- 🏺 Second stop: Fuliang, Jiangxi (2 days 1 night) “Merchants value profit over parting, last month went to Fuliang to buy tea” 🗺️ How to get there · 🚄 High-speed train: arrive at Jingdezhen North Station, then take bus or carpool (about 30 minutes, around 20 yuan per person). · 🚗 Self-drive: from Jingdezhen city, about 40 minutes to Hanxi Village, about 1 hour to Yaoli ancient town. 🗓️ Daily itinerary Day 1: Millennia of porcelain charm & artistic tea gardens · Morning: visit the only five-grade Fuliang ancient county government office in China, watch the 9:30 AM magistrate court performance, and climb the Northern Song red tower. · Noon: try Fuliang shaomai and wontons. · Afternoon: head to Hanxi Village’s artistic tea garden. Check out the “Earth Lamp” art installation, like a summer from a Miyazaki manga 🌿. Day 2: Explore the porcelain source & scenic ancient town · Morning: visit the Southern Song dynasty kiln ruins and try pottery wheel throwing (about 80 yuan per person). · Noon: eat Fuliang free-range chicken soup and alkaline rice cakes in Yaoli ancient town. · Afternoon: stroll through Yaoli ancient town, with minimal commercialization, original Hui-style architecture, and babbling streams. It’s the “source of porcelain, home of tea.” 🍜 Must-try foods · Fuliang shaomai/wontons: thin skin, generous filling, authentic breakfast. · Fuliang free-range chicken soup/tea cakes: genuine farmhouse flavors. · -- 🍃 Third stop: Songyang, Zhejiang (3 days 2 nights) “The last secret of Jiangnan, live the slow rural life like Li Ziqi” 🗺️ How to get there · 🚄 High-speed train: arrive at Lishui Station, turn right out of the station to take a bus directly to Songyang County (fare 19 yuan). Strongly recommend self-driving or chartering a car, as mountain roads between villages are inconvenient. · ⚠️ Self-drive tips: winding mountain roads, parking lots at village entrances but arrive early in peak season. 🏨 Where to stay · 🏠 Homestays in ancient villages: immersive experience, such as “Taoye” in Songzhuang Village and “Feiniaoji” in Chenjiapu. · 🏢 Hotels in the county town: near the old street, convenient for night strolls and good value. 🗓️ Daily itinerary Day 1: Visit the cliffside ancient village · Afternoon: arrive at Chenjiapu Village. Visit the cliffside Vanguard Bookstore with stunning window views 📖. · Evening: stay at Chenjiapu or nearby homestays, have dinner at “Shanguo Luo Restaurant” (about 50–60 yuan per person). Day 2: Check out the Jiangnan Potala Palace · Morning: go to Yangjiatang Village. The couple tree at the village entrance and the morning farmer scene look like a “golden Potala Palace” 🌅. · Noon: Songzhuang Village. See the ancient stone arch bridge featured in National Geographic, and in summer, enjoy creek hiking and water play 🌊. · Evening: return to Songyang county town to stroll the Ming and Qing old street and visit No. 9 Coffee (favored by Gao Yuanyuan) ☕️. Day 3: Relaxed ending · Morning: sleep in naturally, then bike at Damushan Tea Garden or have stewed salted chicken and firewood noodles at Baixian Noodle House on Songyang old street. 🍜 Must-try foods · Stewed salted chicken: crispy skin, tender meat, savory and flavorful. · Baixian Noodle House: firewood-cooked water-pulled noodles in the old street. · Tofu pudding/mountain tapioca balls: local specialty snacks. Each city has its own charm. Which one do you like best? Tag your travel buddy and plan your next holiday now! 🏃‍♀️💨

Don’t think that summer escapes only mean mountains or beaches. Small towns with old streets have natural breezeways, and the mist in the canyons hits you like a refreshing splash. These overlooked spots feel cooler than air-conditioned rooms in the height of summer. You can reach them within two hours by high-speed train or by car. From bustling local life to wild, hidden retreats, there’s something for everyone. 01 Nanchong | Sichuan When entering Langzhong ancient city, don’t just follow the crowd on the main street. Turn into North Street, where the red walls of Zhang Fei Temple block most of the sun. Along the wall, a row of vinegar shops fills the air with a tangy aroma that whets your appetite. ⏰ After 5 PM, the light and shadows on the west gate city wall are at their best. The stone pavement is hot from the sun but no longer scorching. 🍜 Try the beef cold noodles from the street vendors. The chili oil and spices are perfectly balanced, leaving a slight sweat on your neck after one bite. ⚠️ It’s best to visit the museums inside the ancient city in the morning. They have air conditioning, and when you come out, it’s the prime time to explore the main street. For a hot day alternative: the waterside trail at Langzhong National Wetland Park is shaded and breezy, feeling cooler than indoors. 02 Pingdingshan | Henan Yaoshan is perfect for summer visits, with temperatures several degrees cooler than the city. How to enjoy it? Head for the “Central Plains Giant Buddha.” It’s best to go up the mountain in the afternoon and spend the morning at the Yaoshan Grand Canyon rafting at the foot of the mountain—water fights get you soaked and cool off all the heat. ⏰ The water flow is strongest and the most boats are on the river at 11 AM. 🍜 The farmhouse stew at the foot of the mountain is worth trying. Wild vegetables and free-range chicken make the broth so fresh it’ll make your eyebrows raise. ⚠️ There are many steps in the Buddha scenic area. If you’re with elderly or children, take the shuttle bus to save energy and stay shaded. For a hot day alternative: the indoor water play area at Yaoshan Ski Resort is open in summer and a must for kids. 03 Baicheng | Jilin Da’an Nenjiang Bay Tourist Area’s secret to coolness is simple: lots of water. Walking along the boardwalk, the river breeze and wetland greenery filter out the heat. 📍 Enter and head east to Shangxin Pavilion, where you can see the full view of Nenjiang River. The wide-open view feels like a movie scene. ⏰ I arrived at 3 PM on a sunny day. The sunlight was strong, but the reflections on the river were broken up by tree shadows, making the ground comfortable to walk on. 🍜 Have a bowl of Nenjiang fish soup at the fishing village inside the park at noon. The fish is tender and the broth milky white. ⚠️ It’s windy on the riverbank, so wear a hat to keep it from blowing away. For a hot day alternative: Baicheng Museum’s new building has air conditioning and exhibits on Da’an’s history, perfect for cooling off and learning. 04 Baiyin | Gansu The Yellow River Stone Forest is all about “water + climbing stones.” Riding a sheepskin raft downstream is a must. The Yellow River water mixed with silt splashes coolly. 📍 When the raft docks, you’ll see the entrance to the first “stone forest.” ⏰ Before 10 AM, the slanting light in the canyon makes the stone textures most vivid—no filter needed for photos. 🍜 The sour and refreshing cold noodles at the park exit are perfect for summer, leaving you feeling great after a bowl. ⚠️ There’s no shade in the canyon, so bring sunscreen and long sleeves. Don’t get careless just because it feels cool. For a hot day alternative: the Yellow River Stone Forest Geological Museum has an air-conditioned space simulating the canyon. 05 Yuncheng | Shanxi Yuncheng Salt Lake is the original “mirror of the sky” in summer. The water reflects the sky, and walking on it feels like stepping into the clouds. ⏰ The sunset at 5 PM is stunning. The salt lake turns pink and purple, and the breeze ripples the water into jewel-like fragments. 🍜 Try the “old brand” beef meatball noodles near the lake. The meatballs are crispy outside and burst with juice in the soup. ⚠️ UV rays are very strong by the lake, so apply high-SPF sunscreen or you’ll get sunburned quickly. For a hot day alternative: the indoor floating bath next to the salt lake lets you experience “floating on water” without sun exposure. 06 Sanya | Hainan Who says you can’t visit Sanya in summer? July and August are off-season, with fewer crowds and discounts. If you want to swim but avoid sunburn, focus on Wuzhizhou Island and Yalong Bay. 📍 Coral reef diving at Wuzhizhou Island is best in the morning when the water is clear and the sea breeze is still cool. ⏰ During the hottest midday hours, relax at the cactus café in the Daxiaodongtian scenic area, enjoy air conditioning, and sip iced coconut water while gazing at the blue sea. 🍜 Lin Jie’s coconut chicken soup (Yalong Bay branch) is sweet and refreshing, perfect for summer without causing heatiness. ⚠️ Avoid visiting Nanshan Cultural Tourism Zone before 6 PM to prevent sun exposure. For a hot day alternative: the duty-free shop in Yalong Bay has an underground passage connecting to hotels, making shopping and cooling off seamless. 07 Yingtan | Jiangxi Longhu Mountain is the Taoist ancestral home and a lesser-known summer escape. The main activity is bamboo rafting on the Luxi River. The Danxia cliffs reflect in the water, the river flows gently, and tree shade covers you overhead. ⏰ The earliest boat leaves at 8:30 AM when the water is coolest and you can see mountain mist. 🍜 Try the “Shangqing tofu” in Shangqing Ancient Town outside the park. It’s white, tender, and smooth, paired with local spicy sauce for a simple but perfect flavor. ⚠️ Boat tickets include shuttle bus rides, so buying a combo ticket is the best deal. For a hot day alternative: the inner hall of Sihan Tianshi Mansion has old air conditioners and fans, making it hard to leave once you sit down. 08 Xining | Qinghai Xining is a natural air-conditioned city where you still need a jacket on summer nights. Must-visit spots in the city include Ta’er Monastery and Dongguan Mosque. 📍 Outside the “Great Golden Tile Hall” at Ta’er Monastery is a plaza where the giant Buddha is sun-dried. ⏰ Before sunset, golden light shines on the roof, and the scent of butter flowers fills the air. 🍜 Ma Zhong’s niangpi (cold skin noodles) and yogurt on Mojia Street are a perfect match. The noodles are chewy, and the yogurt is both tart and creamy. ⚠️ Photography is not allowed inside the main hall of Ta’er Monastery. Please respect the rules. For a hot day alternative: the indoor pavilion at Xining Wildlife Park has air conditioning and is perfect for seeing snow leopards and Pallas’s cats, almost as cool as the mountains. If I had to pick just one, I’d vote for Baicheng or Xining. The biggest surprise might be Sanya—its off-season value and cool activities make it worth saving your airfare. Do you have a favorite city you want to visit? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Traveling with kids in the heat of July and August, still squeezing into crowded beaches? Wait a minute. These places are within a 2- to 4-hour high-speed train radius, with fewer people, cooler weather, and less exhaustion. From bustling city life to grassland heartlands, from ancient courtyards to lakes and mountains, the experiences are completely different in style but share one thing—they avoid the summer crowds. Don’t want your kids to feel like they’re in a sauna at the attractions? Keep reading. NO.1 Zhumadian | Henan Arrive at Chiya Mountain before 8 AM for the most comfortable experience. The mountain path is mostly gentle slopes and steps. You can push a stroller halfway up, and the kids can easily walk the rest. ⏰ Before 9 AM, the mountain is still covered in dew and not sunny, so kids can run around happily. After coming down, head to the foot of Laole Mountain and find a farmhouse restaurant. The owner grows their own vegetables, and the eggplants and green beans are very fresh. 🍜 Order a stew of native chicken. The chicken broth is rich and flavorful, and kids can drink two bowls. ⚠️ Water guns sold at the entrance stalls of Chiya Mountain cost twice as much as in supermarkets, so bring your own. After 3 PM, the mountain gets windy. Sitting in the shade of Laole Mountain’s trees, enjoying the cool breeze, kids can fall asleep and adults can rest. NO.2 Hinggan League | Inner Mongolia 📍 At Arxan National Forest Park, take the park shuttle bus right at the entrance to save your feet. Kids immediately watch outside the window, pointing at sheep, cows, and birch trees, excited beyond words. ⏰ In the morning, visit Tuofengling Tianchi Lake first. The boardwalk is flat and stroller-friendly. Have lunch at the park’s service area, which offers noodles and dumplings that kids like. In the afternoon, switch to Santan Gorge, where the sound of rushing water cools the air like natural air conditioning. 🍜 The service area’s roasted potatoes have crispy skin and soft inside. Sprinkle some salt, and kids can snack while walking. ⚠️ No need to rent coats inside the park. Wearing long-sleeve sun-protective clothing in July and August is enough. The whole trip is easy for both adults and kids, just enjoying the scenery without tiring. NO.3 Jinzhong | Shanxi If you can only visit one courtyard, don’t hesitate—go to Wang Family Courtyard. It’s much bigger than Qiao Family Courtyard, and the crowds are more spread out. 🚄 Take the high-speed train from Taiyuan to Pingyao Ancient City Station, then a taxi to Wang Family Courtyard in under an hour. ⏰ Enter the courtyard at 2 PM. The slanting light shines beautifully on the brick carvings. Kids get interested in the stone lions and can count over a hundred of them. After touring Wang Family Courtyard, head back to Jiexiu City for dinner. 🍜 Try “Zhao’s Charcoal Grill” for a bowl of knife-cut noodles with flavorful sauce. The next day, visit Pingyao Ancient City. It’s best to only explore South Street, as other alleys are too narrow for strollers. ⚠️ Tickets for the “See Pingyao Again” show must be booked three days in advance. Last-minute visits usually have no seats. With kids, explore the ancient city in the morning, then take a taxi to Mianshan in Jiexiu. Use the park’s shuttle bus to see waterfalls without hiking. The mist cools your face. NO.4 Hengshui | Hebei There’s only one way to enjoy Hengshui Lake—rent an electric boat and cruise to the center of the lake. ⚠️ Don’t rent pedal boats. They exhaust adults and don’t satisfy kids’ desire to play. Electric boats rent for two hours. Kids can sit at the bow, reaching out to touch the water and stay cool. ⏰ Go out after 5 PM when the sun isn’t strong and birds fly over the lake. 🍜 Bring a box of cut watermelon and bottled water. Eating on the boat is the best way to cool off. After docking, stroll along the lakeside greenway, which is all shaded and stroller-friendly. When kids get tired, head home. The whole trip feels as relaxed as a weekend park visit. NO.5 Ma’anshan | Anhui 📍 At the Yangtze River Caishi Ji Cultural Ecotourism Area, take the sightseeing bus at the entrance directly to near Sanyuan Cave, so kids don’t have to walk much. ⏰ Morning visits are best. The river breeze is comfortable and there’s no summer heat. Kids see the Yangtze River for the first time and excitedly shout “So big, so big.” Walk along the boardwalk to the ancient plank road exit, enjoying river views. The red cliffs and green water make a perfect match. 🍜 There’s a restaurant called “Riverside Home” in the park. Their braised mixed fish is tender, and kids can eat more than half a bowl of rice with the fish soup. ⚠️ Don’t bring strollers to climb Cuiluo Mountain. There are too many steps. Take the cable car up and down, enjoy the panoramic view of Caishi Ji from the top, then go down. Keep the whole visit under three hours. Kids won’t fuss, and adults won’t get annoyed. NO.6 Nanchong | Sichuan Langzhong Ancient City is an underrated gem. ⏰ Arrive before 10 AM when tourists haven’t arrived yet. The stone-paved streets are empty, and kids can run freely. 📍 Enter from the south gate and visit Zhongtian Tower first. There’s a drum on the second floor that kids can beat twice, which makes them very happy. Then turn into West Street and find a vinegar shop. Langzhong vinegar is famous for its sour aroma. The owner offers a small cup to taste. Kids sip it, frown at the sourness, then ask for more. 🍜 Have a bowl of beef noodles for lunch on North Street. The broth is made with chili oil and beef bones. It’s not spicy but flavorful. Kids finish both noodles and soup. ⚠️ Don’t take kids under 4 or 5 to Zhang Fei Temple in the ancient city. It’s not interactive. Instead, watch folk artists making dough figurines on the street. Explore the city at your own pace, stopping to rest when tired. If kids fall asleep in the stroller in the afternoon, find a teahouse to sit and enjoy a cup of covered bowl tea while adults relax. NO.7 Heihe | Heilongjiang Summer at Wudalianchi feels like air conditioning is on. ⚠️ But don’t take kids to climb the old Heishan volcano crater. The trail is all loose stones, slippery and tiring. Just visit the Wenbo Scenic Area. The entire path is wooden boardwalk, flat like a plain, and stroller-friendly. ⏰ Go at 9 AM when steam rises and the hot spring water warms the air. But a breeze on the boardwalk keeps it cool. Kids watch bubbles in the water, thinking fish are breathing, and squat there for 10 minutes. 🍜 Outside the park, try the mineral spring tofu made with Wudalianchi’s natural mineral water. It’s so tender it melts in your mouth. Kids can eat three pieces in one go. The whole visit takes two hours and is easy. NO.8 Kunming | Yunnan In August, Kunming’s temperature stays around 25 degrees Celsius, but how to choose attractions? 📍 At Daguan Park, the lotus pond is right at the entrance. In August, the flowers are in full bloom. Kids point at the pink flowers and say “Beautiful.” ⏰ Arrive at 9 AM when it’s less crowded. Sit under Changlian Tower where there are few mosquitoes and a breeze. 🍜 Near the park is “A Small Restaurant.” Their crossing-the-bridge rice noodles have a rich broth. Kids eat a small portion, just right. In the afternoon, if you want to avoid the sun, go to Kunming Expo Garden. It’s large and has a small train. Kids don’t want to get off and enjoy the gardens from different countries. ⚠️ It’s windy by Dianchi Lake, especially in the afternoon, so bring a light jacket. Dongchuan Red Land is too far, with a three-hour round trip by car, not worth it with kids. If you want photos, just take a few near the visitor center at the Red Land entrance and leave. Kunming’s advantage is its coolness. Kids wear long sleeves without sweating, and the whole trip is relaxed. Stop and go, just pick one of these eight for a summer full of fun. Which one will you choose? Share in the comments.

Have you noticed that once July and August arrive, travel photos on social media all look the same—beaches packed with people, mountains drenched in sweat? The truly cool spots seem to be overlooked by the travel industry. Today I’m sharing 8 places you can reach within two hours by high-speed train across provinces, where the perceived temperature is much lower than other places on the same latitude, and some even require a jacket. Hold off on booking tickets to popular destinations until you read this. 01 Zaozhuang | Shandong If you still think of Tai’erzhuang as just an “artificial ancient town,” you’re in for a surprise. It’s sunny by the canal during the day, but by 5 PM, the cool air rising from the water instantly dries your sweat. ⏰ I recommend entering the ancient town after 3 PM. Don’t rush to the main street; turn into the side alleys of Yuehe Street. Water seeps through the stone slabs, and occasional crosswinds carry the fresh, earthy scent of aquatic plants, dropping the temperature by 3 to 5 degrees. 🍜 For dinner, go to “Old Song’s Pancakes” on Wenhui Road. Skip the tourist set meals and order a vegan pancake with a bowl of grain soup. The mix of vegetable juice and soup is more refreshing than air conditioning. ⚠️ I haven’t tried the ancient town’s rowboat rides, but a lady who just got off said the boatmen all sing the same tune. It’s better to walk along the west bank yourself. 02 Nanchong | Sichuan Langzhong ancient town is tucked in a mountain hollow by the Jialing River. In summer, the river breeze turns the whole old town into a natural ventilation system. One day I took a wrong turn into Baita Mountain Park’s trails. The locust trees along the path provided dense shade, and the moist forest air felt even more refreshing than the air conditioning in the city. 📍 Exit the north gate of the ancient town and walk uphill for 20 minutes to a mid-mountain viewing platform facing the river bend. After 6 PM, the river glows golden, and you won’t have to compete for the best photo spot. ⏰ The best time to eat in Langzhong is 7 AM. The local beef noodle shops fire up their stoves early, and the aroma of chili oil and beef bone broth drifts down the street. ⚠️ Don’t eat the beef guokui (flatbread) from the red lantern shops in the town center—it’s expensive and cold. Instead, find the freshly baked ones at alley entrances, 3 yuan each, with a crispy crust that flakes apart. 03 Yinchuan | Ningxia Yinchuan’s coolness is dry and refreshing. It can reach over 30 degrees during the day, but standing in the shade instantly dries the sweat on your back. 📍 My first stop was Mingcui Lake National Wetland Park. I suggest renting an electric bike to ride slowly around the lake. The lotus flowers are in full bloom, and the breeze carries a fresh aquatic scent, making it feel much cooler than downtown. ⏰ Arrive before 11 AM to catch the thin mist over the lake. Egrets standing by the water look like a screensaver. You don’t need to hike the entire Helan Mountain rock art site. Just visit the “Sun God” area at the foot of the mountain. The primitive lines on the rock walls glow orange-red in the slanting sunlight. 🍜 For lunch, head down the mountain to “Yingbinlou” near the Western Xia tombs. Try the hand-pulled lamb with eight-treasure tea. The lamb is tender and not gamey, and a cup of tea washes away the summer heat. The Lingwu Shuidonggou soldier cave is interesting, but ⚠️ the light is blocked by the cliff before 4 PM, so go early. 04 Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture | Hunan Phoenix ancient town is too hot during the day; the real fun starts after dusk. I entered from the north gate at 5 PM and walked along the Tuo River to Rainbow Bridge. The stilted buildings on both sides lit up, the water reflected scattered lights, and the breeze carried a cool, earthy river scent. ⏰ Avoid the riverside music bars. Find a tea house by the water and sit for an hour. Listening to the flowing water is more refreshing than drinking cold beer. Early the next morning, visit Dehang Grand Canyon, where the temperature is at least 8 degrees cooler than Phoenix. 📍 Take the Liusha waterfall trail, where moss and ferns line the path, and the creek water is so cold it makes your ankle bones ache. I highly recommend the Miao cuisine at Shibadong Village. Their sour soup fish includes litsea cubeba oil, delivering a sharp, spicy kick. ⚠️ Don’t drive yourself on the Aizhai winding mountain road. It’s best to take the park shuttle bus and bring motion sickness medicine. 05 Wuhu | Anhui Fantawild Adventure is great for kids, but I suggest buying a night ticket. Enter at 4 PM, start with indoor attractions, then watch the water light show after dark when the temperature drops and the crowds thin. 🍜 Don’t eat inside the park. Go to “Yinhu South Road” near Fantawild Phase 1’s entrance and pick any small stir-fry restaurant. Their 3-yuan hot shredded tofu with soup dumplings is a must-try. The dumpling skins are so thin they’re translucent, and the soup bursts out when you bite in. ⏰ If you’re young and going alone, I recommend arriving at 2 PM at Jiuziguzhen. The alleys are quiet, and the blue brick walls and stone paths make for empty-scene photos. ⚠️ Buy Fantawild night tickets on the app one day in advance. Buying on-site costs 20 yuan more. 06 Suzhou | Jiangsu Suzhou’s summer heat hides in the shade of garden trees. I spent a whole afternoon at the Humble Administrator’s Garden. The phoenix and camphor trees in the east garden block all the sunlight. Sitting at the waterside pavilion in front of Yuanxiang Hall, the breeze carries the scent of lotus flowers, and the coolness from the blue bricks underfoot rises up. ⏰ Hanshan Temple opens at 7 AM. Arrive at 6:50 AM to hear the bell just as it finishes ringing, with so few people you can hear your own breathing. Don’t enter Tiger Hill from the main gate. Instead, start from the back mountain’s “Wanjing Villa” and walk uphill through bamboo groves and tea fields. The slope is gentle and easy. 📍 Sit by Sword Pool at the summit. Water droplets seeping from the cliff can drip on your neck, delivering a deep chill. If you skip Zhouzhuang in the Jiangnan water towns, I recommend taking a rickshaw through the quieter second half of Pingjiang Road. The narrow streets have open windows on both sides, and you can hear cooking sounds. 07 Longnan | Gansu Longnan is often overlooked. Tianchi Lake in Wen County sits over 2,000 meters above sea level. The winding mountain road can make you dizzy, but stepping out of the car feels like opening a fridge door. ⏰ I arrived at 10 AM. The lake was windless, the water a jade green, and the breath you exhale on the boardwalk turns to mist. The official valley is even more magical, filled with waterfalls and pools. The mist on your face feels cool and refreshing. 📍 Walk to the narrowest gorge at “Tongtianmen.” The stone walls on both sides hold water mist, and even when soaked, you won’t feel uncomfortable. 🍜 One kilometer from the valley entrance is a “Qiang Village farmhouse.” Their potato starch noodles with pickled vegetables have a chewy, sticky texture. The soup noodles are soured with fermented water, and after eating, you’ll feel revitalized. 08 Shannan | Tibet Yamdrok Lake’s coolness is the kind that stings your skin. At 4,400 meters elevation, the wind blowing off the lake means you need a windbreaker and fleece. You won’t regret visiting in summer. ⏰ The best light is from 3 to 5 PM. The lake’s color shifts between blue, turquoise, and gray depending on the angle. 📍 Don’t stop at the usual viewing platform. Drive 10 kilometers further to the lakeside at Dongla Township. That stretch is almost deserted, and you can hear the rhythm of the waves lapping the shore, like someone stirring a bowl of blue paint with a spoon. ⚠️ The high altitude at Yamdrok Lake gave me a headache after just half an hour. Bring oxygen and glucose. If you’re prone to altitude sickness, don’t stay long—take your photos and leave. After exploring these eight places in one afternoon, I’m sold on three: Zaozhuang’s evenings, Longnan’s cool valleys, and Shannan’s cold lake. Summer travel isn’t a must. Choosing the right time and place doubles the experience. Which one do you want to visit first? Share in the comments, and I’ll give you more details.

Don’t crowd in July! 8 lesser-known summer towns with fewer people, low prices, and cool weather without any risks Don’t follow the crowd for summer getaways! Popular attractions are packed with people, tickets are expensive, and lines are long. You’ll end up hot and tired after the trip. Here are 8 low-key hidden gem towns you can reach by high-speed train for a short trip. They have comfortable temperatures, affordable prices, and offer a truly relaxing and worry-free experience. 01 Hohhot, Inner Mongolia No need to pay high prices to visit distant grasslands! The areas around Hohhot offer excellent value with no tourist scams. Laoniuwan Yellow River Canyon is a stunning sight. The river water is clear and green, and it’s much cooler than the city in midsummer. The trails are smooth and easy to walk, suitable for both elderly and children. Visit at 8:30 AM for fewer people and peaceful scenery. Mist drifts over the river, making every photo beautiful. The nearby Chilechuan grassland is even more convenient. In the evening, the grass waves in the breeze and the cool air is refreshing. Resting on the grassy slope is especially soothing. Remember to bring a moisture-proof mat to avoid damp clothes from dew. 02 Zhengzhou, Henan Many people only see Zhengzhou as a transfer point, but it’s actually an underrated summer escape. Qinwei Water City is built around ancient ruins, with flowing water and scattered stone bridges. Walking by the water feels especially cool. The nearby old street offers authentic and affordable handmade cold noodles with a chewy texture and genuine flavor. For cultural sites, the Henan Museum is a must-visit. It’s cool and comfortable indoors, with a rich collection of artifacts. You can spend half a day learning a lot. Note that the museum is closed on Mondays, so be sure to book in advance to avoid wasted trips. 03 Beihai, Guangxi Beihai city and Weizhou Island offer two different relaxing summer experiences. If you’re short on time, explore the city. Visit Waisha Pier at sunset to see the sky turn red over the sea, with fishing boats dotting the water—a truly soothing scene. Weizhou Island’s beaches are quiet and less crowded. Rent a small electric scooter to ride along the coast and enjoy the breeze. Remember that UV rays are strong by the sea, so be sure to use sun protection to avoid sunburn. 04 Harbin, Heilongjiang Harbin is especially cool in summer, with temperatures in the low 70s, perfect for escaping the heat. Volga Manor is full of European-style buildings, lush flowers, and a peaceful environment. Walking along the paths, you’ll smell the flowers everywhere, making it quiet and pleasant. The Saint Sophia Cathedral in the city offers stunning light and shadow effects, perfect for photos. Although there’s no outdoor ice in summer, the indoor ice and snow pavilion lets you experience winter fun. The contrast of hot and cold is unique. Finish your visit with a classic old-fashioned popsicle for the full atmosphere. 05 Haikou, Hainan Compared to the busy and scorching Sanya, Haikou has fewer tourists and lower temperatures, offering great value. The century-old Qilou Old Street has shaded arcades, so you won’t get sunburned while walking. Street vendors sell sugarcane juice and local snacks that are affordable and authentic. Wugong Temple has towering ancient trees and a quiet, peaceful atmosphere. Visiting at 3 PM offers soft light. Strolling among the old buildings and enjoying the cool breeze is leisurely and pleasant. 06 Yancheng, Jiangsu A perfect small town for a slow family trip with a relaxed pace and natural scenery. Dafeng Milu Deer Park is lush with plants, and the deer are gentle and friendly. You can watch them up close as they forage and play. The park has a sightseeing bus loop, so you don’t have to walk long distances, making it suitable for all ages. To see the deer at their most active, enter before 10 AM. The cool morning temperature makes the animals livelier. 07 Nanchong, Sichuan Nanchong is a local favorite summer town. Langzhong Ancient City is quieter and more authentic than popular ancient towns. Avoid the busy main street and explore the alleys filled with everyday life. Old workshops and ancient courtyards create a strong local atmosphere. Try the local Zhang Fei beef noodles with iced jelly—a hot and cold combo that cools you down and satisfies your cravings. It’s recommended to stay overnight in the ancient city. After tourists leave at night, the evening breeze carries floral scents, making the night scene peaceful and gentle. 08 Nyingchi, Tibet Known as the “Snowy South of the Yangtze,” it has mild altitude and humid air, making it an excellent summer retreat. In summer, the mountains are lush, meadows are abundant, and lakes are clear. Basongcuo Lake’s water is bright green and transparent. Sitting by the lake and feeling the breeze is very healing. The Yarlung Zangbo Grand Canyon is grand and majestic. At dusk, the light is soft, clouds and mist glow golden, creating stunning photos. You can reach it by high-speed train from Lhasa. Tickets are affordable, making it ideal for a slow summer nature trip. For affordable and relaxing options, choose Zhengzhou or Haikou. For grasslands and waterscapes, pick Hohhot or Nyingchi. For a slow, off-the-beaten-path trip, Langzhong Ancient City is the top choice!

Traveling in July and tired of crowded popular spots? Actually, there are many hidden gems across the country reachable by high-speed train in 2 to 6 hours, with costs much lower than Sanya or Lijiang. These places offer wild charm, ancient architecture, and snowy mountains—all perfect for off-season experiences. Here are 7 underrated summer destinations I want to share. 1 Xinzhou | Shanxi 📍 In the afternoon at Yanmen Pass, the wind rushes through the narrow gate, carrying the scent of loess and grass seeds. I stand in front of the Li Mu shrine, no noise, only the fluttering of flags. ⏰ Recommended to visit after 4 PM when the light hits the city walls at an angle, casting long shadows—perfect for photos without crowds. 🚄 About 40 minutes by carpool from Xinzhou West Station, 30 yuan per person, cheaper and freer than group tours. The Yellow River water at Laoniuwan is so green it hardly looks like the Yellow River. Turning into the village, dried jujubes lie on the stone-paved road, and elders sit on doorsteps shelling corn. ⚠️ Don’t go in the morning—the water level is low and boats rest on the sandbars. Take the speedboat at 3 PM; the splashing waves cool your face. At Wutai Mountain, I only recommend Dailuo Peak. Climb 1,080 steps, and when the mountain breeze dries your sweat, you can see the whole Taihuai town. At the foot of the mountain, try the mushroom sauce sandwich for 10 yuan, with mushroom bits in the sauce. If you’re with family, take the cable car to save energy, but expect at least a 30-minute wait. 2 Anyang | Henan Taihang Grand Canyon or Yinxu ruins? If you have only one day, I choose Yinxu. It’s not that the canyon isn’t good, but in summer it’s hot and humid inside, and your back will stick after a few steps. Yinxu’s tomb pits and oracle bone exhibition hall are temperature-controlled year-round, plus you can join a free guided tour. 🍜 Turn right 200 meters outside the scenic area to Lao Zhang’s flat rice noodles. The noodles soak up the bone broth, add a spoonful of chili, and for 8 yuan you’ll be sweating. ⚠️ Even if you pick Yinxu, avoid Mondays. Enter right when it opens in the morning, see the chariot pit first, then the oracle bone pits—two hours is just right. In the afternoon, visit the China Museum of Writing nearby, free entry, with a rubbing experience at 4 PM for 5 yuan per sheet. 3 Jining | Shandong Arrive at Qufu Ming Ancient City at 7 AM when the palace walls just open. At the main gate, there’s an opening ceremony with gongs and drums, and elderly men in Hanfu recite the Analects. Don’t push into the crowded Dacheng Hall; instead, head to the Confucius Mansion on the east side. In the back garden, a 500-year-old cypress tree offers shade where you can sit for 10 minutes and hear cicadas drown out the tour guide’s speaker. In the afternoon, head to Weishan Lake. Take the high-speed train from Qufu East Station to Zaozhuang Station, then a 30-minute taxi to the ferry. ⚠️ Buy only the boat ticket and skip the island’s paid attractions. Circling the lake is the most relaxing. At 5:30 PM, the lake’s surface shimmers like gold flakes, and cormorants perch on the boat’s bow, shaking water droplets from their wings. 🍜 The lakeside food stalls serve freshly fried lotus root sandwiches, crispy outside and sticky inside. Don’t order the spicy version—the chili isn’t spicy and it’s a waste. 4 Jiayuguan | Gansu “Is one day enough for Jiayuguan?” “It’s just one pass, what else is there to do?” My answer to both: yes, and I recommend visiting the Hanging Great Wall in the morning. It’s less crowded, the steps are steep, and climbing up offers a full view of the pass. Have a bowl of beef hand-pulled noodles nearby for 8 yuan—the noodles are perfectly chewy. Enter the pass at 2 PM. ⏰ The light then hits the “First and Greatest Pass Under Heaven” plaque just right, perfect for silhouette photos. ⚠️ Don’t spend too much time at the first pier—just a dirt mound and a river, done in 10 minutes. Inside the pass, there’s archery for 20 yuan for 10 arrows. Even with weak arm strength like mine, I hit two targets. 🚄 A 15-yuan taxi ride from downtown. Make sure the driver drops you off at the East Gate entrance. 5 Baoting | Hainan Betel Nut Valley or Yanoda? If you have kids, go to Yanoda. The rainforest boardwalks are slippery but the scenery is wilder, with suspension bridges over streams and waterfalls. ⚠️ Don’t wear flip-flops—you’ll slip into the mud. I wore them once and felt like an acrobat the whole time. If you’re interested in Li culture, Betel Nut Valley is worth half a day. There, Li grandmas weave Li brocade with hands and feet as fast as machines. 📍 At the far end of the park is a small exhibition hall with original boat-shaped houses. After visiting, you can exit through a side gate without retracing your steps. 🍜 Outside the park, roadside stalls sell Lingshui sour rice noodles, tangy and spicy, 10 yuan a bowl. Don’t forget to add yellow lantern chili—it’s so spicy you gasp but can’t stop eating. 6 Zhongwei | Ningxia How to combine Gaomiao Bao’an Temple and Shapotou? I recommend visiting Gaomiao first in the morning. It’s free, compact, and the underground palace’s eighteen levels of hell statues are a bit creepy but the place is quiet. From the roof, you can see the distant Yellow River, with the wind carrying the scent of sand. 🚄 A 5-yuan taxi ride from downtown. After lunch with wormwood noodles, take a taxi to Shapotou, about 30 minutes. Shapotou has a Yellow River area and a desert area. ⏰ Enter the desert area after 4 PM when the sand isn’t hot on your feet. Camel rides cost 100 yuan per person for half an hour. ⚠️ The glass bridge in the Yellow River area is not recommended—tickets are expensive and it doesn’t feel special. 🍜 At the city night market, grilled lamb trotters are 15 yuan for two, heavily seasoned with cumin. The aroma sticks to your fingers as you eat. 7 Nanchong | Sichuan In Langzhong Ancient City, if you’re with elders, walk the main street from Zhongtian Tower to Huaguang Tower. The stone-paved road is gentle, and vinegar shops on both sides offer free tastings. Baoning vinegar is sweet and sour, 10 yuan a bottle. If you’re alone, explore Bixiang Street near the east gate, where Baoning steamed buns are freshly made with a hint of osmanthus. 📍 At the end of the street is an abandoned old government office, unattended, where you can climb up to see the roof tiles. Couples should visit the Jialing River at dusk. A ferry ride costs 5 yuan. After the lights come on at Nanjingguan Ancient Town across the river, their reflections in the water look like an old movie. ⚠️ Don’t eat Zhang Fei beef in the ancient city—it’s expensive and tough. Cross the bridge at the west gate and try the beef noodles at a small shop for 8 yuan a bowl, with plenty of meat. 8 Shigatse | Tibet ⏰ Leave Shigatse city at 6 AM by carpool to Everest Base Camp. It takes a full day round trip. Along the way, you’ll see vast barley fields. The driver stops at Gangga Town for breakfast—Tibetan noodles cost 12 yuan a bowl, with rich broth. At Rongbuk Monastery, over 5,000 meters high, walk slowly and stop to catch your breath while admiring the mountains. Everest is clearest around noon; when clouds part, the peak looks like it was carved with a knife. Plan Zhashilunbu Monastery for the next day. In the morning, visit the Qiangba Buddha Hall, where the towering bronze statue makes your neck ache from looking up. ⚠️ Don’t wear hats inside the hall and remove your shoes. There’s a small teahouse on the circumambulation path where sweet tea costs 5 yuan a cup, rich in milk flavor. You can sit for half an hour watching monks pass by. 🍜 In the city, Tibetan restaurants serve potato and beef buns, 15 yuan a basket. Dip them in chili powder for a satisfying and altitude-friendly snack. Of these 7 places, I most want to revisit Xinzhou and Jiayuguan—one cool and ancient, the other desolate and magnificent. If you’ve been to any, share your surprises or pitfalls in the comments.

During the trip to Nanchong, I stayed at a hotel opposite the New Century Department Store on Guozhou Avenue. In the morning, the rain was still falling. Heading south along Guozhou Avenue, I walked all the way to the banks of the Xixi River. The Zhang Lan Memorial Hall is located nearby within a school campus. Inside the campus stands a statue of Zhang Lan, dressed in a long gown, with a full beard and hands behind his back, standing tall and dignified. Zhang Lan’s former residence is on a small hill behind, now turned into the Zhang Lan Memorial Hall. The residence is a wooden structure in the style of a Qing dynasty courtyard house, formerly known as Sansheng Palace, covering an area of 800 square meters. Born in 1872 in Zhangguanggou, Zhonghe Township, the former Nanchong County, Zhang Lan’s father, Zhang Wendao, was a Qing dynasty scholar who barely made a living by farming leased land and running a private school. In 1903, Zhang Lan was selected as an official Sichuan government-sponsored student at Zunjing Academy in Chengdu and sent to study at Hongwen Academy in Tokyo, Japan. The following year, he returned home after advocating reform and modernization, taking a position as a senior teacher and academic director at the Sichuan Shunqing Prefecture Government Middle School, serving his hometown’s education. In 1911, he helped lead the Sichuan Railway Protection Movement and earned praise from Sun Yat-sen. In 1912, he became a member of the Beijing House of Representatives. In 1914, after Yuan Shikai dissolved the parliament, Zhang Lan angrily left Beijing and returned to Nanchong to run a school. He then established the Northern Sichuan National Protection Army headquarters, declared Northern Sichuan independent, and denounced Yuan Shikai’s attempt to become emperor. After the republic was restored, Zhang Lan served as the governor of Jialing Circuit for two years. General Cai E, then commander of Sichuan troops, called him “today’s Guan Zhong.” In 1917, he briefly served as governor of Sichuan Province. During the May Fourth Movement, he was executive director of the Beijing Morning Post. In 1926, he became president of National Chengdu University. In the fall of 1938, entrusted by Zhou Enlai, he founded the private Jianhua Middle School in Nanchong and served as its principal. This school is located at his former residence. Zhu De, Luo Ruiqing, and others were his early students. During the War of Resistance, he served as a member of the National Political Consultative Conference and was one of the founders of the China Democratic League, making outstanding contributions to the war effort. After the war, he led the Democratic League in opposing civil war, advocating a united front, and supporting the People’s Liberation War. After the founding of the People’s Republic of China, he was elected vice chairman of the country and successively served as a standing committee member of the first National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, vice chairman of the second National Committee of the CPPCC, and vice chairman of the first National People’s Congress. He passed away in Beijing in February 1955 at the age of 83.

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Where to take the kids for summer fun? Cool, fun, and budget-friendly! These 8 underrated cool getaways stretch from southwest to northeast to northwest China. The high-speed train ride never exceeds 5 hours, but the feel is like traveling through two seasons. Don’t just follow the popular lists and swarm the same places. These are the spots savvy parents really keep to themselves. 01 Nanchong | Sichuan 📍Langzhong ancient town is the least “ancient town” ancient town I’ve taken my kids to. Enter at 3 PM and the streets sizzle with frying oil sounds, while old men sit on bamboo chairs squinting at the sunlight patches. 🍜 Had a bowl of Zhang Fei beef noodles so chewy my daughter slurped down two bowls in half an hour. ⚠️ Tip: Avoid walking the main street at noon—it’s blazing hot and stuffy. Instead, turn into Xiushui Street inside the east gate. The stone-paved road is cool and shady, and kids can chase cats in the alley all afternoon. At 5:30 PM, climb Huaguang Tower. The Jialing River breeze messes up your hair. At that moment, it hardly feels like summer—it’s clearly autumn. 02 Weihai | Shandong Weihai is perfect for early risers. At 6 AM, you can push a stroller for a lap along the coastal road. The sea breeze is cool, the light is soft, and only a few locals are out exercising. 🍜 Breakfast at the morning market by the pier: one-yuan hairtail fish dumplings. Kids eat them one after another, mouths full of soup. ⏰ Before 10 AM, Chengshantou and Huaxia City are so quiet it feels like you have the boardwalk all to yourself. Take a nap at the hotel at noon, then head out at 4 PM to Liugong Island. The sound of waves is the best background music for kids. ⚠️ One pitfall: don’t rent those colorful multi-person bikes. They’re slow and hard to ride. Pushing the stroller is more reliable. 03 Jiayuguan | Gansu If your child is into ancient battles, Jiayuguan is their happy place. ⏰ At 7:30 AM, when the fortress just opens and tourists haven’t arrived, you can hear flags flapping in the wind. Kids can run around the base of the city wall pretending to be generals defending the fortress. 🍜 Turn into a nearby farmhouse and try the sour jellied noodles with plenty of sour sauce. Add chili, and even kids can eat half a bowl. ⚠️ Tip: Don’t climb the Great Wall at midday. The scorching sun and windblown sand ruin the experience. Come after 3 PM or even better, around 6 PM when the light turns the battlements warm gold. No filter needed for photos. 04 Xinzhou | Shanxi Xinzhou is a seriously underrated summer cool spot. Wutai Mountain needs no introduction—its high altitude makes you want a jacket as soon as you enter. But don’t just stick to the temples. 📍On the steps below Dailuo Peak, my kid climbed faster than me. Sitting on a rock catching my breath, I watched flocks of birds flutter down from the peak. ⏰ When hungry in the afternoon, go to Taihuai Town and find a small restaurant selling Tai mushrooms stewed with chicken. The broth is so fresh my kid drank two bowls. If Wutai Mountain feels crowded, head straight to Yanmen Pass. That Great Wall ruin is wild and quiet except for the wind and your footsteps. Kids can crawl through the watchtowers and play all afternoon. ⚠️ Laoniuwan is a hidden gem. The Yellow River bends here quietly. At dusk, you can see warm yellow lights glowing from the cave dwellings across the river. 05 Mudanjiang | Heilongjiang I call Mudanjiang the hidden summer cool spot of northeast China. 🚄 Take the high-speed train to Mudanjiang Station, then a 30-minute taxi to Jingpo Lake. The temperature drops to just over 20°C as soon as you get off. 📍The most interesting spot is Diaoshuilou Waterfall. Watching the water crash down, kids shout from the viewing platform from start to finish. 🍜 For lunch, skip the main restaurants in the scenic area. Walk 200 meters out and try the local favorites: grilled cold noodles and fried squid from street vendors. ⚠️ Note: Mosquitoes can be fierce in Mudanjiang during summer. Remember to spray kids with insect repellent at dusk. Another fun activity is a half-hour boat ride on the lake. The breeze makes you drowsy—perfect for a nap. 06 Anyang | Henan Anyang is a treasure for kids who love history. 📍In the morning, visit the Yin Ruins. My daughter squatted in front of the display case, eyes wide, asking, “Mom, were ancient characters harder to write than drawings?” 🍜 At noon, head to Xidajie for flat rice noodles with vegetables. Remember to add plenty of garlic paste and chili. If your kid can’t handle spice, add less, but the broth is truly delicious. ⏰ In the afternoon, go to Taihang Grand Canyon. Don’t hike—take the sightseeing bus to Peach Blossom Valley. The creek water is so cold it turns your feet red. Kids take off their shoes and splash around, impossible to pull away. ⚠️ Tip: Yin Ruins is closed Monday mornings. Don’t make a wasted trip. 07 Baoting | Hainan Skip Sanya this summer and head straight to Baoting in Hainan. Half the crowds, twice the cool. 📍In Yanoda Rainforest, the boardwalk winds through the treetops. Kids stop every few steps to watch unfamiliar big butterflies. 🍜 At the entrance, Li ethnic women sell colorful rice and roasted sweet potatoes. Kids get their hands black from eating. ⚠️ Important: Rain in Baoting can start suddenly. Always carry an umbrella, but the air feels even fresher after the rain stops. In the afternoon, visit Betel Nut Valley where Li grandmas weave Li brocade. The silk threads fly in their hands, and kids don’t want to leave. The whole route is stroller-friendly and flat, so even toddlers won’t fuss. 08 Shigatse | Tibet Shigatse is for hardcore parents ready to brave high altitudes. 📍The debate session at Tashilhunpo Monastery at 4:30 PM is the highlight. Kids don’t understand Tibetan but love watching the monks clap and glare, laughing uproariously. ⚠️ Key tip: Sunscreen is essential during the day. Don’t forget kids’ sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses. The UV rays on the plateau are no joke. If your kid has energy, head to Everest Base Camp early the next day. The drive is long, but watching the snow-capped mountains grow larger outside the window is unforgettable. But if you bring kids to Everest, be sure to bring portable oxygen. Don’t tough it out. One last heartfelt note: Among these 8 places, Weihai and Baoting offer the best experiences for kids—one is cool and worry-free, the other lets kids play in the rainforest water. If you want a different kind of scenery, go to Jiayuguan and Xinzhou. Your kids will have stories to share all semester. Where are you planning to go this summer? Let’s chat in the comments so I can steal some ideas~

01 Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture | Qinghai Who says you have to go to the mountains to cool off? Here, the cold will catch you off guard. Few people, high altitude, and you’ll need a jacket in summer. Both Hoh Xil and Sanjiangyuan are here, and just their names sound chilling. ⏰ The average temperature in July is only 12–18°C. Step onto the grassland, and the wind feels icy, the water crystal clear. 📍 In the Hoh Xil no-man’s land, don’t even think about driving deep in. Just admire the Tibetan antelopes from the Qinghai-Tibet Highway. To get close to Sanjiangyuan National Park, remember to book in advance. The coolest moment is at 5 AM when the wetland mist hasn’t lifted and every breath feels cold. ⚠️ At over 4,000 meters altitude, don’t shower the first day. Altitude sickness is no joke. 🍜 Try the hand-pulled yak meat with dry chili powder from street stalls. Eating it hot is the only way to handle the temperature here. 02 Mudanjiang | Heilongjiang Summer in Northeast China is often overlooked, but Mudanjiang is an exception. At night, you’ll need a blanket at Jingpo Lake, which feels 2 degrees cooler than Harbin. ⏰ At 4 PM, jump into the waterfall at Diaoshuilou by Jingpo Lake. The mist splashing on your face is truly refreshing. For real coolness, skip the boat ride and head to the only fish restaurant by the lake for stewed lake carp with dried tofu rolls and scallions—bursting with fresh flavor. 📍 Enter from the north gate and walk to the ancient Yaoshi temple. The shade is so thick it blocks all sunlight. After 10 minutes, your arms feel cool. ⚠️ Summer nights in Mudanjiang can suddenly bring heavy rain. Carry a windbreaker—it’s more practical than an umbrella. 03 Nanchong | Sichuan Northeast Sichuan is known for its humidity, but Langzhong Ancient City is an exception. The Jialing River flows around the city, sweeping away the heat. Once the Ba Zi Gate closes, it’s refreshingly cool inside. ⏰ After 6 PM, the river breeze under Huaguang Tower is the best. Walking around, you’ll forget how hot the day was. 🍜 Zhang Fei beef noodles on the street look fiery with red chili oil, but one bowl will make you sweat slightly and feel cooler. If the stone streets tire you, head to the Li Family Courtyard. The old locust tree shades the yard completely. Sitting on a bamboo chair and zoning out is even better than air conditioning. ⚠️ Don’t climb Zhongtian Tower at noon. The stairs are narrow and stuffy. Five minutes up and you’ll be drenched—definitely not worth it. 04 Lishui | Zhejiang A rare hidden gem in Zhejiang, summer averages 26°C here. Every breath of air tastes sweet, earning it the nickname “Zhejiang’s green valley.” Yunhe terraced fields are best visited early. 🌅 At 6 AM, the mist still lingers, sunlight peeks through the mountain gaps, and the terraces look like cool mirrors. If you’re not up for a long walk, just do the Jiugou Yunhuan viewing platform. Two hours is enough, mostly flat, suitable for elders and kids. 📍 At the foot of Dinghu Peak in Jinyun Xiandu, the water in that pool can chill watermelon. I’ve seen locals soak beer in it. Qingtian Shimen Cave is even better. Napping by the waterfall, wrapped in mist, a 30-degree day feels like 20 degrees. 🍜 Don’t miss freshly baked Jinyun sesame cakes filled with preserved vegetable and meat. They’re so hot you won’t want to put them down. 05 Pingdingshan | Henan Don’t just think of Pingdingshan as coal country. Yaoshan Mountain is the real summer cool spot. High and forested, it never gets hot in summer. 📍 At Yaoshan—Zhongyuan Giant Buddha Scenic Area, you’ll feel cool air rising from the ground as soon as you enter. ⏰ At 2 PM, the hottest time, stay at the west viewing platform. The wind blows through the valley, making you want to wrap up in a jacket. If you’re with elders, skip climbing Yuhuang Peak and take the Pearl Waterfall trail instead. The sound of flowing water and high humidity make it feel at least 5 degrees cooler. ⚠️ The cable car often stops running due to strong winds. Check official announcements before going up, or you might get stuck and have sore legs for days. 🍜 Down the mountain in Lushan County, try the hearty Lan Guo Cai stew. One bowl warms you up, but the mountain breeze quickly cools you down again—quite magical. 06 Shigatse | Tibet At the foot of Mount Everest, how hot can it get? Nearly 4,000 meters high, the sun feels scorching during the day, but shade chills you to the bone. ⏰ At 3 AM at Everest Base Camp, temperatures can drop to zero. Wrapped in a down jacket watching the Milky Way, you’ll shiver, but this is true summer cooling. 📍 The kora path at Tashilhunpo Monastery is quiet before 10 AM. Sunlight slants on the red walls, casting long shadows. The fluttering prayer flags calm your mind instantly. If altitude sickness headaches bother you, don’t push yourself to Everest Base Camp. Just admire the monastery’s golden roof in Shigatse city. ⚠️ The monastery’s spirit tower closes at 4 PM. Don’t arrive just in time or you won’t get in. 🍜 Tibetan noodles with sweet tea, eaten hot, are the right way to enjoy summer on the plateau. 07 Chifeng | Inner Mongolia Summer on the grasslands means wind blowing low over cattle and sheep, making your hair stand on end. The Hashatu stone forest in Keshenketeng Banner is like a forgotten air-conditioned room on Earth. 📍 The granite peaks of the stone forest have cracks formed by centuries of weathering, hiding cool breezes. ⏰ At noon, avoid the scorching sun on the grassland. Hide in the stone forest’s shade, where temperatures are 7–8 degrees cooler. If you brought a tent, camp by the grassland at 5 PM. At sunset, the wind is gentle, and the scent of grass and earth is the ultimate summer cool. ⚠️ Mosquitoes are fierce on the grassland. Long pants and sleeves are a must. Mosquito repellent won’t help. 🍜 Handheld lamb with wild chive flowers delivers the grassland’s rugged flavor in every bite. 08 Tianjin Don’t laugh—Tianjin has its own ways to stay cool in summer. The breeze from the Haihe River feels better than air conditioning, and the activities are fun and affordable. 📍 The Italian Style Town is hot during the day but cools down after 6 PM. Grab ice cream at an outdoor stand, watch the streetlights come on, and see Renaissance buildings bathed in warm yellow light—better than any filter. ⏰ At 8 PM by the lake near the Olympic Sports Center Stadium, go for a breeze or a run. It’s quiet and uncrowded. The Five Avenues cultural tourism area is a top summer escape. Rent a shared bike and cruise under the old locust trees on Chongqing Road and Dali Road at 10 km/h. The breeze comes naturally. ⚠️ Don’t go to Fantawild Adventure between 10 AM and 4 PM. The ground is hot enough to fry eggs, and after waiting 30 minutes in line, you’ll be the one overheated. If you must go, the night session is the way to go. 🍜 At Nanshi Food Street, try Guoba Cai at 6 AM. It’s hot but just an appetizer. The real coolness is at Er Saozi’s Jianbing Guozi stall. One bite of the freshly made crepe with sauce and mung bean flour chill is amazing.