4 Summer Cool-Down Destinations from June to August | Head to a 22°C Summer
🌿 Recommended Cool-Down Spots for July-August: In-Depth Guide to 4 Refreshing Cities
1. Guizhou · Liupanshui | 19°C Natural Cool City, Where Summer Chill Meets Local Life
🌡️ Climate Advantage: Average summer temperature of 19°C, the only city in China named after its climate, air conditioning is just for show! Occasional showers in July and August, bring a light jacket and a folding umbrella.
🚄 Transportation Guide:
- From Changsha: High-speed train direct to Liupanshui East Station, about 4 hours; 10-minute taxi ride to downtown.
- Local Transport: Extensive bus coverage, taxi or electric scooter rental recommended.
🌟 Must-Visit Attractions:
1. Wumeng Grassland
- Horseback riding among wind turbines, camping at night to watch the Milky Way (visible to the naked eye in July-August!), bring warm clothes for the big temperature difference at the summit.
2. Yushe National Forest Park
- Ride the forest train through the dawn redwood forest, end at a family-friendly grass sledding area, hike to breathe fresh air.
3. Shuicheng Ancient Town
- Stroll on bluestone paths, visit the Third Front Construction Museum, enjoy Shuicheng lamb rice noodles and Shuicheng baked pot at Erqi Road snack street in the evening.
🍜 Food Map:
- Signature Breakfast: Lamb rice noodles (recommended "Xiangjia Lamb Rice Noodles"), steamed cakes.
- Night Market Must-Try: Grilled tofu cubes (dip in dry seasoning), silk rolls, ice jelly.
- Restaurant Recommendations: "Panzhou Shifu" for sour soup fish, "Western Cabin" for barbecue (must-order secret beef skewers).
🏨 Accommodation Recommendations:
- High-End: Panzhou International Garden Hotel, 10-minute walk to Minghu Wetland Park.
- Cost-Effective: Liangdu Impression Hotel, convenient dining nearby.
⚠️ Notes:
- Strong UV rays on the plateau, use SPF50+ sunscreen and wear a hat.
- Wumeng Grassland is at 2800 meters altitude, avoid strenuous exercise, oxygen bottles available for purchase in the park.
2. Hubei · Enshi | 22°C Karst Secret Realm, Hiking and Canyon Wonders
🌡️ Climate Advantage: Average summer temperature 22°C, canyon streams naturally cool the air, occasional heavy rain in July-August, monitor weather alerts.
🚄 Transportation Guide:
- From Changsha: High-speed train to Chongqing North Station (about 4 hours), transfer to Enshi Station (2 hours), total about 6 hours.
- Local Transport: Charter or carpool.
🌟 Must-Visit Attractions:
1. Enshi Grand Canyon
- Take the ground cable car to Yunlong Rift to see waterfalls, walk the cliffside plank road at Qixingzhai (not for those afraid of heights), sightseeing elevator available for those with less stamina.
2. Pingshan Canyon
- Arrive at the dock before 8 AM, take the "Spaceship" boat for floating photos, water is cold inside the canyon, wear non-slip shoes.
3. Tenglong Cave
- Asia’s largest karst cave, constant 12°C inside, wear a jacket in summer, enjoy laser shows and Tujia ethnic song and dance performances.
🍜 Food Map:
- Specialty Dishes: Hezha (tofu dregs stewed with cured meat), Zhangguan Hezha, baked potatoes.
- Night Market Recommendation: Daughter City Night Market (evening hand-waving dance performances), try "Old Zhou Cured Meat Restaurant" for cured pork rib hotpot.
🏨 Accommodation Recommendations:
- High-End: Hualong City Ramada Hotel, 10 minutes by car to Daughter City.
- Cost-Effective: Guesthouses inside the Grand Canyon scenic area (e.g., "Xia Gu Xuan Hotel"), convenient for next-day tours.
⚠️ Notes:
- Wear non-slip shoes for canyon hiking, recommended to join a group or travel with companions.
- Some routes may close after heavy rain, check park notices before traveling.
3. Yunnan · Dali | 25°C Between Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake, Artistic and Ethnic Charm
🌡️ Climate Advantage: Average summer temperature 20-25°C, breezes from Erhai Lake disperse the heat, Torch Festival (July 18-19) is lively and festive.
🚄 Transportation Guide:
- From Changsha: High-speed train to Kunming Station (about 6 hours), transfer to Dali Station (2 hours), total about 8 hours.
- Local Transport: Rent electric scooters or bicycles to circle Erhai Lake, recommended section "Caicun-Panxi."
🌟 Must-Visit Attractions:
1. Erhai Ecological Corridor
- Rent an electric scooter to ride, visit the popular S-shaped bend (less crowded at 7 AM), stop at "Fushi Café" seaside terrace for afternoon tea.
2. Xizhou Ancient Town
- Take photos in rice fields (most beautiful early July with yellow and green), try Bai ethnic tie-dye, eat freshly baked crispy popo cakes.
3. Cangshan Light Hiking
- Take the Gantong Cableway to Qingbixi, walk the wooden plank trail for 1 hour to see the Three-Tier Waterfall, for the fit, challenge the Ximatan Cableway (panoramic view of Erhai Lake).
🍜 Food Map:
- Specialty Snacks: Grilled milk fan, rice noodles, carved plum wine.
- Restaurant Recommendations: "Shijing Private Kitchen" for sour and spicy fish, "Duan Gongzi" for steam pot chicken.
- Night Market Recommendation: San Yue Street Night Market (open Fridays), shop for handicrafts and snacks.
🏨 Accommodation Recommendations:
- High-End: Dali Yuyue Designer Hotel, right by Erhai Lake.
- Cost-Effective: Inns around the Old Town.
⚠️ Notes:
- Accommodation is tight during the Torch Festival, book at least 1 month in advance.
- No external vehicles allowed on Erhai Ecological Corridor, rent bikes within the scenic area.
4. Hebei · Chengde | 23°C Imperial Summer Resort, Blend of History and Nature
🌡️ Climate Advantage: Average summer temperature 23°C, the water system design of the Mountain Resort makes it feel 5°C cooler than the city, bring a jacket for mornings and evenings.
🚄 Transportation Guide:
- From Changsha: High-speed train to Beijing Chaoyang Station (about 6 hours), transfer to Chengde South Station (1.5 hours), total about 7.5 hours.
- Local Transport: Taxi or bus (Mountain Resort and Outer Temples are concentrated in the city).
🌟 Must-Visit Attractions:
1. Mountain Resort
- Three must-dos: Take a lake cruise to see the reflection of Jinshan Pavilion, visit the museum to see Kangxi’s ice appraisal, afternoon tea with "Qianlong Covered Bowl Ice."
2. Qingshui Peak
- 10-minute cable car ride up, take photos of the "Bat Hammer Mountain" wonder from the summit viewing platform, pass the famous Toad Rock on the way down.
3. Shuangta Mountain Night Tour
- Lights on after 7:30 PM, two stone pagodas appear to float in the air, shadow puppet shows performed at the foot of the mountain.
🍜 Food Map:
- Specialty Dishes: Qianlong cabbage (sweet with sesame sauce), Nansha cake (crispy mung bean filling), almond tea.
- Restaurant Recommendations: "Qiao Family Manchu Eight Bowls" for venison shumai, "Lao Bian Dumpling House" for steamed dumplings.
- Night Market Recommendation: Erxianju Night Market (must-try grilled cold noodles and fried steamed cakes).
🏨 Accommodation Recommendations:
- High-End: Jiahe International Hotel, 5-minute walk to Mountain Resort.
- Cost-Effective: Chengde Yun She Inn, perfect for a slow-paced experience.
⚠️ Notes:
- Lots of walking inside the Mountain Resort, wear comfortable sports shoes.
- From July 21, seniors over 60 enter free with ID.
🌟 Summary: Highlights and Travel Tips for the 4 Cities
- Best for Families: Liupanshui (grassland camping), Chengde (Mountain Resort + family activities).
- For Artistic Youth: Dali (Erhai cycling + tie-dye experience).
- Outdoor Enthusiasts: Enshi (canyon hiking).
- History and Culture Lovers: Chengde (imperial gardens).
🚩 Travel Tips:
1. July-August is peak season, book tickets and accommodation 7-15 days in advance.
2. Monitor destination weather; Enshi and Liupanshui are rainy, bring rain gear; Dali and Chengde have strong UV, prepare sunscreen.
3. From Changsha, high-speed trains reach Liupanshui and Guiyang; flights available to Enshi and Dali.
Escape the 35°C+ heat and retreat to a cool 22°C town for a refreshing summer getaway for body and soul!