6 Summer Getaways to Escape the Heat

Beat the summer heat while enjoying cool comfort and fun experiences! Here’s a curated list of **top summer retreats + practical tips** to keep you refreshed all season: --- **I. High-Altitude Cool Escapes – Flee the Heatwave** 1. **Shangri-La, Yunnan** (Avg. temp: 15-25°C) - **Activities**: Hiking in Pudacuo National Park, cycling around Napahai Lake, pilgrimage to Songzanlin Monastery - **Tips**: ✅ Pack a windbreaker for large day-night temperature swings; ✅ July-August offers blooming wildflowers—peak grassland beauty; ✅ Prevent mild altitude sickness; avoid strenuous activity on the first day. 2. **Daocheng Yading, Sichuan** (Avg. temp: 10-20°C) - **Highlights**: Snow-capped peaks (Chenrezig/Yangmaiyong), Milk Lake, Luorong Pasture - **Guide**: 🚗 Rent a car from Chengdu via G318 Highway for gradual altitude acclimation; 🎒 Essentials: oxygen canisters, trekking poles, anti-slip hiking shoes; 📸 Telephoto lenses capture stunning snow-mountain reflections! --- **II. Forest & Lake Oxygen Havens – Breathe Easy** 1. **Liupanshui, Guizhou** ("China’s Cool City", avg. temp: 19°C) - **Recs**: 🌿 Wumeng Grassland (wind turbines + sea of clouds + wildflowers) 💦 Huangguoshu Waterfall (majestic in rainy season) - **Hidden Gems**: Try local grilled dishes in Shuicheng Ancient Town; stargaze from grassland tents. 2. **Changbai Mountain, Jilin** (permanent snowcap) - **Cool Package**: 🌋 Tianchi Lake views + Green Deep Pool Waterfall 🌲 Underground Forest hike (3km wooden trail) ♨️ Volcanic hot springs (authentic ones at Crown Plaza Hotel) --- **III. Coastal Paradise – Water Fun & Seafood** 1. **Zhoushan Islands, Zhejiang** (Dongji Island/Gouqi Island) - **Experiences**: 🌅 Catch the first sunrise at Dongfushan Island; 🌊 Explore the "Abandoned Village" on Gouqi Island (a real-life fairy tale); 🐚 Night squid fishing on Shengshan Island (ultra-fresh!). --- **IV. Far-North Cool Zones – Chase 20°C Summers** 1. **Mohe, Heilongjiang** - **Must-Dos**: ✨ Find the "Northernmost Post Office" and "Northernmost Household" in Arctic Village; 🛶 Drift through Jiuxian Bay Wetland’s winding rivers; 🌌 Possible aurora sightings around summer solstice! --- **⚠️ Universal Summer Tips** 1. **Transport**: - Mountain areas: visit early to avoid afternoon rain/fog; - Popular islands: book ferry tickets 1 month ahead (e.g., Dongji Island). 2. **Gear**: - Sun protection trio: hat + arm sleeves + sunglasses; - Carry a light jacket (for AC-heavy buses/indoor spaces). 3. **Accommodation**: - High-altitude: choose oxygen-supplied hotels; - Beach stays: confirm if tide-pooling tools are provided. 4. **Safety**: - Check geological hazard alerts before rainy-season trips; - No open flames in forests—prevent wildfires. --- > **Zen Cooling Tricks** (for staycations): > 🔹 "Knowledge retreats" at libraries/museums; > 🔹 Mall-hopping with iced coconut water; > 🔹 Home oasis: blackout curtains + mung bean soup + *Our Little Sister* movie marathon. **The essence of summer escapes**: Dodge heatwaves, slow down, and savor the chill. Pick your ideal 25°C destination and go!