Now that August has arrived and summer is in full swing, the heat waves are driving us to seek an escape from the heat and the hustle and bustle of city life. Sometimes we just crave the kind of vacation where we can take the kind of break where we are able to both physically and mentally to recharge ourselves. Have you planned your summer escape yet?

If not, let’s take a look at some of China’s best destinations for travel in summer.

 

1. Moganshan

Moganshan is one of the four most famous summer resorts in China, the other three being Lushan Mountain, Jigong Mountain, and Beidaihe. Located in Deqing county, Zhejiang, it is only a few hours’ drive away from Shanghai and is perfect for a weekend escape. Known for its cool mountain air and  bamboo forest, Moganshan’s average temperature is only 24.1 degree Celsius throughout the sweltering months of July and August. Due to its cool temperature and relative isolation, Moganshan has been a historical summer destination for many politicians, refined scholars, and upper-class aristocrats over the years.. When you’re surrounded by the vast expanse of forest in Moganshan, it is easy to forget the world of modern man and simple appreciate the idyllic, serene beauty of the nature around you.

Moganshan is perfect for hiking and cycling. You can explore its mountain trails on foot or by bike while getting some cool and fresh air, and when you’re in need of a break, you can visit the region’s organic tea plantations and treat yourself to a refreshing cup of tea. Moreover, you won’t be let down by the wide selection of high-end villas in Moganshan, where you can unwind and get away from it all.

 

2. Altay Prefecture

Altay Prefecture lies in the northwestern part of Xinjiang. The high latitude and altitude has made Altay Prefecture into one of the coolest places in China all year round. In the summertime, the average temperature of Altay Prefecture is around 22.3 degree Celsius. Being a remote and sparsely populated area of China, Altay Prefecture boasts a natural landscape untouched by civilization.

Kanas Nature Reserve is located in the Altay region of Xinjiang. Kanas is home to amazing landscapes made up of lakes, rivers, glaciers, forests, and grasslands. The landscapes of Kanas are not found anywhere else in China. In Altay Prefecture you simply musn’t miss the breathtaking views of the crescent moon-shaped Kanas Lake or the dazzling beauty of the vast Hemu grasslands.

 

3. Enshi

Hugged by lush mountains, Enshi is situated in the southwest part of Hubei. Although located between Wuhan and Chongqing—two very hot parts of China, Enshi is a perfect place to seek coolness in the hot summertime due to its high altitude and comprehensive forest cover. Apart from the cool temperature here, which has an average high of 23 degree Celsius, Enshi possesses unrivaled views such as the Enshi Canyon, the Tenglong Cave etc. The Enshi Canyon features a unique Karst landscape, accompanied by sinkholes, geo-fractures, cliffs, Karst caves and waterfalls. As a tourist spot that is yet fully developed, Enshi seems somewhat mysterious. You don’t have to worry about being disturbed by huge flows of tourists or heavy commercialism in Enshi. All you have to do is just relax and enjoy the tranquility here.