15 Best Places to Visit in China in Summer 2024

Avatar Hallelujah Mountain at Yuanjiajie

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

Tianmen Mountain Glass Bridge Walking

Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge at Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon

• Type: Mountain, National Geopark, Valley, Hiking
• Best Places to Visit There: Tianzi Mountain, Yuanjiajie, Huangshi Village, Golden Whip Stream, Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon (Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge), Tianmen Mountain, etc.
• Recommended Trip Length:  3-5 days;

The “Hallelujah Mountain” in the mysterious “Pandora World” in the 3D movie - “Avatar” has stirred the world to dream of such incredible place with floating mountains and lush forest wonderland. Why not have a terrific exploration of the “Avatar World” in reality in Wulingyuan Scenic Area (often known as Zhangjiajie National Forest Park) in Zhangjiajie, Hunan. From June to August, Wulingyuan is pleasantly cool with dense forest cover. Since Zhangjiajie has more rainy days in summer, you will have more amazing chances to see the scenery of floating “Avatar Mountains” with fogs hiding the lower parts of the pillar peaks, which is unbelievable but real! Furthermore, streams, valleys, peaks, forests, etc. At the refreshing Golden Whip Stream, Yuanjiajie, Tianzi Mountain, Yellow Stone Village, etc. refresh your eyes and mind with various green everywhere! However, looking more fun and adventure besides and unreal sightseeing? Walk on the world longest and highest Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge and take the top outdoor thrilling walking, bold cable riding, hiking, driving along twisty mountain paths, etc. at Tianmen Mountain for the best happy and cool summer memory in China!

▶ Learn more about: How to Plan a Zhangjiajie Tour | Zhangjiajie Travel Guide

Ordos Grassland

Hulunbuir Grassland

Daadam Fair in Inner Mongolia

Hulunbuir Grassland

• Type: Grassland, Mongolian ethnic places, nature
• Best Places to Visit There: Hohhot, Baotou, Ordos, Ulanqab, Hulunbuir
• Recommended Trip Length:  3-6 days;

If you are looking for somewhere cool and flat without much hiking on the mountains, go to Inner Mongolia! Summer from June to August is the most beautiful season of this really large prefecture in north China, when you will catch the lushest grassland in verdant green reaching endlessly to meet the clear azure sky with soft white clouds, flocks of horses, cattle and herds grazing and roaming on the soft natural carpet, diverse fresh flowers blooming over the emerald land, lovely clear lakes and winding river mirroring the gorgeous sun glow, dense forests housing plentiful birds and beasts, etc. Hohhot and Hulunbuir is the top favored places to admire such fabulous and idyllic scenery and enjoy the highest level of freedom and worry free. Also, the most beautiful golden sunflowers are waiting for you in central Inner Mongolia, particularly Bayannur. And from July to August, the annually grand Naadam Fair is held to welcome world people to join in the hospitable Inner Mongolian people, when you will watch diverse ethnic activities and competitions, like horse racing, wrestling, etc. and lots of song and dance performance on that ethnic carnival!

Mogao Cave in Dunhuang

Zhangye Danxia Landscape

Crescent Lake in Dunhuang

Jiayuguan Fortress

• Type: Desert, Mountains, Caves, Cultural & Historical Sites, Buddhist Carving
• Best Places to Visit There: Zhangye, Jiayuguan, Dunhuang, Lanzhou, Urumqi
• Recommended Trip Length:  3-6 days
• Tips for Traveling:  sunglasses, sunblock, lip balm, sun hat, etc.;

The Silk Road linking China and the mid-Asia countries ranks top among best places to visit in China in summer months. The part from Zhangye, Jiayuguan to Dunhuang in Gansu Province is the most favorite along that more than 4,000 km long business and cultural route! From June to August, it is comfortable and warm without much hot on Silk Road in Gansu, and the clear sky changes the desert, mountains, parks, etc. more gorgeous with brighter colors. Do not miss the splendors of Zhangye Danxia Geopark, Binggou Danxia Geopark, etc. with rainbow colors in Zhangye or the amazing Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Lake like an oasis in desert, etc. in Dunhuang. However, the well-known Mogao Cave praised as "Louvre of the East" is your must-do to closely admire the excellent mural painting and Buddhist carving skills during the past thousands of years for Chinese artistic culture savory. While, having a cultural visit to Jiayuguan to appreciate the Jiayuguan Fortress, Great Wall Museum, etc. is worthy to feel the literal emotion in the famous traditional Chinese poems and masterpieces.

Stone Forest in Kunming

Black Dragon Pool in Lijiang

• Type: Cities, Old Towns, Lakes, Mountains, Geoparks, Photography, Ethnic Minority Cultural Sites, Historical Sites
• Best Places to Visit There: Kunming, Lijiang, Dali, Lugu Lake,Shangri-La
• Recommended Trip Length:  3-8 days;

The colorful Yunnan is absolutely among the top vacation choices in summer with the quite comfortable weather and plenty of sunshine all year round, however, it is not hot at all! The 3 best destinations, namely Kunming, Lijiang and Dali, are all highly recommended marvel at the primitive landscape of sapphire lakes, snow mountain, lush hills, clear azure sky, soft white clouds, etc. You shall not miss the Stone Forest or Erhai Lake to marvel at the amazing landform creation of nature, or the Lijiang Ancient City, Dali Ancient Town, etc. to appreciate the crossing lanes with ancient wooden houses. Besides, Lugu Lake is pleasantly cool and fabulous with various blossoms, lovely lake and gentle breeze. Also, of course you will get the chance to savor the wonderful ethnic charm of diverse ethnic minorities living there for tens of decades, including Yi, Naxi, Bai, etc., for a nice Chinese culture admiration in this wonderland of ethnic minorities in China! Torch Festival from lunar June 24th or 25th (lasting 3 days at Stone Forest, Kunming, etc.) is great to enjoy the jubilant atmosphere of Yi people if it matches your vacation schedule!

▶ Learn more about: Yunnan Travel Guide | How to Plan a Yunnan Tour

Red Clouds Golden Summit at Fanjingshan

Miao Ethnic Girls in Kaili

Huangguoshu Waterfall in Anshun, Guizhou

Biasha Miao Village in Chongjiang, Guizhou

• Type: mountains, waterfalls, ethnic minority villages, etc.
• Best Places to Visit There: Huangguoshu Waterfall in Anshun, Fanjingshan in Tongren, Guiyang City, Miao and Dong ethnic minority villages in Kaili, Congjiang, Zhaoxing, etc.
• Recommended Trip Length:  2-7 days
• Tips for Traveling:  prepare comfortable shoes, light coat and rain gear for lower temperature in early morning and night hours and sometimes rains. Mosquito repellent suggested;

Guizhou Province in Southwest China has long been an ideal vacation for summer heat escape! Besides its provincial capital - Guiyang with the cool pleasant temperature around the city covered by lush forests and decorated by pleasant lakes, it is more conspicuous with the national most famous Huangguoshu Waterfall in Anshun City. That is the national largest waterfall and enjoys the highest water flow in summer to cool you down greatly. Besides, Fanjingshan listed as UNESCO World Heritage and “Best Trips 2019” by National Geography is pretty cool with only 20 - 28°C averagely in summer. It is an awesome experience to hike to the famous Fanjingshan Temples on the towering narrow peaks and to feel the peaceful Buddhist culture among the ancient temple clusters against the mountain slopes. And summer is the best time to meet the charming sea of clouds of Fanjingshan. Furthermore, Guizhou as the “Home of 55 Ethnic Groups” is amazing to get close to the living villages of diverse ethnic minorities like Miao and Dong. In the most popular Kaili, Congjiang, Rongjiang, Zhaoxing, etc., you can enjoy the real laid-back and simple rural life with wonderful Chinese ethnic charm and lovely rural sightseeing!

▶ Learn more about: Guizhou Travel Guide | How to Plan a Guizhou Tour

Jiuzhai Valley in Summer

Jiuzhai Valley in Summer

• Type: Valleys, Mountains, Forests, Geopark, Lakes, Waterfalls
• Recommended Trip Length:  2-3 days;

As the best water landscape in China, Jiuzhai Valley or Jiuzhaigou in western Sichuan is not to be ignored if you are interested in a nature trip with waterscape this time! That fairyland is the top idyllic resort getaway for cooling down and visual feast in summer, which enjoys an average temperature around 20 from June to August. Prepare the best trip mood and relaxing eyes to immerse into the unbelievable wonderland in emerald with dense forest, transparent lakes, diverse blossoms, abundant waterfalls, etc. nourished under the sapphire sky in Jiuzhaigou. You will see the roots and trunks of the old trees under the water and the perfect clear reflection of surrounding emerald, orange and yellow plantations. Moreover, the various big and small waterfalls from the forest, along the mountain, etc. Give you more cool and refreshment in the hot months. With snow capped mountains show between the near peaks, Jiuzhaigou seems really the living places for fairies. Furthermore, the nearby Huanglong National Park is often planned with Jiuzhaigou to catch the fabulous sightseeing of diverse shaped and colorful calcified ponds, caves, waterfalls, streams, stones, etc. Together make another “Heaven on the Earth”.

▶ Learn more about: Jiuzhai Valley Travel Guide | How to Plan a Jiuzhaigou Trip

Potala Palace in Lhasa

Namtso Lake in Nagchu

• Type: Plateau, Mountains, Temples & Monasteries, Buddhist Sites, Lakes
• Best Places to Visit There: Lhasa, Gyantse, Shigatse, The Everest, Shannan
• Recommended Trip Length:  3-11 days;
• Tips for Traveling: Sunglasses, Sun hat, Sunblock, water, oxygen device

Tibet is the holy land dreamed by numerous international travelers to visit at least once in the lifetime. And summer is the best time to visit Tibet when to enjoy the plenty sunshine, abundant clear shining days and comfortable temperature. In this sacred land, you are highly advised visit Lhasa to discover the world famed Potala Palace, Barkhor Street, Jokhang Temple, Sera Monastery, etc. to experience the rich Buddhist religious culture and the strong power of beliefs through their praying wheels and devout prostration. You will meet the most beautiful and peaceful Namtso Lake in Nagchu and Yamdro Lake in Shannan with the superb appealing azure water under blue sky. Any worries, troubles and pressure will be removed quickly and easily in front of such ideal paradise on the pure land. On the way to Gyantse and Shigatse, soak in distinct old cultural monastery and nunnery sites in white, scarlet, etc. to understand the belief of Tibetan people everywhere, no missing the Palcho Monastery, Sakya Monastery, etc. Of course, viewing The Everest - world highest peak (8848.86m), from the Everest Base Camp is the impressive goal if you have a great physical condition for the especially low temperature, thin air and high speed wind.

Longji Rice Terraces in Summer

Guilin Li River

• Type: Mountains, Ethnic Villages, River, Cruise, Hiking, Photography, Nature
• Best Places to Visit There: Li River, Yangshuo, Longji Rice Terraces, Elephant Thunk Hill, Reed Flute Cave
• Recommended Trip Length:  3-6 days;

Guilin has the best landscape on earth. Dating with the fantastic sightseeing of Guilin is one of the best things to do for summer vacation, since you will get released and glad about the layers of diverse karst peaks erupting from the emerald land across the city and rural area. Taking the most classic Li River cruise down to feel traveling in a landscape ink painting with typical Chinese elegance. And roaming around Yangshuo countryside to see those dotted Karst mushroom emerald hills with winding Yulong River is extremely favored by many domestic and international visitors to Yangshuo. Taking a bamboo rafting gives you more fun and cool on water. Though it often rains in Guilin in summer, the bright sky, white clouds, fresh mountains, luxurious crops, etc. Are quite appealing and refreshing for summer release. Furthermore, Longsheng with much lower temperature is idyllic to escape from the summer heat. Its famous Longji Rice Terraces spectacle is glossy and green with graceful curves layer by layer along the mountain. You may join some featured ethnic festivals or gala of local Yao and Zhuang people in summer months!

▶ Learn more about: Guilin Travel Guide | How to Plan a Guilin Tour

Emerald Yangtze Three Gorges

Yangtze River Cruise in Summer

• Type: Cruise, Mountains, Gorges, Nature, River
• Best Places to Visit There: Chongqing, Yichang, Three Gorges
• Recommended Trip Length:  4-5 days;

Just want to spend your vacation in a slow pace but also with something beautiful to enjoy? The classic and popular 4-5 Days Chongqing Yichang Yangtze River Cruise as one of the favored summer choices is also your ideal one to get fully relaxed! The fascinating Three Gorges including Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge and Xiling Gorge is cool and verdant with rich forest cover with the emerald river running between. The well arranged shore excursions to primitive streams, amazing pagodas, old villages, and more interesting cultural and historical attractions will enrich your trip experience with the authentic life, ethnic culture and Chinese history along the Yangtze. Further, the professional and caring staff on the luxury Yangtze River cruise ships will take care of your everything and every day to help you have sound sleeps, enjoy diverse delicious Chinese and Western gourmet, have fun and relax with nice performances and entertainment onboard for an ultimate vacation relax! The fix number of guests between 120-650 based on the ship sizes makes the cruise vacation terrific to avoid the crowds, especially in the Chinese students summer vacation in July and August! The cruise trip is particularly suitable for families with kids, couple, and seniors!

Huangshan Yellow Mountain in Summer

Hongcun Village in Huangshan

• Type: Mountain, UNESCO World Cultural Heritage, Hiking, Photography, Old Villages, Architectures
• Best Places to Visit There: Yellow Mountain, Hongcun Village, Xidi Village, Tunxi Old Street, Hu Kaiwen Ink Factory
• Recommended Trip Length:  3-4 days;

Yellow Mountain in Huangshan City is the national top spectacular mountain and the excellent World Natural and Cultural Heritage site, which is also a particular popular summer place to visit from June to September every year. Visiting Huangshan in summer, you will meet three of the four wonders of Yellow Mountain, including the verdant strange pines, absurd rocks and the sea of clouds with more chances. Besides the comfortable temperature, the emerald rockery peaks with strange shapes with verdant pines helps you enjoy a scenic and fun summer hiking trip to embrace lots of natural wonders. The mysterious sea of clouds usually occurs after rains and changes Yellow Mountain to a charming fairyland. Glorious sunrise (05:00-06:00) and sunset (18:00-19:00) sightseeing are memorable to catch in summer. Besides, have a leisure stroll among those typical picturesque Hui styled old villages like Hongcun, Xidi, Chenggan, and so forth is the best combo with Yellow Mountain to admire the elegant culture and beauty of Huangshan. Also, the Mukeng Bamboo Forest is great to go together to get refreshed with abundant green nature.

▶ Learn more about: Huangshan Travel Guide | How to Plan a Huangshan Tour