Published : 02/06/2026
As summer sets in, Hong Kong and many other cities in China are sweltering, making the heat hard to escape.
For those looking to trade the urban heat for a cooler retreat, these four summer getaways — with average temperatures just above 20°C and plenty of lush mountains and clear waters — are well worth a visit.
Chengde, Hebei: The Imperial Summer Capital, a cool and hidden Gem
When it comes to China's most classic summer resorts, Chengde (承德) is certainly on the list.
Located in the heart of the Yan Mountains (燕山) in Hebei, Chengde is surrounded by mountains that naturally block the rolling heatwaves of midsummer, with an average summer temperature in the city of only 22°C.
As early as the Qing Dynasty, the imperial family took a fancy to this cool place and spent decades building the Chengde Mountain Resort (避暑山莊) as an exclusive place for the royalty to handle government affairs, rest, and enjoy leisure during the summer.
The Chengde Mountain Resort can be described as the "soul" of Chengde; within the park, ancient, vigorous pines form a continuous shade, while lakes, plains, mountains, forests, and palaces are intricately layered, and one can immediately feel a drop of several degrees in temperature upon entering the park.
Besides the royal gardens, the Eight Outer Temples (外八廟) outside the Chengde Mountain Resort are built into the mountains, blending the architectural styles of various ethnic groups such as the Han, Tibetan, and Mongolian peoples.
Strolling among the mountain forests and ancient temples, a gentle breeze carries the fragrance of plants and trees, and the atmosphere is remote and serene.
Unlike the humid heat of southern cities, the air in Chengde is dry and refreshing. During the day, visiting scenic spots is comfortable and pleasant.
In the evening, the temperature drops further, so you will need to put on a light jacket when going for a walk.
Chengde combines a profound historical heritage with a naturally cool climate. If you love cultural and historical sites, or wish to experience royal summer life, Chengde is definitely an excellent choice.
Liupanshui, Guizhou: China's cool capital, a natural air conditioner on the plateau
Located on the Wumeng Plateau in western Guizhou, Liupanshui (六盤水), with its year-round average temperature of around 20℃, has earned the reputation of "China's Cool Capital" and is a natural summer resort city.
Its altitude is moderate, and it is perennially shrouded in clouds and mist that encircle the continuous mountain ranges. The sunlight is gentle and not scorching, and there is almost no high-temperature weather throughout the peak of summer.
The most representative scenic spot in Liupanshui is the Wumeng Grassland (烏蒙大草原). You can see thousands of acres of emerald, green meadows stretching endlessly, with herds of cattle and sheep strolling leisurely.
Giant windmills on the mountaintops turn slowly with the wind, making you feel for a moment as if you are on a distant frontier plateau. Camping, picnicking, or horse riding here, you can look up to a clear blue sky, making it an excellent place to escape the hustle and bustle.
In addition to its pleasant natural scenery, Liupanshui also has a wealth of cultural landscapes to be explored, such as Danxia Mountain (丹霞山), once visited by the famous ancient explorer Xu Xiake, Tuole Village (妥樂村), one of the stops on the Tea Horse Road, and the Beipanjiang Grand Canyon (北盤江大峽谷), known as China's version of the "Grand Canyon" and the "World Bridge Museum".
Nature and culture are intertwined here, making a trip to Liupanshui one with both scenery and stories.
Compared to other popular tourist cities, Liupanshui has fewer tourists, and the attractions are not crowded. There isn't the kind of noise associated with overdevelopment. Whether you take a road trip or stay for a few days, it is very suitable.
Guiyang, Guizhou: A natural oxygen bar, the cool provincial capital in the forest
The next stop is also in Guizhou: Guiyang (貴陽), which is located in the centre.
This city is tightly surrounded by vast stretches of primeval forest, hence its name "Forest City". The extremely high forest coverage allows layers of green trees to block out the sweltering heat.
The average summer temperature in Guiyang's urban area is only 22℃. The air is humid and cool, and the city's abundant vegetation provides plenty of negative oxygen ions. Walking on the streets feels like being in a natural oxygen bar.
So, how exactly should you explore this "Forest City"? The following attractions are not to be missed!
Located within Guiyang city, Qianling Mountain Park (黔靈山公園) is lush and green. As you walk up the mountain path, you may occasionally encounter wild monkeys, the sound of birdsong rises and falls in the forest, and the verdant view washes away the summer heat.
Qingyan Ancient Town (青岩古鎮), on the other hand, preserves its complete flagstone streets and alleys, with quaint, well-arranged traditional houses, and the town has countless speciality snacks, such as braised pig's trotters, rose-flavoured ice jelly, and so on.
If you want to cool off by the water, Tianhetan (天河潭) is the perfect choice, where waterfalls, solutional caves and streams create a delightful scene, and the mountain stream water is refreshingly cool and pleasant.
Read more: Summer boating at Xiaoqikong in Guizhou's picturesque landscape
Kunming, Yunnan: A summer paradise with a spring-like climate all year round
Kunming (昆明) in Yunnan has long been known as the "Spring City", but this mild and comfortable climate is not exclusive to spring; you can have the same experience all year round!
With its temperature regulated by the vast waters of Dianchi Lake (滇池), coupled with the unique topography of the Yunnan Plateau, Kunming's average summer temperature remains around 23°C.
Weather exceeding 30°C is extremely rare throughout the year, making it a superb destination for escaping the summer heat.
The coolness of Kunming can be found by the city's lakesides and amidst the surrounding mountains and rivers.
In the city, Dianchi Lake and Green Lake Park (翠湖公園) are full of lush greenery, the lake breeze gently disperses the muggy heat, and a leisurely stroll along the lake to watch water birds is pleasant and relaxing.
If you want to take an excursion to the nearby suburbs, you can reach it in about an hour by car or self-drive Fuxian Lake (撫仙湖). Here, the lake water is crystal clear and refreshingly cold; whether taking a boat trip on the lake or paddling in the shallows, the summer heat will be completely washed away.
On the way, you can also make a detour to visit the Stone Forest Scenic Area (石林風景區), a geological treasure, to experience the magnificent wonders of the karst landscape.
There's no time to lose, so why not pick your favourite destination from these four summer resorts and set off? With mountains, water, and cool breezes, you can enjoy a pleasant summer journey completely undisturbed by high temperatures!
Read more: Jacaranda spots in Kunming: Indulge in the dreamy purple world