July is a month in which you would rather stay at home with the air conditioning on than hang out under the scorching sun. However, there are plenty of places in China that offer cool summer getaways. Follow CGTN and collect some ideas for your next summer retreat in China.
Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Southwest China
High altitude often comes with cooler weather conditions. Located in western Sichuan Province, Ganzi, also known as Garze in Tibetan, is surrounded by rocky terrain and mountains with an average altitude that is over 3,000 meters above sea level.
Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in southwest China's Sichuan Province. /VCG Photo
Tagong, or Lhagong in Tibetan, is noted for its Tibetan Buddhist monasteries and scenic grasslands as well as places for hiking, horse-riding and Tibetan homestays in the surrounding area.
Tagong Monastery in Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Sichuan Province. /VCG Photo
Mount Gongga, also known as Minya Konka in Tibetan, is the highest peak in Sichuan Province, standing at staggering 7,556 meters. It is a sacred mountain for local mountaineers, which boasts picturesque views of snow-capped peaks, lush forest, alpine lakes, and deep gorges.
Mount Gongga is known as the sacred mountain in southwest China's Sichuan Province. /VCG Photo
Anji County, East China
In Huzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, lies a county that has the pleasant climate throughout the year with an average temperature of 15-17 degrees Celsius.
Best known for its bamboo, Anji County houses 60,000 hectares of bamboo groves. The famous scene in the Academy Award-winning film "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" (2000) where two main characters fight in the sea of bamboo was filmed right here.
A still from "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" (2000). /Photo via Douban.com
After years of ecological construction, it is now an eco-tourism spot for nature lovers. You can either immerse yourself in the local bamboo art or admire the area of Hidden Dragon Waterfalls, known as Canglong Baipu in Mandarin.
Hidden Dragon Waterfalls in Anji County, east China's Zhejiang Province, offer splendid waterfall views. /VCG Photo
Hulunbuir Prairie, North China
Some consider July to be the best time to visit the Hulunbuir Prairie in northeastern Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. It impresses tourists with limitless views of blue sky dotted with white clouds as well as lush, green grass surrounded by rivers and lakes.
Hulunbuir Prairie in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. /VCG Photo
Here, you are given the opportunity to leave pollution behind and have close interaction with the local nomads, experience exhilarating horse-riding and enjoy a lamb feast.
Horse-riding is a must-try activity in Hulunbuir Prairie, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. /VCG Photo
The Naadam Festival is one of the most significant occasions for the locals. Held on the fourth day of the lunar month of June - which usually falls in July - it features a series of events, such as horse-racing, wrestling and archery, and will definitely enrich your summer.
Mulan Paddock, North China
For those Beijingers who do not have time to visit the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, we here offer an alternative. Often dubbed as Beijing's backyard, the Mulan Paddock in Chengde, north China's Hebei Province, once served as a royal hunting resort in the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912).
Mulan Paddock in Chengde, north China's Hebei Province. /VCG Photo
The views of vast grasslands, flocks of animals, and refreshing air make it an ideal spot for summer retreat and also a paradise for photographers.
Note that temperatures drop dramatically at night even during the summer season. It is suggested to bring a warm coat, comfortable shoes and sun protection products.
(Cover image by Qu Bo)