Tired of the summer heat? Why not plan some time away in August? Here we list four hidden gems in China known for their cool climate so you can have a wonderful summer escape. Get ready to embark on a journey and make the most of August's dazzling days.

Puzhehei, SW China's Yunnan Province

Puzhehei Scenic Area, located in Qiubei County, Wenshan Zhuang and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Yunnan Province, is a charming land that bounds in karst land formations, limpid lakes and diverse ethnic cultures of the Zhuang, Miao, Yi and Bai ethnic groups.

Meaning "a place abundant in fish and shrimps" in the local ethnic language, Puezhehei covers an area of 165 square kilometers and is surrounded by 68 karst lakes and more than 300 mountain peaks.

Visitors can get on a traditional canoe made by the local people to admire the stunning pastoral scenery. August is also the perfect season to catch a glimpse of the blooming lotus flowers. 

Yichun, NE China's Heilongjiang Province

Nicknamed Lindu, which means "forest capital", Yichun City boasts luxuriant forests with hundreds of mountains occupying more than 80 percent of the territory and rivers crisscrossing the city.

It is home to China's first national park – Tangwanghe National Park which is noted for dense Korean pine trees, grotesque stones, peculiar peaks, as well as the Tangwang River – mother river of Yichun.

You can hear the birds chirping, smell the scent of trees and flowers, getting yourself immersed in the healing oxygen bar. The two must-see spots are the Stone Forest Scenic Area and the Remains of Korean Pines.

Liupanshui, SW China's Guizhou Province

Locally known as the "Cool City" or "Cool Capital", Liupanshui is the second largest city in Guizhou Province. The average temperature of 19 degrees Celsius in summer and the relaxing village environment make it a perfect spot to escape the scorching sun in August.

Its name is derived from the city's three constituent counties: Liuzhi, Panzhou and Shuicheng. 

Beipanjiang Bridge, located on the border of Guizhou and Yunnan Provinces, was recognized as the highest bridge in the world by the Guinness World Records in 2018. The bridge soars 565.4 meters above the Beipanjiang Grand Valley, the height equivalent to a 200-story skyscraper.

The Qilin Cave Park, Danxia Mountain, Yushe National Park, as well as the 2,900-meter-high Jiucai Ping Scenic Area are also popular with tourists.

Wanglang, SW China's Sichuan Province

Constructed in 1965, Wanglang National Nature Reserve in Pingwu County, Mianyang City of Sichuan Province characterizes rare wild animals such as giant pandas and their habitats. The stunning forest scenery and fresh air will cleanse your eyes as well as your lungs.

There is a unique Chinese ethnic group of Baima Tibetans living here. Their language, dresses, customs, history and culture are very distinct from others and have been well kept till now, adding more cultural charms to the place. 

Note that the temperature drops significantly at night. Make sure you bring enough warm clothes and prepare for the wind as well.

(Cover image by Qu Bo)