CGTN Travel: China's best destinations in June
Updated 13:48, 29-May-2019
Cui Xingyu
["china"]
June heralds the start of summer in China with the summer heat beginning to set in. For those who feel like a summer getaway before the holiday season kicks in full force, CGTN Travel here recommends four places in China that boast distinctive charms.

Ili, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region

One of the most romantic spots in June goes to Huocheng County in Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, better known as "China's Lavender Town."
Huocheng County in Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. /VCG Photo

Huocheng County in Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. /VCG Photo

Once served as a key town on the northern path of China's Ancient Silk Road, it is now the largest lavender planting base in China, producing large quantities of lavender for years.
When June comes, Huocheng turns into a lavender colored and scented dreamland. Jieyou Princess Lavender Garden, the first lavender themed sightseeing park built in Xinjiang, is a must-visit spot. 
Every June, the Lavender Festival is held in Huocheng County, Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Xinjiang Autonomous Region. /VCG Photo

Every June, the Lavender Festival is held in Huocheng County, Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Xinjiang Autonomous Region. /VCG Photo

Generally, lavenders bloom in early to mid-June when you will definitely be amazed by its purple sea of lavender flowers. Be sure to arrive in peak season though, because most of the flowers will already be harvested by late June.

Enshi, Hubei Province

Surrounded by forest-covered mountains, Enshi in central China's Hubei Province is home to one of the geological wonders of the world – Enshi Grand Canyon. 
Enshi Grand Canyon in Enshi, central China's Hubei Province. /VCG Photo

Enshi Grand Canyon in Enshi, central China's Hubei Province. /VCG Photo

With a total length of 108 kilometers and an area of 300 square kilometers, it offers majestic views of peculiar peaks and marvelous waterfalls. 
Tourists are often in awe when they reach the summit and gaze out toward the magical land, totally free from the hustle and bustle of the cities.
"One Incense Pillar" of Enshi Grand Canyon has attracted numerous tourists to catch a glimpse of the natural wonder. /VCG Photo

"One Incense Pillar" of Enshi Grand Canyon has attracted numerous tourists to catch a glimpse of the natural wonder. /VCG Photo

Zhagana, Gansu Province

For those who are eager to explore China's mystical corners, Zhagana in northwest China's Gansu Province should be on your list. Meaning "stone box" in Tibetan language, Zhagana looks like a grand palace built with natural rocks. 
The cloud-covered mountains in Zhagana, northwest China's Gansu Province, make the land look like a fairyland. /VCG Photo

The cloud-covered mountains in Zhagana, northwest China's Gansu Province, make the land look like a fairyland. /VCG Photo

Hiking is one of the best options to explore the land. You'll be able to know more about Tibetan Buddhism in the monastery or simply have a bird's eye view of the whole village from the mountain top. 
There is an ancient town that shows a harmonious existence between men and nature. Local residents have kept their authentic culture and lifestyle for years, which will offer you a chance to experience farming, hunting and wood-chopping. 
Though a less-traveled spot, Zhagana in northwest China's Gansu Province offers stunning landscape, primitive forest and authentic local culture. /VCG Photo

Though a less-traveled spot, Zhagana in northwest China's Gansu Province offers stunning landscape, primitive forest and authentic local culture. /VCG Photo

Longji, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region

Longji, referring to "dragon's backbone," in south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, has one of the most amazing terraces in China.
Longji Rice Terraces in south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. /VCG Photo

Longji Rice Terraces in south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. /VCG Photo

With the construction completed during the early Qing Dynasty (1644-1912), it shows the profound wisdom and hard work of the Zhuang people, the largest ethnic group in China. 
That makes it a perfect place to experience the culture of the Zhuang people. Come and have a closer look at Zhuang people's unique costumes, or even stay with local families and enjoy both the Longji tea and the Longji wine.
In spring, the water is irrigated into the fields of Longji Rice Terraces that look like giant ribbons hung on the hillsides. /VCG Photo

In spring, the water is irrigated into the fields of Longji Rice Terraces that look like giant ribbons hung on the hillsides. /VCG Photo

During the summer season, the green waves rush continuously down the mountainside, forming a breathtaking scenery.