Summer in China: Best 15 Destinations & Things to Do

• June: This marks the beginning of the seasonal transition. Northern areas remain relatively pleasant, while Southern China experiences its peak rainy period, often referred to locally as the "Plum Rain" season.
• July: This is usually the hottest and most humid month of the year across Central, Eastern, and Southern China. It also aligns with the start of the domestic school holidays, meaning popular family attractions see a surge in visitors.
• August: Temperatures remain quite high, but you will notice a gradual cooling trend by late August, especially in northern provinces and high-altitude mountain zones.
• September: The southern regions remain hot, with a possibility of typhoons. Temperatures begin to drop in the northern regions, rainfall decreases, and humidity falls in central cities.

Kunming

Temperature in Summer: Kunming is known for its mild climate; even in July and August, temperatures hover around a comfortable 24°C (75°F).

Kunming is known nationwide as the “City of Spring” and sits at an elevation of nearly 1,900 meters. This high altitude shields it from the scorching heatwaves that plague other parts of southern China. In addition to its pleasant climate, Kunming attracts visitors from around the world with its natural beauty, ethnic diversity, and culinary delights.



Things to Do

Wander the Stone Forest (Shilin): Walk through an incredible landscape of towering limestone formations that look like trees made of rock.

Relax at Green Lake Park (Cuihu): Join the residents for a morning stroll, listen to traditional musicians practicing by the water, and sip local Yunnan coffee at a lakeside cafe.

Sail on Dianchi Lake: Take a scenic boat cruise across this massive freshwater lake and ride the cable car up the Western Hills for a panoramic view of the city skyline below.

Dali

Temperature in Summer: Dali enjoys an ideal valley climate. Daytime temperatures are around 25°C (77°F).

A short bullet train tour away from Kunming lies Dali, an ancient crossroads nestled between the majestic Cangshan Mountains and the pristine waters of Erhai Lake. It is a haven for artists, digital nomads, and travelers looking for a slower pace of life.



Things to Do

Bike Around Erhai Lake: Rent an electric scooter or a bicycle to trace the dedicated paved trail along the shoreline, passing through quiet fishing villages and lush crop fields.

Roam Dali Ancient Town: Walk the stone-paved streets, admire the traditional architecture of the Bai minority people, and check out the historic Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple.

Ride the Cangshan Mountain Cable Car: Ascend into the clouds to walk along the elevated Cloud Traveler's Path, which offers incredible views of the valley below.

Lijiang

Temperature in Summer: Due to its elevation of 2,400 meters, the temperature in Lijiang is around 23°C (73°F), but it can drop to 14°C (57°F) at night. You’ll definitely want to pack a light sweater or windbreaker for evening walks.

Also located in Yunnan Province, it is, like Dali, a famous vacation destination in China. With its intricate network of ancient wooden canals, vibrant ethnic minority culture, and glacier-capped peaks serving as a permanent backdrop, it enhances your journey.



Things to Do

Get Lost in Dayan Old Town: Cross the ancient stone bridges, admire the hand-carved wooden canals, and listen to the rushing mountain water that runs past every doorstep.

Visit Jade Dragon Snow Mountain: Take the high-altitude gondola up to the scenic viewing platforms to see the southernmost glacier in the Northern Hemisphere up close.

Walk Through Tiger Leaping Gorge: Hike along one of the deepest gorges on the planet, where the Yangtze River thunders through a narrow gap between massive mountain peaks.

Guiyang

Temperature in Summer: The average summer temperature in Guiyang is only 23 to 26°C (73 to 79°F), and Guiyang is also one of the least humid cities in southern China during the summer.

Guiyang is a city that’s often overlooked by international tourists, yet it’s deeply loved by domestic travelers. Built around lush forest parks and mountain ridges, it’s a verdant urban oasis. Combined with its diverse culinary scene, this city is sure to delight you.



Things to Do

See the Monkeys at Qianling Mountain Park: Walk through thick urban forests to visit historical Buddhist temples while wild macaque monkeys play safely in the trees around you. However, please do not approach them; these monkeys are wild and may pose a risk of injury.

Photograph Jiaxiu Tower: Visit this iconic three-story wooden pavilion at night when it lights up spectacularly over the rushing Nanming River.

Day Trip to Qingyan Ancient Town: Sample local Guizhou culinary specialties, like spicy tofu and roasted pork trotters, inside a fully preserved Ming Dynasty stone fortress.

Anshun

Temperature in Summer: Anshun enjoys a pleasant mountain climate, with summer highs rarely exceeding 27°C (81°F). Because it often rains at night, the air during the day feels very fresh, clean, and comfortable, making it ideal for outdoor activities.

Anshun is not far from Guiyang and can be reached by high-speed rail. It is home to spectacular waterfalls, the largest cluster of waterfalls in Asia, as well as karst landforms such as limestone caves. Visitors can also experience the culture and handicrafts of the Miao and Buyi ethnic groups.



Things to Do

Visit Huangguoshu Waterfall: Stand behind the curtain of Asia's largest waterfall by walking through a naturally formed water cave carved directly into the cliffside. It's best to buy tickets in advance and make a reservation to visit the Water Curtain Cave.

Boat Through the Dragon Palace Cave: Ride an electric raft through a massive, illuminated underground karst river system that snakes underneath the limestone mountains.

See the Stone Houses of Tianba: Walk through unique, historic villages where everything from the walls to the roof tiles is crafted entirely out of local slabs of stone.

Jiuzhaigou

Temperature in Summer: Summer is arguably the best time to visit this national park. Temperatures range from 20 to 25°C (68 to 77°F). The summer rainfall, in particular, brings the rivers and waterfalls to their best condition.

Located in the mountainous region of northern Sichuan Province, Jiuzhaigou is a magical alpine valley renowned for its cascading waterfalls and crystal-clear, colorful lakes. In summer, the lakes display their most vibrant hues, and the waterfalls reach their fullest flow. The climate here is much cooler than in Chengdu.



Things to Do

Admire Five Flower Lake: Stand on the wooden boardwalks to look down into water so clear that you can see ancient, preserved tree trunks resting on the lakebed floor.

Stand Before Nuorilang Waterfall: Feel the cool mist hit your face at one of the widest highland waterfalls in China, which looks spectacular when framed by lush summer greenery.

Experience Tibetan Culture: Visit the traditional wooden villages scattered inside the valley zone to sample hot yak butter tea and admire colorful prayer flags.

Zhangjiajie

Temperature in Summer: Zhangjiajie isn’t exactly cool; the valleys are warm and humid, with temperatures reaching around 32°C (90°F). However, once you take the glass elevator or cable car to the mountaintop, the air becomes thinner, the breeze picks up, and the temperature drops to a comfortable 24°C (75°F).

You’re probably familiar with Zhangjiajie; it’s the place that inspired the floating peaks in Avatar. Here, towering sandstone pillars rise hundreds of meters straight up from deep, mist-shrouded valleys. And don’t miss the scenic elevator, it’s an experience you won’t want to miss.



Things to Do

Ride the Bailong Elevator: Ascend the side of a massive cliff face on the tallest outdoor glass elevator in the world for instant mountain views.

Cross the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge: Test your nerves by walking across a completely transparent bridge suspended high above a deep mountain canyon.

Walk the Golden Whip Stream Trail: Walk along a flat, shaded valley path at the base of the pillars where the thick forest canopy keeps you cool and out of the direct sun.

Guilin

Temperature in Summer: Guilin has a hot, humid climate, with peak temperatures around 33°C (91°F). Despite the heat, the area features rivers, cool caves, and bamboo rafts, and the Li River is at its best during the summer.

Guilin offers picturesque scenery, particularly its famous landscapes of mountains and rivers. Here, you’ll see a tranquil river winding its way through thousands of lush, velvety karst peaks. If you have time, you can also head to Yangshuo to explore its even more distinctive rural scenery.



Things to Do

Cruise the Li River to Yangshuo: Sit back in an air-conditioned boat or on a traditional bamboo raft to enjoy the dramatic mountain views that match the artwork on the Chinese 20-yuan bill.

See the Longji Rice Terraces: Head up into the cooler hills to view massive mountain ridges carved into cascading green steps by local Yao and Zhuang farmers.

Step Inside Reed Flute Cave: Escape the midday sun entirely by wandering through a massive underground cavern packed with columns, stalactites, and colorful light displays.

Dalian

Temperature in Summer: Thanks to its maritime location on the Yellow Sea, Dalian avoids extreme temperatures. Summer highs average around 27°C (81°F). The sea breeze keeps the city cool, and the low humidity makes it an ideal choice for a southern beach getaway.

Let’s turn our attention north to Dalian, located in Liaoning Province, where modern seaside culture blends with Russian architecture. As a port city, Dalian boasts a variety of seaside promenades and a wide range of beach activities.



Things to Do

Stroll Around Xinghai Square: This is the largest public city square in Asia. Watch the musical fountain shows, and enjoy the cool sea air.

Relax at Golden Pebble Beach (Jinshitan): Spend a relaxing day sunbathing on the sand, checking out unique rock formations, and swimming in the clean coastal waters.

Drive the Binhai Road: Rent an open-air vehicle or walk along the extensive wooden seaside boardwalks that hug the rugged, forested cliffs overlooking the ocean.

Qingdao

Temperature in Summer: Average temperatures in July and August range from a comfortable 26 to 28°C (79 to 82°F), and there is occasionally a beautiful sea mist in the mornings.

Qingdao is a beautiful, large coastal city in Shandong Province. In addition to its distinctive red-roofed architecture, Qingdao is also home to the world-famous Tsingtao Beer, and shops selling all kinds of beer can be found everywhere. Summer is also the best time to visit and enjoy the local seafood.



Things to Do

Attend the Qingdao International Beer Festival: Held every August, this massive event is Asia's version of Oktoberfest. You can sample fresh brews, eat seafood skewers, and enjoy live music.

Tour the Tsingtao Brewery Museum: Walk through the original 1903 German brewery building to learn how the beer is made and enjoy a few complimentary glasses of unfiltered raw beer.

Hike Laoshan Mountain: Visit the birthplace of Taoism, where rocky mountain trails rise straight out of the crashing blue waves of the East China Sea.

Weihai

Temperature in Summer: Weihai is very comfortable, with summer temperatures averaging around 26°C (79°F). The city’s air quality has consistently been ranked among the best in the country, making it a dream destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

It’s another small coastal city in Shandong, but it’s much less crowded than Qingdao. It’s the perfect place for a relaxing vacation, and in the summer, you can even go out on the water.



Things to Do

Visit Liugong Island: Take a short ferry ride to see the birthplace of China's modern navy and walk through beautifully preserved forests and historical museums.

Stand at the "Edge of the Sky" (Chengshantou): Visit a dramatic cliffside viewpoint overlooking the ocean, historically visited by China's first emperor to watch the sunrise.

Relax at International Bathing Beach: Enjoy exceptionally clean sand and calm, clear waters that are perfect for swimming, paddleboarding, or relaxing with a book.

Harbin

Temperature in Summer: Located in the far northeast of China, Harbin is an ideal summer retreat. Average daily high temperatures in the summer are a comfortable 26°C (79°F).

You may have first heard of Harbin through its Ice and Snow Festival, but in the summer, the city transforms into a cool, lush green oasis. During this time, you can enjoy tree-lined parks, outdoor beer gardens, and beautiful Russian-style architecture.



Things to Do

Walk Along Central Street (Zhongyang Dajie): Stroll down a pedestrian street lined with European-style buildings, listen to balcony concerts, and sample a famous local Madieer ice cream bar.

Visit Saint Sophia Cathedral: Admire the striking green onion domes of this magnificent 1907 Russian Orthodox church, which now serves as a local architectural museum.

Escape to Sun Island Park: Rent a tandem bicycle to cruise through extensive wetlands, visit the indoor ice art hall if you want a taste of winter, and see the local deer enclosures.

Lhasa

Temperature in Summer: Lhasa enjoys sunny weather, with an average high of 22°C (72°F). Due to the thin atmosphere, the sun is intense during the day, but temperatures drop rapidly to 10°C (55°F) as soon as the sun sets.

Lhasa is the cultural and spiritual heart of Tibet. Summer is the best time to visit the various lakes for photography and sightseeing, and it’s also the perfect season for a wide range of outdoor activities.



Things to Do

Tour the Potala Palace: Walk through the towering winter residence of successive Dalai Lamas, packed with gilded Buddha statues, historical murals, and jewel-encrusted tombs.

Walk the Barkhor Street Circuit: Join thousands of local pilgrims spinning prayer wheels as they complete their daily devotional walks around the historic Jokhang Temple.

Day Trip to Namtso Lake: Drive out to see one of the highest saltwater lakes on the planet, where crystal-blue waters sit framed by snow-covered mountain peaks.

Xining

Temperature in Summer: Xining is an extremely comfortable summer base, with mild temperatures ranging from about 17 to 24°C (63 to 75°F). With almost no humidity, it is an ideal location for road trips across the high-altitude plateau.

Xining may be somewhat unfamiliar to international visitors, but it is actually the capital of Qinghai Province. It serves as a historic gateway to the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and the ancient Silk Road. With a blend of Tibetan, Han, and Hui Muslim cultures, you can see ancient buildings and mosques standing side by side.



Things to Do

See the Canola Blooms at Qinghai Lake: Take a drive around China's largest inland saltwater lake, which looks spectacular in July when the shoreline is covered in bright yellow fields of blooming canola flowers.

Visit Kumbum Monastery: Walk through a major Tibetan Buddhist monastic complex to view intricate, historical sculptures crafted entirely out of yak butter.

Sample the Dongguan Night Market: Try local Northwestern culinary delights, such as hand-pulled mutton noodles, fresh-baked flatbreads, and homemade highland barley yogurt.

Hulunbuir

Temperature in Summer: Summer is the only time of year when you can comfortably explore the region. Daytime highs average 25°C (77°F).

This is your chance to experience China’s grasslands firsthand. Far from the city, Hulunbuir offers some of the best-preserved, vast grasslands on Earth. During the summer, the pastures are open, and you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy unique experiences such as horseback riding, lakeside fishing, and staying in a traditional Mongolian yurt.



Things to Do

Stay in a Traditional Mongolian Yurt: Spend the night out on the open steppe, watch the stars away from light pollution, and sample traditional roasted whole lamb dinners.

Ride Horses Across the Plains: Rent a horse from local nomadic herders to ride through endless green fields where massive herds of cattle and sheep roam freely.

Visit the Border Town of Manzhouli: See where China meets Russia by visiting a unique border city filled with giant nesting doll monuments and colorful, neon-lit architecture.