Wondering where is the best place to go in China in summer? While many big cities like Beijing or Shanghai get hot and humid, there are plenty of cool summer destinations in China where you can escape the heat. From Tibet’s snow-capped mountains to Yunnan’s spring-like climate, here are the top 6 best places to visit in China in summer 2025.
Xinjiang: A Cool Oasis in the Vast Desert
When people think of Xinjiang, they often imagine endless deserts and blazing sunshine. But northern Xinjiang and its mountain regions offer a completely different summer experience. With average daytime temperatures of just 15–25°C (59–77°F), it’s one of the best places to visit in China in summer.
Top Destinations in Xinjiang:
- Kanas Lake – Known as “God’s Back Garden,” this alpine lake changes color with the weather, from turquoise to emerald green. Surrounded by forests and snow-capped mountains, it feels like a fairytale world.
- Nalati Grassland – One of the four most famous grasslands in the world, Nalati bursts into bloom in summer with wildflowers and cool breezes.
- Heavenly Lake (Tianshan Tianchi) – Just two hours from Urumqi, this glacial lake mirrors the snowy peaks of the Tianshan Mountains, making it a popular weekend getaway.
👉 Why go in summer? Unlike southern China’s sweltering heat, Xinjiang offers crisp air, stunning grasslands, and perfect conditions for hiking and photography.
Tibet: Natural Air Conditioning on the Roof of the World
With its high altitude, Tibet stays pleasantly cool in summer, averaging 10–20°C (50–68°F) during the day. Nights can be chilly enough to need a jacket. Summer is also the best time for oxygen-rich air and clear views of snow mountains.
Best Places to Visit in Tibet in Summer:
- Lhasa & Potala Palace – Avoid the harshest sun by visiting early in the morning. The palace looks stunning against the bright blue summer skies.
- Namtso Lake – At 4,718 meters above sea level, this is one of the highest large lakes in the world. Summer transforms it into a sparkling mirror of turquoise water.
- Nyingchi (The “Jiangnan of Tibet”) – With lower altitude and lush valleys, Nyingchi is green, comfortable, and a surprising contrast to Tibet’s usual image of barren highlands.
👉 Why go in summer? You’ll avoid freezing winter weather, and July–August is the best season for trekking, photography, and experiencing Tibetan culture.
✨ If you’re looking for the ultimate adventure, our Tibet 16-Day Tour is a once-in-a-lifetime journey that takes you from Lhasa’s sacred monasteries to Everest Base Camp, combining culture, spirituality, and breathtaking landscapes.
Inner Mongolia: Breezy Grasslands and Starry Nights
If you dream of wide-open grasslands and endless skies, Inner Mongolia is a perfect summer retreat. Average temperatures hover around 20°C (68°F), making it one of the best places in China to escape the summer heat.
Highlights in Inner Mongolia:
- Hulunbuir Grassland – Often called the most beautiful grassland in China, Hulunbuir offers horseback riding, yurt stays, and cool nights under a starry sky.
- Aershan National Forest Park – Nicknamed the “Little Switzerland of the East,” Aershan combines volcanic landscapes, dense forests, and crystal-clear lakes.
- Xiangshawan Desert – Known as the “Singing Sand Gorge,” this desert offers cool evenings and is perfect for stargazing after a camel ride.
👉 Why go in summer? The grasslands are at their greenest, the wildflowers bloom, and traditional Naadam festivals bring Mongolian culture to life.
Yunnan: Spring All Year Round
Yunnan is often called the “land of eternal spring.” Even in July and August, most cities enjoy pleasant temperatures of 20–25°C (68–77°F). If you want a mix of culture, landscapes, and cool weather, Yunnan is one of the best summer travel destinations in China.
Top Places in Yunnan for Summer:
- Kunming – Nicknamed the “Spring City,” Kunming offers cool breezes and flower-filled parks.
- Dali & Erhai Lake – Cycling along Erhai Lake with the Cangshan Mountains in the background is the perfect way to cool down.
- Lijiang Old Town – A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Lijiang stays comfortable in summer, with cobblestone streets and nearby mountain views.
- Shangri-La – At an elevation of 3,300 meters, Shangri-La is a true summer paradise with alpine meadows and Tibetan culture.
👉 Why go in summer? Yunnan offers both cultural charm and natural beauty, from ancient towns to highland scenery, all with mild weather.
To fully experience this diversity, our Yunnan 7-Day Tour covers Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, and Shangri-La—offering a refreshing summer journey through lakes, mountains, and timeless towns.
Guizhou: China’s Natural Air Conditioner
With an average summer temperature of 23°C (73°F), Guizhou is often called “China’s Natural Air Conditioner.” Its mountainous terrain, waterfalls, and forests make it one of the coolest provinces to visit in summer.
Best Attractions in Guizhou:
- Huangguoshu Waterfall – The largest waterfall in Asia, especially spectacular in summer when water flow is at its peak.
- Libo Xiaoqikong – Known as the “Green Gem on the Belt of Earth,” this scenic area features karst forests, clear rivers, and stone arch bridges.
- Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village – The largest Miao ethnic village in the world, offering cultural performances and stilted wooden houses.
👉 Why go in summer? The misty waterfalls, shaded valleys, and cultural richness make Guizhou one of the most underrated summer destinations in China.
Our Guizhou 7-Day Tour takes you to all of these highlights, from roaring waterfalls to hidden Miao villages, making it the perfect escape from the summer heat.
Northeast China: Short but Refreshing Summers
The northeast provinces of Heilongjiang, Jilin, and Liaoning are known for their icy winters—but summers are short, mild, and perfect for a cool getaway. With average temperatures of 20–25°C (68–77°F), this region is ideal for hiking and seaside escapes.
Where to Go in Northeast China:
- Changbai Mountain & Heaven Lake – Straddling the China–North Korea border, this volcanic lake stays chilly even in midsummer.
- Harbin – Famous for its Russian-style architecture and lively summer festivals.
- Dalian & Qingdao – Although technically Shandong, these coastal cities offer breezy beaches and fresh seafood.
👉 Why go in summer? You’ll get long daylight hours, pleasant weather, and vibrant local festivals without the extreme cold of winter.
Other Cool Summer Destinations in China
- Jiuzhaigou (Sichuan) – With turquoise pools and average summer temps of 19–22°C, this UNESCO site is a dream for photographers.
- Beidaihe (Hebei) – A classic seaside resort near Beijing, where the cool sea breeze keeps temperatures as low as 21°C, making it a favorite summer retreat.
- Qinghai Lake – At 15–20°C in July, this highland lake is surrounded by 600,000 acres of blooming rapeseed flowers, creating one of China’s most iconic summer landscapes.
- Moganshan (Zhejiang) – Just outside Hangzhou, this bamboo-covered mountain stays around 25°C, offering tranquil trails, boutique villas, and misty views.
Travel Tips for a Cool Summer in China
- Pack light layers – Even cool destinations can have strong sun during the day but chilly nights.
- Bring rain gear – Summer rains are common, especially in Yunnan and Guizhou.
- Book early – July and August are peak travel months for domestic tourists. Hotels in grassland and mountain regions fill up quickly.
- Stay hydrated – Even in cooler climates, high altitude and outdoor activities can dehydrate you quickly.
Conclusion: Where Is the Best Place to Visit in China in Summer?
The best place to visit China in summer doesn’t mean sticking to hot cities like Beijing or Shanghai. Instead, head west to Tibet and Xinjiang, north to Inner Mongolia and Heilongjiang, or south to Guizhou and Yunnan. These destinations offer fresh air, cool temperatures, and breathtaking scenery.
Whether you’re chasing alpine lakes, vast grasslands, or ancient towns, China has plenty of places to help you escape the summer heat. 🌿☀️
