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The latest trending searches are all about good news! Following the removal of the "star" designation from itinerary cards, with Beijing, Shanghai, and Nanjing all receiving the same star, searches for air tickets, train tickets, and hotels have skyrocketed! Everyone's passion for travel has been ignited. The freedom to travel—it's been a long time since we last saw it!
Customer service representatives also told You Xiaoxia that since yesterday, China-TravelNote has been experiencing a surge in inquiries, with questions like, "Where's the best place to go right now?" and "I want to go somewhere cool and cool to escape the summer heat. Any recommendations?"
Here, I've compiled 25 off-the-beaten-path, fun, and refreshing destinations perfect for a July trip! If you're unsure where to go this summer, here are some guaranteed hits. We're waiting for you from afar!
The maple and poplar forests are green and lush, and Fengxi River flows south, telling a beautiful story along the way.
At the southern foot of Huangshan Mountain, on the banks of the Fengle River, lies a hidden Huizhou village nestled by the water. Small paths lead to the poetic south of Xixi. Ancient vines entwine, stained by time. A song brings a refreshing summer breeze, while a cup of tea complements the intoxicating flavors of the world.
Hiking in the mountains, you will dream of blue clouds, and opening the window you can see the clouds of Muli. This is a great place in southern Anhui that you cannot miss in summer.
Anji Sanbushi Canyon is 18 kilometers long and has bamboo forests on both sides. Even under the scorching sun, it is cool and comfortable here.
The valley is filled with gurgling streams, deep pools where grouper can be clearly seen, and boulders are scattered and stacked in disorder. The canyon is covered with lush bamboo, with steep rocks and cliffs and waterfalls on one side. It is a great place not to be missed for wading in the stream!
In the afternoon, we'll head to Tianmu Mountain for rafting. The 5-kilometer rafting course lasts about 90 minutes, with twists and turns, sometimes fast and sometimes slow, and more than a dozen large and small drops. Along the way, winding streams and connecting pools offer a great opportunity to play in the water while breathing in the fresh air of this "natural oxygen bar"!
Everyone has a childhood dream. Do you still remember catching loaches and fireflies together in the countryside when you were a child?
Moganshan boasts exceptional forest resources. The owner of the Fluorescent Water Forest Manor has dedicated four years of meticulous effort to creating a pristine firefly habitat, the Fluorescent Water Forest. Every year from June to September, the Fluorescent Water Forest transforms into a fairytale wonderland.
Rain or shine, you can see fireflies dancing across the night sky. At nightfall, the stars seem to have fallen down to earth. It turns out the dream of reaching for the stars is now a reality within reach.
Under the scorching sun, there's nothing better than a refreshing dip in a stream! Located in Yuyao, Black Dragon Pond boasts crystal-clear waters and breathtaking mountain scenery, making it a beloved waterside destination for hikers.
From the bottom up, there are three waterfall pools at Heilongsantan. They are distributed along the mountain and each has its own unique characteristics. Each pool is more difficult to climb than the last. The mountain road from the second pool to the third pool is particularly steep, so few people reach it!
Cliff rappelling is a new favorite among hikers. With steep cliffs, abundant water, and a wide rock face, you can switch between rock rappelling and waterfall rappelling at will, allowing you to fully enjoy the coolness and pleasure brought by the cascading waterfalls!
Luyuanping, a "paradise on earth" located in Xintian Village, Enshi.
Due to the terrain, there is no road here so far, and the ancient way of transportation is still maintained. The only way to enter and exit is by climbing the stairs at the entrance of the village. You have to climb thousands of steps to reach the depths of the village.
The ancient charm of Enshi's mountains and forests is preserved here. The village is surrounded by lush alpine forests. Walking into the depths of the village, primitive caves and canyons gradually emerge, and the cascading waterfalls of the Deer Drinking Pond add coolness to the place.
As night falls, the stars shine especially brightly. In this quiet place without any light source to disturb you, you can enjoy the inner peace.
The bamboo forest of Tongguan Mountain is deep and cool, making it a great place to enjoy water. It is also a water-friendly hiking route very close to Suzhou.
In the scorching summer heat, follow China-TravelNote into the green mountains and clear waters, deep into the jungle. Journey up the stream, play in the water, and enjoy the mountain and forest scenery while feeling the coolness of nature.
The trickling stream amidst the bamboo forest offers beautiful scenery and is of just the right intensity, with entry-level difficulty, so even beginners can feel free to participate.
We picked up the water guns, sprayed each other, got soaked all over, and laughed like children.
Dongling Mountain is the highest peak in Beijing and is known as the "Roof of Beijing".
The natural landscape here is unique, with unpredictable summer weather and mountains shrouded in mist. The mountains are home to azaleas, lilacs, birch forests, hazelnuts, goldenrod, roses and other plants, and are most famous for their alpine meadows.
It is also the natural breeding ground for Xinjiang fine-wool sheep, Ili horses and Qinghai-Tibet yaks in Beijing.
Dongling Mountain has long been famous among hikers, and its beauty is engraved in people's hearts. Let's climb Dongling at night with us, accompanied by the stars, and greet the most beautiful sunrise!
July is the golden season for traveling to the Bashang Grassland. Although it is the hottest time of the year, the average temperature is only 17.4℃. Occasionally, a breeze blows, bringing a touch of coolness to the heart.
The grass here is green, cotton-like clouds float in the blue sky, and the mountains and fields are covered with wild flowers of various colors.
Deep in the grassland surrounded by flowers, come for an Instagram-style non-overnight camping and enjoy a cup of exquisite afternoon tea during a break. It is so comfortable.
At night, under the bright moon and bonfire, you can chat, dance, and sing with tourists from all over the country. In the morning, you can walk on the soft natural grass, listen to the clear songs of hundreds of birds, or watch the sunrise over the grassland.
If Shanxi, a province rich in ancient buildings and cultural relics, has any beautiful and magical natural scenery, then Luya Mountain in northern Shanxi must be recommended to you!
The Ningwu Tianchi Lake here is "one of the three largest alpine lakes in China". The thousand-year-old ice cave here has a history of more than 3 million years. The fantastic and magnificent ice and snow world is simply a cooling artifact.
The cliff paths and vast forests here make people feel like they are in Switzerland. You can climb the centuries-old plank roads and encounter hermits living in the mountains.
Built on a cliff face at an altitude of over 2,300 meters, the Hanging Village offers a serene escape, akin to paradise on earth. We'll check into a mountain hotel where, even in the scorching summer heat, the perceived temperature is only 20°C. Experience the tranquility of this natural oxygen bar, immersed in the gentle mountain breeze and mist.
Famen Temple and Famen Pagoda are only seven or eight feet high to the sky. During the prosperous Tang Dynasty a thousand years ago, Buddha bones were welcomed here six times. It is also known as the "ancestor of pagodas and temples in Guanzhong" and is now a 5A-level tourist attraction.
Picture @Photo.net
The "King of the World's Staffs" is the Yingzhen Shen Silver-Gold Flower Twelve-Ring Staff. This staff is the earliest, largest, highest-grade, and most exquisitely crafted Buddhist ritual implement discovered in the world.
The earliest and highest-grade imperial tea set discovered in the world today is a gilded silver tea set. The words "Wu Ge" (Fifth Brother) are engraved on this set in various places and were offered to Emperor Xizong of Tang, Li Xuan.
The largest Tang Dynasty sachet is a gilded hollow sachet with a wild goose pattern. The scientific principle of gyroscopes used in sachet production was not mastered in Europe until the 17th and 18th centuries, but China had already mastered this technique before the 8th century.
The mysteries here are more than that. Come and uncover the mysteries of Buddhism together!
Ganzi Monastery is located in Ganzi County, Ganzi Prefecture, Sichuan Province. The name of the prefecture comes from the name of the county, and the name of the county comes from the name of the temple. From this, we can see how important Ganzi Monastery is.
It was first built during the reign of the Fifth Dalai Lama in the early Qing Dynasty. During the same period, a total of thirteen temples were built in the northern Kang area with Ganzi as the center. These temples and Ganzi Temple are collectively known as the "Hor Thirteen Temples".
The temple faces a snow-capped mountain called Kavalozhi, with its shimmering glaciers and undulating peaks, creating a majestic and imposing scene. It is also known as the God of Wealth Mountain in the Sharuli Mountains. Pilgrimage to this mountain is said to bring prosperity and lasting happiness.
At the foot of Garze Monastery, the Yalong River, running parallel to the Shaluli Mountains, traverses Garze County. At sunset, golden sunlight bathes the valley. Garze Monastery, the Yalong River Valley, and the sacred Kawalozhi Mountain together form a sacred scene.
In the early 20th century, American explorer Joseph Rock was fascinated by this place, with its unexpected cliffs and canyons, roads and bridges that seem to wander through the clouds, and isolated paradises...
When you drive through the huge rock city, you will find that the most beautiful scenery is always around the next corner.
Passing by high mountains, deep valleys, forests, and peaks, crossing farmlands, meadows, Tibetan villages, and ancient glaciers, the clear air makes the scenery along the way more delicate and the colors more rich.
There are no asphalt roads and no heavy traffic, but people have plenty of time to slow down and appreciate every frame.
This is another niche secret place in Zhangye. The jagged stone pillars, protruding peaks, and steep mountains, coupled with the rich colors, have created this dreamy and unique landform.
This area has been developed into an interstellar themed geological park, consisting of four core landscapes: Mars Valley, Mercury Valley, Jupiter Valley, and the Great Leap Forward in the Yellow River. As you enter, you'll be greeted by jagged rocks and rows of rock pillars, creating a bizarre and unique scene.
However, due to the fame of the Colorful Danxia, few people pay attention to this place.
The Xiantai Port coastline is located in Pinghai Town, Huidong Peninsula. It starts at the Pinghai Power Plant in Xunliao Bay and ends at Xiantai Port.
The hike takes you through beaches, reefs, and village roads. The total distance is approximately 8 kilometers, with a 2-kilometer-long beach. It is not difficult, the scenery is beautiful, and the scenery is pleasant. There are coastlines, large stretches of sandy beaches, and a small section of mountain forest crossing!
Since this route is rarely traveled, you will see many creatures and beautiful shells along the way.
Ziyun Valley is located in the Xijiang Lingyangxia Provincial Nature Reserve in Dinghu District, Zhaoqing City. Arriving by ferry, it feels like arriving in a paradise, with the stream water under your feet so clear that you can see the bottom.
Moss-covered stone walls appear beside you, lush bamboo forests, and hillsides covered in wildflowers suddenly fill your view. Then there are the boulders suspended in mid-air, the shadows cast by the sun, the soothing chirping of cicadas and birds, and the intoxicating breeze...
Ziyun Valley is dotted with numerous pools, strange rocks, and pearl-like water formations, where you can explore the stream and search for jade and gold. Going upstream, you can pass by many natural landscape parks and waterfalls.
Changdao offers a pleasant temperature during this season, avoiding the crowds of the summer tourist season and offering excellent value for money. Named one of the "Top Ten Most Beautiful Islands" by National Geographic China, it's definitely not to be missed.
The keyword of summer must be the sea. In a comfortable climate, you can watch the sunrise over the Yellow Sea and the sunset over the Bohai Sea. It is extremely romantic to walk on the waves and chase the sand here.
China-TravelNote offers a special boat trip from the island into deeper waters, showcasing even more breathtaking island landscapes. Home to tens of thousands of seagulls, the boat approaches the island, shimmering with the shadows of the gulls and filling your ears with bird calls. Accompanied by the gentle sea breeze, you can experience the joy of feeding the flocks.
At the same time, June to August is also the season when mirages appear most frequently in Changdao, especially after the rain. If you are lucky enough, you can also enjoy the wonderful fairy mountain on the sea.
Summer is the perfect time to go to the prairie. Lying on the grass covered with flowers, gazing at the azure sky, with sheep grazing peacefully in the distance, and the gentle breeze blowing on your face, all your worries vanish.
If I were to recommend a grassland in Sichuan, I'd definitely recommend the Ruoergai Grassland. It's massive, one of my country's three largest wetlands, and a dazzling emerald gem nestled in the northwest of Sichuan.
In addition to the boundless grasslands, Ruoergai also boasts the magnificent First Bend of the Yellow River. The Yellow River rushes down from afar, its majestic spirit and unhurried grace unfolding like a wondrous and magnificent scroll.
There is also a flower lake inlaid like a pearl on the grassland of Rele Dam. It is full of flowers and water birds, and its beauty is dazzling.
There is still a chance to see the grassland meteor shower if you go there now.
When you think of Sichuan's famous mountains, what comes to mind first? Gongga, the "King of Sichuan Mountains"? Siguniang Mountain's Yaomei Peak, the "Queen of Sichuan Mountains"? Yet, Genyen, known as the "third highest peak in Sichuan," is lesser-known. In fact, many outdoor enthusiasts consider Genyen to be "one of the most beautiful places I've ever visited."
Mount Genyen, located in Litang County, Ganzi Prefecture, is one of the "Twenty-Four Sacred Mountains" mentioned in Buddhist scriptures.
Picture @Photo.net
July is the most beautiful season for Mount Genyen. At the foot of the sacred snow-capped peak, vast grasslands and forests intersect with crystal-clear lakes. The surrounding mountains are beautiful and the landforms are unique. The "Eye of Genyen," a popular spot in recent years, has attracted countless photographers from far and wide to capture its beauty.
Genyen's natural ecology is complete, from snow-capped mountains to grasslands, from streams to alpine lakes. It is a good choice whether for outdoor mountaineering or leisure hiking.
Lianbaoyezhe is ranked eighth among the ten sacred mountains in Tibet. It is the most sacred mountain in the Amdo region and is known as the "back garden of the gods."
Here, strange peaks and rocks rise and fall one after another, and the cliffs on the south side are nearly a thousand meters high. Standing in the mountains, one feels as if he has arrived in the Dolomites in Italy.
There are also more than 300 high mountain lakes scattered deep in the mountain range, such as Cuolama, Zhumucuo, and Zagarcuo, each one more fascinating than the other.
From June to September every year, when wild flowers bloom beside lakes big and small, the entire Lotus Leaf becomes a sea of flowers.
Qiluping, at an altitude of 1,800 meters, is about a two-and-a-half-hour drive from downtown Chongqing and a 13-kilometer hike away. The route is suitable for hiking in all seasons and is named after its location, which resembles the habitat of deer.
It is currently an entry-level outdoor one-day route. Because of its beautiful scenery, it is sought after by hikers and is known as the "Little Switzerland of the Mountain City".
This alpine meadow must be the most beautiful scenery you have never seen in Chongqing.
Chongqing's magnificent beauty, Tiangu, is located on a cliff in the canyon. It offers a 15km heart-pounding challenge. Do you dare to try it?
It's about a 3-hour drive from downtown Chongqing, and the hike is about 13 kilometers. You'll see aerial canals, canyons, and waterfalls, and all the beautiful scenery will be at your feet. Those with a fear of heights should beware.
A thrilling walk on the cliff, with only a ray of dawn shining through the ravine, the quiet canyon, and the thrilling steps, leave all the outdoor adventures to Tiangu Road!
Located in Weixi County, Diqing, Yunnan, Nanjie Luo is nestled against the backdrop of the Biluo Snow Mountain, boasting numerous ravines and lakes. A local saying goes, "There are as many lakes in Nanjie Luo as there are stars in the sky."
Because the first lake can only be reached by climbing a narrow mountain road and passing 42 muddy turns, Nanjieluo is still undeveloped and few people have ever been here.
The scenery here varies throughout the year. June and July, when all kinds of exotic wild flowers bloom, and October, when the forests are dyed with colorful autumn colors, are the two best times to visit this paradise!
Jiangbulake, located at the northern foot of the Eastern Tianshan Mountains, is the most magical grassland in Xinjiang. Here, you'll find rolling wheat fields, producing Xinjiang's most flavorful wheat flour, and snow-capped mountains.
The gracefully curved grassland nourishes cattle, horses and sheep, producing mellow milk and delicious mutton.
Jiangbulake, meaning "source of holy water" in Kazakh, is a perfect example of the vertical integration of the Tianshan Mountains' natural landscape, dry farmland cultural landscape, and historical relics of the ancient Silk Road. It is known as the "Tuscany of China."
Snow-capped peaks, glaciers, lakes, swamps, springs, canyons, colorful meadows, snow-capped spruce, valley forests, broad-leaved forests, shrub forests, ancient cities, wheat fields, villages...it's all here.
Many people know about Xinjiang Duku Highway, but definitely not many people know about Xinjiang Provincial Highway 101!
Xinjiang's Provincial Highway 101, also known as the National Defense Highway, was built in the 1960s as part of the Tianshan Highway for war preparedness. Once abandoned, the road is a gravel and dirt road riddled with potholes, making it difficult for ordinary cars to navigate.
After several years of infrastructure construction, Highway 101 has become a smooth and scenic avenue.
Along both sides of the highway, cliffs, hills, and gullies combine the landforms of yardangs and stone forests, with distinct horizontal layers and rich vertical folds, offering a panoramic view of various landforms. There are yardangs, Danxia, canyons, grasslands, rivers, lakes, and more. This deserted area is yet vibrantly beautiful.
On the east side of Urumqi city lies Bogda Peak, the highest peak in the eastern section of the Tianshan Mountains.
Bogda Peak is a natural summer resort in July, with melted ice and snow and lush forests. But what most people don't know is that the truly stunning summer scenery here is hidden in the crevices, stone walls, and rocky beaches of the river valley near the snow line.
The mysterious and beautiful Tianshan Snow Lotus blooms proudly here, appearing exceptionally pure and clean against the backdrop of the lonely snowy landscape.
We will go deep into the mountains through horseback camping and light hiking, go to the small road around Bogda, look for traces of Tianshan Snow Lotus, and appreciate the majestic appearance of Bogda Peak in all directions.
Not only are there favorable policies in July, but major scenic spots and hotels are also offering discounts and promotions, some even offering free admission! If you don’t go now, when will you?
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