Average temperature 20°C: Perfect summer retreats for July-September

Hey friends! Melting in the July-September heat? 🥵 Check out these 4 natural "giant refrigerators" - summer paradises with average temps of just 20°C where you can play to your heart's content and feast like royalty! 😋

1. Chengde Mountain Resort · Imperial Summer Escape
📍Recommended itinerary: 2D1N
🌟Top experiences:
1. Mountain Resort (4-6 hours)
- Palace Area: Admire golden nanmu architecture at Danbo Jingcheng Hall
- Lake District: Boat ride to Misty Rain Tower (filming location of My Fair Princess)
- Mountain Area: Take shuttle bus for panoramic views of Eight Outer Temples
2. Eight Outer Temples (half-day)
- Must-see Puning Temple (world's tallest wooden Buddha)
- Photograph Tibetan-style red walls at Putuo Zongcheng Temple
3. Night market at Erxianju for local snacks like wan tuo and lamb soup with baked bread

🍜Food recs:
- Lao San Lamb Soup (locals' favorite)
- Da Qing Hua Dumplings (royal-style decor)

🚗Transport tips:
- 1hr high-speed train from Beijing to Chengde South Station
- Recommended combo ticket for lake cruise + mountain shuttle

2. Changbai Mountain · Northeast's Sacred Peak
📍Recommended itinerary: 3D2N (North Slope + West Slope)
🗺️Classic route:
Day1: North Slope
- Heavenly Lake (Route A for best views) → Waterfall & Hot Springs (try boiled eggs) → Green Deep Pool → Underground Forest
Day2: West Slope + Wanda Resort
- Climb 1,442 steps to Heavenly Lake → Alpine Garden (July blooms)
- Afternoon forest cycling/water park
Day3: Erdaobaihe Town
- Summer rafting at Mojie → Beauty Pine Sculpture Park

♨️Unique stays:
- Crowne Plaza (only hotel with real hot spring access)
- Wanda Jin Hua Resort (includes water park tickets)

⚠️Tips:
- Heavenly Lake has fog 200+ days/year - arrive before 8am
- Only official off-road vehicles allowed in scenic area (¥80/person)

3. Beidaihe · Bohai Bay Summer Retreat
📍Recommended itinerary: 2-3 days
📸Instagram spots:
1. Dove Nest Park (sunrise over sea at 5:00)
2. Aranya (reservation required)
- Lonely Library (opens 9:30)
- Aranya Chapel (white architecture + sunrise)
3. Spiral Bar Park (cheaper before 16:00, beach parties at night)

🦞Seafood guide:
- Buy fresh seafood at Shitanglu Market → steam at Meet Sea Restaurant
- Avoid pre-mixed seafood platters

🏨Stay recommendations:
- Families: Blue Coast (near Cat Empty Bookstore)
- Couples: Aranya B&Bs (book 1 month ahead)

4. Moganshan · Jiangzhehu's Backyard
📍Recommended itinerary: 2D1N (boutique B&B version)
🎋Must-dos:
- Morning hike through Jiang Gongdao bamboo trail
- Cloud sea photos at Dakan Scenic Area's cliff walkway
- Afternoon tea at Qingzhi Forest Café
- Evening pigeon feeding at Yucun Square's artsy shops

🛏️B&B picks:
- Luxury: Naked Castle (cliffside pool)
- Budget: Zhimagu Art Hotel

🚄Transport:
- Hangzhou East → Deqing Station (13min HSR) → 40min taxi
- Self-drive note: Shuttle required during peak season

🔥Ultimate route combos:
Option1: Royal Coastline (5-6 days)
Beijing → Chengde (2D) → Beidaihe (3D)
Option2: Fairyland Route (7D)
Changbai Mountain (3D) → Dalian (transit) → Beidaihe (3D)
Option3: Jiangnan Escape (4D)
Moganshan (2D) → Anji Cloud Prairie (1D) → Qiandao Lake (1D)

💡Pro tips:
1. Chengde Resort has stunning light shows July-August
2. Changbai South Slope (opens June) is less crowded but needs advance transport
3. Beidaihe weekend prices triple July-August - visit weekdays
4. Confirm if Moganshan B&Bs include scenic area tickets