4 Hidden Summer Getaway Cities Near Jiangsu-Zhejiang-Shanghai! Experience a 25°C Summer

Melting in the Jiangsu-Zhejiang-Shanghai summer heat? Don't panic! These 4 nearby cool retreats are perfect for quick escapes—just 1-3 hours by high-speed rail, offering scenic beauty, fewer crowds, and refreshing temperatures. Perfect for a weekend trip!

Zhejiang · Pan'an 🌿

🚄 1.5-hour high-speed rail from Hangzhou! Dubbed "Jiangnan's Cool Capital" by National Geographic, with 90%+ forest coverage and average summer temps of 23°C—no need for AC!
📸 Must-visit: Baizhangtan's three-tiered waterfall and water curtain cave, Wushi Village's black volcanic stone houses, Shibawuo's stream trekking, and firefly chasing at night!
🍲 Food highlights: Wild mushroom noodles for ¥10, ¥5 corn cakes, freshly picked sweet kiwis, and farmhouse meals at just ¥30 per person—so filling!
🏡 Stay: Wushi Village homestays—wake up to bamboo sea views and birdsong. Pure bliss!

Jiangsu · Liyang 🌊

🚄 40-minute high-speed rail from Nanjing! A hidden summer paradise by Tianmu Lake, with crystal-clear waters and bamboo forests cooler than AC.
📸 Must-visit: Tianmu Lake boat rides through mountain-surrounded waters, Nanshan Bamboo Sea cable cars (¥40 one-way), and Pingqiao Stone Dam's "mini waterfall" photo ops.
🍵 Food recs: Tianmu Lake fish head casserole (¥15, enough for two), ¥8 black rice, and refreshing Liyang white celery—amazing value!
🏡 Stay: Lakeside homestays—fish from your balcony and stargaze at night. So romantic!

Anhui · Jixi 🌾

🚄 1-hour high-speed rail from Hangzhou! Ancient Huizhou-style villages nestled in mountains, with streams perfect for summer wading and icy desserts.
📸 Must-visit: Longchuan Village's Hu Zongxian Memorial, Zhangshan Grand Canyon's stream trekking, Renli Village bamboo rafting (¥50/person), and photogenic ancient bridges.
🥢 Food highlights: Jixi fried noodles (¥7), "Hu Shi Stew" (¥10/small portion), and savory ￥3 tartuo (dried vegetable stuffed cakes).
🏡 Stay: Renovated courtyard homestays—chat and sip tea with hosts at night. So cozy!

Shanghai · Hengsha Island 🌅

🚄 1.5-hour metro + ferry from downtown! Shanghai’s hidden "island escape" with empty beaches and average 26°C summers.
📸 Must-visit: Angel Beach for sandplay, cycling past rice fields and blooms, Aimin Village grape-picking (¥10/jin), and sunset over the Yangtze estuary.
🦐 Food recs: Fresh Hengsha hairtail (¥15), ¥8 seafood wontons, and homestay-made salted shrimp—feast for ¥40/person!
🏡 Stay: Island farm stays (¥60+/person with breakfast), with free bikes for leisurely rides.

Ditch the AC! These 4 cool, accessible cities are perfect for weekend trips with family or friends. Pack a light jacket—mountain and waterside breezes are real! 💨