Perfect destinations for July-August, summer retreats, embracing a 22°C summer

⛰️Jiuzhaigou Valley
Located in Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province, Jiuzhaigou is a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site. Highlights include Five-Flower Lake, Long Lake, and Nuorilang Waterfall, where autumn foliage beautifully contrasts with turquoise waters.

Local cuisine features Tibetan flavors like yak meat hotpot, barley wine, and butter tea. Stay at InterContinental Jiuzhai Paradise near the valley entrance or homestays in Zhangzha Town for convenient access.

3-day itinerary:
Day 1: Morning at Shuzheng Lakes and Rhinoceros Lake; afternoon at Nuorilang Waterfall & Pearl Shoal.
Day 2: Bus to Long Lake, hike to Five-Color Pond; explore primeval forest in the afternoon.
Day 3: Visit Zharu Temple for Tibetan culture; return or head to Huanglong Scenic Area.

Best visited September-October. Beware of altitude sickness; book tickets early.

⛰️Hulunbuir
Northeastern Inner Mongolia’s Hulunbuir boasts vast grasslands, wetlands, and forests. Must-sees: Hulunbuir Grassland, Ergun Wetland (birdwatching paradise), Moridaga National Forest Park, and Manzhouli’s Sino-Russian Border Gate. Experience horseback riding and archery.

Savor Mongolian cuisine: hand-torn lamb, milk tea, roasted whole lamb, and dairy products like milk tofu. Try Russian dishes in Manzhouli (e.g., borscht and rye bread).

Stay in yurts on the grassland, starry hotels in Hailar (e.g., Hulunbuir Hotel), or Manzhouli’s Matryoshka Doll Hotel.

3-day route:
Day 1: Hailar → Grassland (yurt stay).
Day 2: Ergun Wetland → Moridaga Forest → Genhe.
Day 3: Manzhouli’s Border Gate & Matryoshka Square.

Ideal June-August. Pack for sun protection and temperature swings.

⛰️Shangri-La
Yunnan’s "Earthly Paradise" dazzles with Tibetan culture and landscapes: Songzanlin Monastery (largest Tibetan Buddhist temple), Pudacuo National Park (pristine lakes/forests), and Dukezong Ancient Town.

Try butter tea, yak hotpot, barley cakes, and tsampa. Stay in Dukezong’s boutique inns or near Songzanlin.

3-day plan:
Day 1: Dukezong + Guishan Park’s prayer wheel.
Day 2: Pudacuo’s Shudu Lake/Bita Lake hikes.
Day 3: Songzanlin + Tibetan home visit.

Best May-October. Prepare for altitude and weather changes.

⛰️Anji
Zhejiang’s bamboo kingdom features:
- Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon’s China Bamboo Sea (glass walkways).
- Zhongnan Scenic Grassland (zoo + bamboo).
- Jiangnan Tianchi Lake (skiing/watersports).
- Hidden Dragon Hundred Waterfalls.

Sip Anji white tea; eat bamboo shoot pork, free-range chicken soup, and qingtuan (mugwort dumplings).

Luxury: Banyan Tree Anji; mid-range: Danian Chuyi Resort; budget: homestays.

3-day route:
Day 1: Bamboo Sea + Tianchi.
Day 2: Zhongnan Grassland.
Day 3: Waterfalls + tea-picking.

Best spring/autumn; summer escapes/winter skiing. 1.5-hour drive from Hangzhou.