AS the temperature rises, places to relax and unwind for a traditional summer vacation may become many people’s first choice for travel. Here are some places where you can cool down among water and mountains.

    Chishui, Guizhou

    Guizhou Province in Southwest China has always been ideal for summer holidays. Chishui, a small town on the border that separates Guizhou from Sichuan Province, is one of the best places in the region for a summer getaway as much for its bamboo groves and waterfalls as for its traditional ancient town.

    The best-known attraction in Chishui is Chishui Falls. At about 76 meters high and 80 meters wide, it is the biggest waterfall along the Yangtze River Valley. There are several waterfalls of different sizes in Chishui, making it famous nationally as the “waterfall city.”

    Apart from waterfalls, Chishui is also known for its bamboo groves. Around 76 percent of the land in Chishui is covered by forests, in which most of the plants are bamboo. The best place to see “bamboo sea” is the Zhuhai National Forest Park.

    Bing’an ancient town is another must-see spot in Chishui. Its river, stilted buildings on rocks and traditional village trading fairs held during weekends are all part of what makes the place memorable.

    The average temperature in summer is only about 25 degrees Celsius so it is necessary to wrap up warm at night.

    Transport: Fly to Chongqing from Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport and take a long-distance coach to Chishui from Chongqing.

    Accommodation: There is a wide selection of hotels and hostels in Chishui . You can also stay with the locals.

    Shunan Bamboo Sea, Sichuan

    Shunan Bamboo Sea is a national-level tourist attraction located in Yibin, Sichuan Province. The movie “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” was filmed here, which has made the place famous.

    The bamboo sea covers an area of 120 square kilometers at about 600 to 1,000 meters above the sea level. There are 28 mountains with more than 500 mounds of different sizes, all covered with bamboo. Standing in the viewing pavilion above the mountain, you can watch the summer breeze sweep over the bamboo.

    There are also many ancient buildings in the area, such as temples and ancient villages. Sitting with the locals and tasting some local cuisines will be another fun.

    A bamboo meal is a must-try after climbing mountains for a whole day. There are also many different types of mushroom.

    The average temperature in Shunan Bamboo Sea is only about 15.5 degrees Celsius annually. It is very cool and long-sleeved clothes and long pants are needed when visiting here.

    Transport: Fly to Chengdu from Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport and take a long-distance coach to Yibin. Take a travel coach from Yibin to Zhuhai.

    Accommodation: There is a wide selection of hotels and hostels in Yibin and you can also stay with the locals.

    Beidaihe, Hebei Province

    Located in Qinhuangdao, Hebei Province, Beidaihe is a famous seaside resort in northern China with its beautiful beach, clean water and cool weather.

    Its sandy beach is thought to be one of the best in the country. Since the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), much investment has been made in Beidahe to make it an attractive place for foreign tourists.

    There are also several forests by the sea with a variety of avian life. Watching birds in the summer is a popular activity here.

    Apart from the sea and the forests, Qinhuangdao Safari Park is another place to experience wild life away from the city. The park is the largest of its kind in the country.

    The average temperature in Beidaihe is only about 20 degrees Celsius in summer.

    Transport: Fly to Qinhuangdao from Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport and take a bus to Beidaihe.

    Accommodation: There is a wide selection of hotels and hostels in Beidaihe and you can also stay with the locals.

    (Wang Yuanyuan)