AS the temperature climbs, people seek a established destination to relax this summer. Here are some places in China where you can enjoy a cool summer.

    Nyingchi, Tibet

    Nyingchi Prefecture in Tibet is called “South of the Yangtze River on Plateau” because its altitude is lower than other parts of Tibet. The climate here is warm and wet, which is conducive to plants growing. Nyingchi is a perfect summer resort with comfortable temperature, beautiful lakeside views, forests, snow-covered mountains and glaciers.

    Most of the areas in Nyingchi are covered with forests, colorful flowers, grasslands and brooks.

    The Yarlung Zangbo Grand Canyon, along the Yarlung Zangbo River in Nyingchi area, is one of the deepest canyons in the world. The canyon has a length of about 150 miles as the gorge bends around Mount Namcha Barwa and cuts its way through the eastern Himalayan range. There are numerous waterfalls, too.

    Nanyi Valley is another must-go place in Nyingchi. It is considered the China’s best “forest bathing resort” with the beauty of its scenery and the variety of its wildlife. Unlike many other tourism attractions in Nyingchi, Nanyi Valley is relatively undeveloped, which makes the place closer to nature with little pollution.

    Nyingchi is about 3,100 meters above sealevel on average, which makes it the lowest place in Tibet, so tourists should not worry about altitude sickness. The average temperature in Nyingchi is about 14 to 23 degrees Celsius in summer so it is necessary to wrap up warm at night.

    Transport: Fly to Chengdu, Sichuan Province, from Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport and take a flight to Nyingchi from Chengdu.

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

    Lushan Mountain, Jiangxi

    Lushan Mountain is a famous tourist attraction in China and it is said that foreigners have been building summer houses in its mountains since the Qing Dynasty (1688-1911).

    Lushan Mountain is situated in the northern part of Jiangxi Province and is one of the 10 most famous mountains in the country.

    The oval-shaped mountain is about 25 kilometers long and 10 kilometers wide and is known for its grandeur, steepness and beauty. It is also part of Lushan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996.

    Popular attractions in Lushan Mountain include the Immortals Cave, Meilu Villa, Five Old-man Peaks, White Deer Cave, Botanical Garden, Bamboo Temple, Guanyin Bridge, Peach Blossom Garden and many more.

    It is also famous for its many waterfalls of different heights and sizes. Some of China’s greatest poets have written about the waterfalls and the mountain.

    The average temperature of Lushan Mountainis about 22.6 degrees Celsius in summer and you’ll need a coat at night.

    Transport: Take a train from Shenzhen Railway Station to Jiujiang, Jiangxi Province then take a bus to Lushan Mountain.

    Accommodation: There is a wide selection of hotels and hostels in Jiujiang and you can also stay with the locals to indulge yourself in their traditions, culture and cuisine.

    Chengde, Hebei

    The most famous place in Chengde, Hebei Province, is Chengde Mountain Resort, which is the world’s largest imperial garden. It was once used as the summer residence by the Manchu emperors of the Qing Dynasty.

    In 1703, Chengde was chosen by Kangxi Emperor as the location for his summer residence. Constructed over the course of the 18th century, the Mountain Resort was used by both Emperor Yongzheng and Qianlong. It is currently a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

    The 5.64-square-kilometer resort can be divided into three areas: the lake area, the plain area and the hill area. The lake area, which includes eight lakes, covers an area of 496,000 square meters. The plain area covers an area of 607,000 square meters. The emperors held horse races and hunted on the plains. The largest area of the three is the hill area. Hundreds of palaces and temples were built here.

    As the temperature vary greatly between day and night during summer, thick clothes and long pants are needed.

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

    Accommodation: There is a wide selection of hotels and hostels in Chengde. (Wang Yuanyuan)