The heat of summer makes people squirm at their desks and fidget while stuck in traffic. Why not escape all this heat and work-pressure in the grassland of China. At this time of year, the pleasant climate, blue sky, white clouds, rolling grass, wandering flocks and herds, hardworking herdsmen and fine delicacies can provide a summer escape to remember. Below are some spots that are popular among music, photography and travel fans.

Hemu, Xinjiang

The best place to capture beautiful landscape photographs in summer is Hemu in the north of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Being on the northernmost tip of western China, it attracts very few visitors, and they tend to come during the busiest tourism season of July.

Almost every spot in Hemu is highly photogenic. The hills have a cluster of wooden houses built by Mongolians and Kazakhs and the crystal clear Hemu River runs through the small village on the grassland.

Snow mountains can be seen on the other side of river and the entire grassland is populated by wild flowers and cattle.

There is a platform specially built for photographers on which they can record the best view of the beautiful sunrise in Hemu.

As just about every spot is suitable for taking pictures, it is suggested not to drive on the Hemu Grassland. Travel by motorcycle is recommended as it is a cheap way of seeing a maximum of beautiful landscape.

The temperature in Hemu is not high during summer and long-sleeve clothes are required at night.

Transport: Fly to Urumqi from Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport and take a train or long-distant coach to Hemu.

Accommodation: There are wide selection of hotels and hostels in downtown Hemu County and you can also stay with locals.

Nagqu Grassland, Tibet

Tourism season on grassland is seldom long-lived as the grass is too short in May and has turned yellow by September. So travelers only have June, July and August to take in the views. For those plateau prairies, the best time of a year is considerably shorter.

August is the most beautiful month in Nagqu Grassland with vast grassland and beautiful wild flowers. The weather in the normally cold Nagqu in Danggula Mountains becomes warm and comfortable.

Unlike many prairies in the country, views on Nagqu Grassland are quite different from grassland, plateau snow mountains, lakes and rivers.

Driving to Nagqu Grassland through Qinghai-Tibet route is the best choice as travelers can enjoy magnificent scenery in Tibet along the way.

Transport: Fly to Lhasa and take a minibus to Nagqu at about 60 yuan per person.

Accommodation: There are wide selection of hotels and hostels in downtown Hulun Buir County and you can also stay with locals.

(Wang Yuanyuan)