ALTHOUGH spring is the time when flowers bloom, summer is the best time to observe a sea of flowers as far as the eye can see. Here are some places to do just that.

Sayram Lake, Xinjiang

Sayram Lake, renowned as a pearl on the Silk Road, is the largest alpine lake in Xinjiang. It is about 90 kilometers away from Botala Prefecture. The lake stretches approximately 20 kilometers from east to west and 30 kilometers from north to south.

It shines like an emerald in the basin surrounded by Tianshan Mountain. Flourishing cypress and cedar trees cover the whole mountain range. Cottages scatter the foothills of the mountain. Horses and sheep call on the mountain slope.

Summer is the best season to travel to Sayram Lake. The water in the lake is very peaceful and the surface is as smooth as a mirror. Wild flowers bloom around the lake and on the grassland, making it a colorful sea of flowers.

Transport: Fly to Urumqi, capital of Xinjiang, from Shenzhen airport and take a flight or train to Ili then take a coach to the lake.

Delicacies: Apple, pear, Hami melon, watermelon, cranberry, roast lamb, sheep soup and steamed lamb.

Changbai Mountain

Changbai Mountain spans Heilongjiang, Jilin and Liaoning provinces in northeastern China. It is a dormant volcano and is the highest volcanic cone in the area.

The mountain has a unique and particular geographic formation and evocative scenery. Most peaks on the mountain range reach more than 2,000 meters and there are at least 30 iconic landscapes.

For centuries, the mountain range has been of enormous economic importance, as a variety of ginseng grows there. It used to be an important trade route between China, Russia and North Korea.

Its high elevations mean travelers can experience a wide variety of weather conditions while hiking to the peaks.

Although for most of the year, the mountain is covered with snow, it becomes a sea of flowers in June and July. There are several gardens on the mountain lying at 1,200 to 1,500 meters above sea level. The gardens contain iris, azalea and various types of flowers which grow at high altitudes.

Other famous scenic spots include Jingjiang Great Valley, Tizi River, Qingshi Peak, Jingping Peak, Guanri Peak, Longmen Peak, Little Heaven Pool, Baishan Waterfall and Songjiang River. Heavenly Pool, Changbai Grand Waterfall, Heifengkou, Thermal Springs, Forest of Meiren Pines and Forest of Stones are must-see spots.

Drifting along the Songhua River is also a recommended summer activity.

Transport: Fly to Shenyang, Liaoning Province, from Shenzhen International Airport and take a train to Erdaobaihe Township. Rent a car to the mountain.

Delicacies: Boiled egg, ginseng, stewed vegetables and wild animals.

Qiaoqi, Sichuan Province

Qiaoqi is an unspoiled Tibetan-inhabited area in Sichuan Province. It is the perfect place to enjoy a quiet summer holiday and get back to basics with traditional Tibetan customs.

Qiaoqi, Baoxing County, is about 250 kilometers from Chengdu. It covers an area of 900 square kilometers. More than 85 percent of the population is Tibetan.

Located under Jiajin Mountain, Qiaoqi is 2,500 meters above sea level, so its spring begins in June.

As you walk along the country roads, you will be surrounded by colorful wildflowers. The area’s Jiajin Village has the largest coverage of grasslands and flowers.

Famous spots in the neighboring areas include Jiajin Mountain, Shanli Ancient Town, Bifeng Valley, Mengshan Mountain, Jinfeng Temple, Ganyanggou Scenery Area and Baizhang Lake.

Transport: Fly to Chengdu, Sichuan Province, from Shenzhen airport and take a coach to Baoxing and Qiaoqi.

Delicacies: Ham, pickled vegetable, pork soup and roast potato. (Wang Yuanyuan)