10 cool places to beat China’s summer heat
By Tianqi.com-Globaltimes.cn, Published: 2015-07-01 10:14:51
Guiyang
Located in the northern Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau, Guiyang is one of Southwest China’s most important cities. As China’s most green provincial capital, Guiyang has been dubbed the “forest city” and “the capital of summer resorts.” The city enjoys a subtropical humid climate, with temperatures rarely hitting over 30 C in the summer or dropping below zero in winter. Photo: Xinhua
Editor's Note:
Many places across the Northern Hemisphere have been enduring intense heat since early summer, but some cities in China always enjoy exceptional coolness in the summer months. Check out this list of the 10 good places to escape China’s summer heat.
Chengde Mountain Resort
Chengde Mountain Resort is situated in Chengde, North China's Hebei Province. Built between 1703 and 1792 during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), the Mountain Resort took 89 years to complete. Every year Qing emperors would spend six months here, handling government affairs while enjoying the cool weather. The resort joins the Summer Palace, the Humble Administrator's Garden and the Lingering Garden as one of the “Four Chinese Gardens." In December 1994, Chengde Mountain Resort and its surrounding temples made UNESCO’s "World Cultural Heritage,” according to China Radio International. Photo: CRI 
Harbin
Located in Northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province, Harbin has been dubbed the “Oriental Paris” and “Oriental Moscow. ” The city is brewing with history – Harbin had the honor of producing China’s first barrel of beer. The city also hosts the Harbin International Beer Festival and Harbin Summer Music Concert. The beautiful Songhua River and Sun Island only add to Harbin’s reputation as a summer getaway. Photo: Xinhua 
Changbai Mountain Tianchi
Located on the top of Changbai Mountain, the Tianchi, or Heavenly Lake, is China’s largest and world’s highest crater lake. Surrounded by lofty hills, it is the source of the Songhua, Tumen and Yalu Rivers. Changbai Mountain has a long and cold winter but a short and cool summer. Photo: Xinhua 
The Hulunbuir Grasslands
Located in North China’s Inner Mongolia, the Hulunbuir Grasslands are considered the "most unsullied grasslands" in China. Named after the Hulun and Buir Lakes, the grasslands feature forests, rivers and lakes, according to China.org.cn. It is a recommended place to escape the summer heat, with average temperatures between 16 and 21 C. Photo: china.com.cn 
Qingdao
As the largest city in East China’s Shandong Province, Qingdao shares the same latitude as Japan’s Tokyo, as well as its temperate climate. Average temperatures in summer hit 24 C and just above zero in the winter. It is an important destination for those in North China to escape the heat. Photo: Pang Qi/GT 
Qinhuangdao
Qinhuangdao in North China’s Hebei Province boasts a mild summer. With average temperatures between 22 and 25 C and only three hours from Beijing by car, the city makes for a great seaside getaway. Photo: Xinhua
Kunming
As the capital city of Southwest China’s Yunnan Province, Kunming is dubbed “Spring City” for its pleasant climate and moderate temperate, which rarely breaks 29 C. Kunming is home to nearly year-round flora and a slew of festivals held by minorities in Yunnan from March to October. Photo: Xinhua 
Jiuzhai Valley
Jiuzhai Valley is home to some of the most breathtaking natural beauties in China. Located in Southwest China's Sichuan Province, it is well known for its multi-tier waterfalls, colorful lakes and natural wonders. It was listed as a world heritage site by UNESCO in 1992, according to Chinanews.com. Photo: china.com.cn 
Qinghai Lake
Located in the northeastern part of Northwest China’s Qinghai Province, Qinghai Lake is China's largest inland saltwater lake and home to more than 400,000 migratory birds every year. The surrounding mountains and grasslands are blanketed in green every summer and the clear, blue sky add to the lake’s beauty. July and August are the best time to visit. Photo: Xinhua