August
The 8 best places to visit in China in August
August is one of the hottest months in China and one of the busiest months for tourism as schools are on summer vacation (from early July to the end of August). Places with cool weather and plenty of water activities are great options for August travel.
Here we list eight of the best places to visit in August in China: Yunnan, Guilin, Qinghai Lake, Inner Mongolia, Guizhou, Tibet, Northern Sichuan, and Anji Bamboo Forest.
1. Yunnan Province - Summer Resort
■Yunnan is an ideal destination for summer travel in China. Due to the altitude of 2,000 meters above sea level and abundant light, the climate in Yunnan is like spring in all seasons. You will have a cool summer trip in Yunnan. The most visited cities in Yunnan are Kunming, Dali, Lijiang and Shangri-La.
■From Kunming, enjoy the magnificent Stone Forest, take a leisurely stroll along the shores of the Erhai Lake in Dali, visit the Old Town of Lijiang, and then take a cable car to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Finally, head to Songtsam Forest Monastery and Pudacuo National Park to immerse yourself in Shangri-La’s breathtaking natural beauty and sacred religious atmosphere.
2. Guilin - cool summer vacation
■The picturesque countryside of Guilin and Yangshuo is a great place to relax in the summer. Take a bamboo raft ride on the Xianglong River and enjoy the lush, scenic countryside along the way.
■In summer, the Li River glistens in the bright sunlight, and you can feel the gentle river breeze as you ride the bamboo raft. Take a bamboo raft and stroll along the Yu Long River, enjoying the lush and scenic countryside along the way. Why not challenge yourself to a SUP (Stand Up Paddle Board, a mini paddle board) on the Yu Long River and take a dip in the cool river water.
■In the Longji Terraced Area, you can see green terraces full of young seedlings while enjoying a pleasant hike on the higher and cooler slopes of Longsheng.
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3. Inner Mongolia - vast grasslands
■Inner Mongolia is blessed with vast grasslands where you can go horseback riding and hiking when the weather is pleasant. The grass grows highest during the short, hot summer months.
■The grasslands are as far as the eye can see. It is home to one of the most beautiful and exotic natural landscapes in China. It was once the territory of the Mongolian Empire and yurts can still be seen in some places today.
4. Guizhou Province - Exploring China's Minority Cultures
■Guizhou is rich in ethnic cultures and mountainous landscapes. If you are looking for a place with a cooler climate and less crowds especially in summer, then consider Guizhou.
■You’ll find unheard of places and diverse ethnic minority cultures. Look no further than visiting Mount Fanjing, which was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2018. It’s not a popular tourist destination right now, so you can enjoy a peaceful trip there. You won’t be disappointed with the cool weather and cloudy mushroom rocks.
■Guizhou is the second largest province in terms of the number of ethnic minorities after Yunnan Province. The Tujia, Miao and many other minorities make Guizhou an important center of ethnic culture. You can learn vanishing traditional crafts such as paper making with plant fibers, batik and silver jewelry making.
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5. Tibet - refreshing landscapes and cultures
■Tibet is one of the best places in China to escape the summer heat. Although August is the rainy season in Tibet, rainfall usually comes in the form of showers, which usually occur at night or in the afternoon for about an hour. So, even in the rainy season, rain is not a big problem.
■The air is more oxygenated in summer than in other seasons, and August is the best time to experience Tibetan festivals, such as the Snowdon Festival, the Nagchu Horse Racing Festival, and the Ganden Thangka Festival.
■August is also the best time to make pilgrimages to the Ganden Peak and to transmigrate.
6. Qinghai Lake - nature and Tibetan culture
■Qinghai Lake is China’s largest lake, often dark blue in color, located in the highlands of Qinghai Province, an ancient Tibetan settlement. You can walk or bike around the neighboring towns and enjoy the Tibetan culture and cuisine. The weather in August is not too hot. Some people stop by the lake on their way to and from Tibet. Bird Island, an animal sanctuary, is also a highlight.
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7. Northern Sichuan - Tibetan Scenery
■Northern Sichuan is an excellent choice to escape the crowds and heat in summer. In northern Sichuan, you can find the source of the Yellow River, the ancient battlefield of King Gesar in Tibetan legend, and a number of temples with fewer tourists.
■You can also extend your trip to Jiuzhaigou, which is now open. The cool mountain climate and turquoise lakes are definitely a great choice for a summer vacation.
8. Anji Bamboo Forest - enjoying summer fun
■Anji Bamboo Forest is the largest bamboo forest in East China, about 3 hours drive from Shanghai.
■In summer, it offers a variety of cool and exciting activities for both adults and children. You can take a rafting boat down the valley’s crystal-clear streams, experience cliff swinging, walk the glass walkway, or watch pandas in the bamboo garden.
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