Most tourists rush to Xinjiang, Sanya or Xishuangbanna for summer holidays in China, but those spots are packed with huge crowds and unbearably hot weather. After plenty of research, I picked Chenzhou, a quiet gem in Hunan Province with a steady temperature around 22°C all summer long. It feels like stepping into a real fairy-tale … Read more
If you’re staying in Xi’an and want to escape busy city streets for wide-open green meadows, rolling hills and fresh mountain air, these six lesser-known grassland spots are perfect for a relaxing road trip. Summer is the ideal visiting season, when the grass grows lush and wildflowers bloom everywhere. All distances below are calculated by … Read more
Most travelers think Xinjiang has China’s most spectacular mountain and grassland scenery—until they set foot in Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. When Xi’an swelters at 40°C (104°F) in summer, Gannan sits at a comfortable average temperature of only 20°C (68°F). This highland hidden haven delivers refreshing cool breezes, endless rolling grasslands, mist-wrapped valleys, quiet ancient Tibetan … Read more
Decades ago, I visited Fenghuang Ancient Town and still remember its breathtaking ink-wash-painting scenery. Nestled among rolling green mountains, this ancient riverside settlement features traditional stilt houses lining the Tuojiang River. The temperature here is noticeably cooler than big cities in summer, making it a wonderful natural retreat to escape the heat. This summer, I … Read more
When summer temperatures soar unbearably high in Xi’an, there is an untouched secret haven in northern Sichuan where the temperature stays around 22°C all day long. Locals call this place a “natural air-conditioned room”. It features dense ancient forests, turquoise alpine lakes, centuries-old Buddhist temples, authentic Tibetan villages and distant snow-capped mountains all in one … Read more
Only a 2-hour high-speed train ride departs from Beijing, Mingshui Ancient City in Zhangqiu District of Jinan is an underrated hidden gem known as the “Jiangnan of Northern China”. Blessed with year-round natural constant-temperature springs, this ancient town is closely connected to Li Qingzhao—the most celebrated female poet in ancient Chinese Song Dynasty. In scorching … Read more
You don’t have to travel all the way to Africa to experience authentic savanna wildlife scenery! Just a 1.5-hour high-speed train ride from Beijing, you can reach Quancheng Oulebao Animal Kingdom located near Jinan, Shandong Province. This hidden paradise features grasslands identical to Kenya’s wilderness, where guests can have breakfast alongside friendly giraffes and stay … Read more
Quanzhou is an underrated UNESCO World Heritage ancient city in Fujian Province of China, famous for its unique lifestyle described as “half mortal street markets, half fairyland temples”. It features bustling local life, grand Buddhist ocean-view temples, stunning coastal shorelines, delicious traditional Minnan food, and countless Instagrammable spots. Below is a ready-to-use detailed itinerary, including … Read more
Wanning is an underrated coastal town on Hainan Island in southern China. Lined with coconut palm trees, crystal-blue seawater and rocky coastlines, it boasts a relaxed and romantic vibe with fewer tourists, which makes it perfect for a slow-paced holiday. I have put together a detailed travel plan featuring 18 popular photography spots. Foreign tourists … Read more