Tourist Places to Visit in China: A Summer Adventure from Yunnan to Mt. Everest

Culture and heritage that run back as far as the beginning of humanity, tourist places to visit in China are an overwhelming adventure. Mysterious destinations that take travelers back in time to provide them a glimpse of the world’s oldest and most revered treasures known to mankind. There is a huge amount of intrigue, mystery, and fascination attached to places to see in China for centuries. Although, that magical land may well be explored and mapped out for us in the 21st century, the intrigue relating to tourist places in China hasn’t vanished one bit. So, embrace the intrigue, embark on a virtual journey, and discover the captivating tourist places in China through the lens of cam chat.

Summer Escapes in China: From Colorful Fairylands to Vast Grasslands

1. Yunnan Province a Colorful Fairyland

Yunnan is an ideal destination for a summer trip in China. Owing to its 2,000-meter-altitude with abundant heat and light, Yunnan has a year-round spring-like climate. You will have a cool summer trip in Yunnan. The best cities to visit in Yunnan are Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, and Shangri-La. Start from Kunming to see the spectacular Stone Forest, enjoy a relaxing tour along the lakeshore of Erhai in Dali, visit the Old Town of Lijiang, and take a cable car ride to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Finally, immerse yourself in the breathtaking natural beauty and holy religious atmosphere of Shangri-La by visiting Songzanlin Lamasery and Pudacuo National Park.

2. Inner Mongolia: Vast Grasslands

Inner Mongolia has vast grasslands where you can enjoy horse riding and trekking when the weather is comfortable. During the short and hot summers, the grass is the tallest. Grasslands stretch as far as the eye can see. It has one of China's most beautiful and unusual natural areas. It was once the domain of the Mongol empires, and you can see Mongolian yurts in some places still.

Summer (July to September) is the best time to visit Inner Mongolia when the temperature is most comfortable. The grasslands are green during this time and it is also the best time to take a desert hiking tour. Besides, the Naadam Grassland Festival is held in the summer.

3. Guilin: A City in Karst Mountains

Guilin is famous for its marvelous limestone scenery. It's a city sitting amid karst mountains. The picturesque Li River takes you into a misty Chinese brush painting. In summer, the scenery along the Li River is clear and the river breeze is soft when you are on the cruise. However, on stormy days, the cruise will be suspended for safety. You will experience some cooling summer fun in Guilin. Challenge yourself to an SUP (stand-up paddleboard, i.e. a mini raft) on the Yulong River, take a bamboo raft, jump into the cool pools only known by locals.

4. Zhangjiajie: A Surreal World

Zhangjiajie features fabulous mountainous scenery. It is a natural summer resort and has China's first national forest park Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. Towering mountains, clear streams, and fresh air make the park a natural air conditioner and a natural oxygen bar. In summer, the mountains are full of green trees and are surrounded by mist on rainy days. When you walk between the mountains, the cool wind blows the summer heat away.

5. Gannan: Scenic and Cool

Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture is in the southwest of Gansu Province with gorgeous mountains, valleys, gorges, wetlands, and meadows. Most areas of Gannan are only about 3,000 meters above sea level, and the highest average temperature in summer is a comfortable 20°C (68°F), so it is known as "the most approachable Tibetan area". Summer is the best time to visit Gannan when the grasslands are the most luxuriant, full of wildflowers. Enjoy the blue sky, have a deep breath of the pure air, and fully free your soul.

Ruo’ergai Grand Prairie is full of little white flowers, swamps, and vibrant wildlife. Visit Lab rang Monastery and Langmu Temple to get a true taste of Tibetan culture without any of the hassles of going to Tibet.

6. Heat up in the Gobi Desert

Spreading out across northwest China up into Mongolia is one of the world’s largest deserts, the Gobi. You may think that summer in the arid land would be unbearable, but the weather is typically moderate and comfortable. Although temperatures have been known to soar to as high as 49°C (120°F), an average summer day in the Gobi Desert sees a range between just 9°C (48°F) and 23°C (73°F). Take a flight to Gansu province and make your way over to Dunhuang, where you can embark on a camel trek through the dunes.

7. Cool off on Mt. Everest

Mt. Everest is not just in Nepal; in fact, the northern base camp is situated well within China’s Tibetan borders. During the summer, buses are allowed to drive up to the base camp, saving you the (literally) breathtaking climb. Be aware that you must secure two separate permits from the Chinese government in order to make the journey: one for the mountain itself, and another for the Tibetan Autonomous Region.

Conclusion

In conclusion, China offers an array of breathtaking destinations that provide travelers with a glimpse of the world's oldest and most revered treasures known to mankind. From the colorful fairyland of Yunnan province to the vast grasslands of Inner Mongolia, the karst mountains of Guilin, the surreal world of Zhangjiajie, the scenic and cool Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, the heat of the Gobi Desert, and the coolness of Mt. Everest, China has something for every adventurer. Despite being mapped out and explored, China's intrigue and fascination have not diminished one bit, making it a must-visit destination for any traveler.