Escape the 40°C Heat! These 4 Heavenly Summer Retreats Will Keep You Cool from June to August

June to August is peak season for family summer vacations, so choosing **cool, scenic, and child-friendly** summer retreats is crucial! Here are 4 refreshing destinations perfect for family trips, balancing **cool weather, fun activities, and great value**, ensuring both adults and kids have a blast! --- **1. Jiuzhaigou, Sichuan** (June-August, 18-22°C) **Why Go**: Fairy-tale lakes and waterfalls, cool summer temperatures, ideal for family nature education. ✅ **Family Activities**: - **Jiuzhaigou Valley** (Ticket + shuttle: ¥280, child discounts): Visit Five-Flower Lake and Pearl Shoal Waterfall (filming location for *Journey to the West*). - **Tibetan Village Experience**: Dress in traditional Tibetan attire for photos, learn to make tsampa (around ¥30/person). - **Ganhaizi** (Free): Picnic and play by the water, with fewer crowds and stunning views. 🍜 **Food Recs**: Yak meat hotpot (¥50/person), barley pancakes (¥5). 🏠 **Stay**: Family-friendly B&Bs near the valley entrance (¥200-300/night), opt for ones with courtyards for extra comfort. 🚗 **Transport**: Bus from Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou (¥150/person, 8 hours) or flight (1 hour). ⚠️ **Tips**: - Lots of walking in the scenic area—bring a stroller for kids. - Avoid peak crowds in July-August; June or early September offers better deals. --- **2. Hulunbuir, Inner Mongolia** (June-August, 15-25°C) **Why Go**: Vast grasslands, herds of sheep and cattle, perfect for family horseback riding, camping, and stargazing. ✅ **Family Activities**: - **Morin Dawa River** (Free): Grassland hikes and picnics; kids can chase lambs. - **Heishantou Horseback Riding** (¥100-150/hour): Guided by professional trainers for safety and fun. - **Manzhouli Matryoshka Square** (Ticket: ¥148): Whimsical Russian-style buildings kids will love. 🍜 **Food Recs**: Hand-grabbed mutton (¥40/person), Mongolian milk tea (¥10/pot). 🏠 **Stay**: Grassland yurts (¥200-400/night) or hotels in Hailar city (more affordable). 🚗 **Transport**: Rent a car at Hailar Airport (¥300/day) or hire a private driver (¥500/day). ⚠️ **Tips**: - Large temperature swings—pack jackets and sunscreen. - July for rapeseed flowers, August for the greenest grasslands. --- **3. Liupanshui, Guizhou** (June-August, 19-23°C) **Why Go**: Known as "China’s Cool Capital," with summer averages of 20°C—ideal for heat-sensitive families! ✅ **Family Activities**: - **Wumeng Grassland** (Ticket: ¥30): Windmills, wildflowers, and kite-flying. - **Yushe National Forest Park** (Free): Forest hikes and stream play. - **Shuicheng Ancient Town** (Free): Try local griddle dishes (¥30/person) and soak in Guizhou culture. 🍜 **Food Recs**: Mutton rice noodles (¥10), buckwheat jelly (¥5). 🏠 **Stay**: City hotels (¥150-200/night) for better amenities. 🚗 **Transport**: High-speed train from Guiyang (1.5 hours, ¥100). ⚠️ **Tips**: - Strong UV rays—don’t forget sunscreen. - Book accommodations early for July-August visits. --- **4. Nalati, Xinjiang** (June-August, 16-25°C) **Why Go**: Snow-capped mountains, grasslands, and Kazakh culture—great for family nature adventures. ✅ **Family Activities**: - **Nalati Grassland** (Ticket: ¥95): Take a shuttle to the "Sky Grassland," spot marmots. - **Valley Grassland** (Free): Horseback riding (¥80/hour), picnics. - **Duku Highway** (Free): Stop to play in snow (yes, even in summer!). 🍜 **Food Recs**: Baked buns (¥3), yogurt (¥5). 🏠 **Stay**: Nalati town B&Bs (¥200-300/night) or cheaper options in Xinyuan County. 🚗 **Transport**: Shared taxi from Yining (¥100/person) or drive from Urumqi (6 hours). ⚠️ **Tips**: - Accommodation is pricier in July-August; consider June or early September. - Kids can try milking cows or making naan with local herders. --- **June-August Family Retreat Comparison** | Destination | Temp. | Best for Ages | Highlights | Budget (3D2N) | |-------------|-------|--------------|------------|---------------| | **Jiuzhaigou** | 18-22°C | 5+ | Lakes, waterfalls, Tibetan culture | ¥1500-2000/family | | **Hulunbuir** | 15-25°C | 3+ | Horseback riding, stargazing | ¥2000-2500/family | | **Liupanshui** | 19-23°C | All ages | Forest hikes, cool climate | ¥1000-1500/family | | **Nalati** | 16-25°C | 5+ | Snowy peaks, herder life | ¥1800-2200/family | --- **Top Picks** - **Coolest**: Liupanshui (true "Cool Capital") - **Most Fun**: Hulunbuir (grasslands + horses + Matryoshka Square) - **Most Magical**: Jiuzhaigou (unbeatable water scenery) - **Most Exotic**: Nalati (Xinjiang vibes + snowy grasslands) **Pro Tips**: - For younger kids (3-6), choose **Hulunbuir** or **Liupanshui** (easier activities). - For older kids (7+), opt for **Jiuzhaigou** or **Nalati** (more hiking). Plan ahead, book early, and enjoy a summer escape with your family! 🌿👨‍👩‍👧‍👦