Recommended Summer Travel in Chengdu
Chengdu is a popular destination for most people. Chengdu’s summer may be extremely hot, but you have lots of places to get away from the heat. You do not have to travel too far, there are some cooler places only an hour’s drive from the city. They have mountains, lakes or tree parks, which are much cooler than the city center. Here are some new ideas for summer travel in Chengdu.
Xiling Snow Mountain
Reasons for summer vacation: Xiling Snow Mountain is situated about 95 kilometers away from Chengdu, just high altitude (above 2,000 meters), and the summer temperature is around 20–22°C. Even if the weather in the city is hot, you may require a light sweater here. Therefore, it is one of the apt locations to summer travel in Chengdu.
What to do: Take the cable car halfway up the mountain and then hike on the forest trail. The trail contains tall trees all the way and you are never under the sun. At the top of the mountain, there is a lake where you can relax and watch the clouds. If you want to walk, you can use a soft trail to view the waterfalls, and the noise of water will cool you down. Alternatively, you can visit a small mountain village nearby, where wild mushrooms and honey are being sold fresh by people. Have a plain meal at the restaurant in the mountain village. Vegetables are fresh and light in the mountains.
Useful tips: Drive there (about 2 hours) or take a tour bus from Chengdu. Morning is cooler in the mountains, so go there early. There may be a queue for the cable car on weekends, so better to buy tickets online before. Good hiking shoes are a must.
Sancha Lake
Reasons for summer vacation: It is a large lake with many small islands, 60 km east of Chengdu. The lake surface and the wind over the lake make the temperature here 4–6°C cooler than the city.
What to do: Take an island boat tour. Most of the boats have open decks where you can feel the breeze. Some of the boats also allow you to get down to a tiny island for 30 minutes to stroll and take pictures. Rent a tent and camp beneath the trees near the lake (some places have free campsites with simple facilities such as taps). You can also shore fish. If you get hungry, you can eat simple food such as grilled corn or cold noodles sold by locals. If the weather is not too cloudy, you may see fireflies by the lake at night.
Useful tips: Bring insect spray as mosquitoes are present near the water. There is a public toilet and a small store near the main pier. If you are camping, bring your rubbish with you when you leave.
Cultural Park
Reasons for summer vacation: The Cultural Park is in the downtown area. The park features many tall ancient trees, which make it very shady. It is not as crowded as Huanhuaxi Park but just as cool. It is a relaxing summer travel destination in Chengdu.
What to do: Play mahjong in the shade with the locals, and even if you don’t know how to play, just watch. If you ask, they may let you try. There is a lotus pond, sit on a bench and appreciate the flowers, or rent a small pedal boat and swim in the pond for 20 minutes. There is a small teahouse inside the park, and you can purchase a glass of iced jasmine tea for a steal. They also sell Sichuan-style cakes, such as red bean cakes, which are pleasant to consume with tea.
Useful tips: It’s right next to a subway station, so you can take subway line 2 instead of driving. Go from 2–5pm when the teahouse is full but not too full. The park itself is free to enter, and the paddle boat ride is about 30 RMB for 30 minutes.
Wuhou Temple (Early Morning)
Reasons for summer vacation: The ancient temple complex has big trees and rock courtyards, and is windy in the morning. It gets crowded later but it is quiet and cool before 10am.
What to do: Walk on the temple grounds, where shade is provided by thick walls and large roofs. See old carvings of stone and hear bird song in the trees. A small garden has a pond where one can sit and relax. You can also take a free guided tour (English is available at 9 a.m.) to learn facts about the history of the Wuhou Temple. After going there, visit the gift shop to buy some such small souvenirs as bamboo crafts.
Useful tips: It opens at 8:30am. The price of the ticket is roughly 50 RMB. After walking around, head to the nearby snack street to eat breakfast and have Dandan noodles or soy milk and fried dough sticks to start your day.
Conclusion
There are many enjoyable places to go in Chengdu in the summer season, perhaps more than you know. From the summit of the tall mountains of Xiling Snow Mountain to the lakeshore of Sancha Lake, there are activities that you can engage in to stay cool on sunny days. Whether you are hiking, boating, or just sitting in a park with some trees providing shade, these places will give you a pleasant summer without perturbing you with the scorching heat. Go to Chengdu to start your summer travel and enjoy every day.
China Chengdu Travel Agency can provide you with tour guide services and chartered car services, if you are going to Chengdu or traveling around Chengdu, you can travel comfortably.
