Discover China's Wonders: 7 Most Beautiful Cities to Visit for Your Summer Holiday

China, a land of ancient wonders and breathtaking landscapes, beckons travelers with its diverse cities, each offering a unique blend of historical charm and modern vibrancy. For those planning a summer holiday or a seasonal escape, this guide showcases the 7 most beautiful cities in China to visit, ensuring an unforgettable opportunity to explore stunning natural beauty, immerse in rich cultural heritage, and experience vibrant urban life.

Your Summer Itinerary: Unveiling China's Most Captivating Cities

Planning a summer trip to China means choosing from an array of incredible destinations. Each city on our list offers distinct attractions and experiences, perfect for a memorable summer vacation. We'll explore their unique beauty, highlight key attractions, and provide insights into what makes them ideal for your seasonal travel plans.

1. Guilin: The Karst Wonderland of Southern China

Why Visit in Summer? While Guilin is beautiful year-round, summer brings lush greenery to its iconic karst landscapes, making the Li River cruises particularly vibrant. The warmer weather is perfect for exploring caves and enjoying outdoor activities.

Nestled in the Guangxi province, Guilin is renowned globally for its ethereal karst mountains, winding rivers, and mystical caves. The city's landscape, often depicted in traditional Chinese paintings, is dominated by dramatic limestone peaks that rise majestically from the flat plains, creating a truly unique panorama.

Cruise past emerald cliffs, explore the cool depths of Reed Flute Cave, and soak in the iconic Elephant Trunk Hill. Summer offers the perfect time for bamboo rafting, cycling along the Yulong River, and visiting the spectacular Longji Terraced Fields at their greenest.

2. Hangzhou: 'Heaven on Earth' by the West Lake

Why Visit in Summer? Hangzhou in summer is characterized by the serene beauty of its lotus blossoms on West Lake, creating a picturesque scene. While it can be warm, the city's numerous gardens, temples, and shaded pathways offer pleasant exploration opportunities.

Often hailed as 'Heaven on Earth,' Hangzhou, the capital of Zhejiang province, is a city of poetic beauty, centered around the breathtaking West Lake. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a harmonious blend of natural scenery and historical relics, inspiring poets and artists for centuries.

Row across the lake’s mirrored surface, visit Lingyin Temple, wander through the misty Longjing Tea Plantations, or explore the wetlands of Xixi Park. Cycling around the lake and tasting Dragon Well tea make amazing summer activities.

3. Lijiang: Ancient Charm in the Yunnan Highlands

Why Visit in Summer? Lijiang's higher altitude in Yunnan province makes its summer climate pleasantly mild, offering a comfortable escape from the intense heat of lower regions. The ancient town comes alive with vibrant cultural festivals and outdoor activities.

Nestled amidst the majestic mountains of Yunnan, Lijiang is a captivating UNESCO World Heritage site, renowned for its beautifully preserved Lijiang Old Town. This ancient town is a labyrinth of cobblestone streets, charming canals, and traditional Naxi architecture, exuding a timeless allure. The backdrop of the snow-capped Jade Dragon Snow Mountain adds a dramatic and mystical element to the city's picturesque scenery.

Wander cobblestone streets in Naxi-style Old Town, discover Shuhe Village, and visit Black Dragon Pool for mirror views of the peaks. Summer hiking and traditional music performances bring this UNESCO town to life.

4. Chengdu: Panda Paradise and Culinary Delights

Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province, is a city that effortlessly blends natural beauty with a rich historical and culinary heritage. It is globally celebrated as the home of China's beloved giant pandas, making the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding a must-visit, particularly in the cooler morning hours of summer when pandas are most playful.

See playful giant pandas, wander historic Jinli Street, sip tea in a century-old teahouse, and ease the heat with Chengdu’s famous spicy cuisine.

5. Suzhou: The 'Venice of the East' with Classical Gardens

Suzhou, located in Jiangsu province, is affectionately known as the 'Venice of the East' due to its intricate network of canals, elegant stone bridges, and serene waterways. The city is most famous for its exquisite Classical Gardens, many of which are UNESCO World Heritage sites. These meticulously designed gardens, with their rockeries, ponds, pavilions, and ancient trees, offer a peaceful retreat from the summer sun.

Stroll through the Humble Administrator’s and Lingering Gardens, and glide down canals near Pingjiang Road at sunset for unforgettable summer evenings.

6. Xi’an: Ancient Capital and Terracotta Warriors

As the ancient starting point of the legendary Silk Road, Xi’an, in Shaanxi province, is a city steeped in history and cultural grandeur. It is home to one of the world's most astonishing archaeological discoveries: the Terracotta Army, a vast collection of terracotta sculptures depicting the armies of Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of China. A summer visit allows ample time to explore this UNESCO World Heritage site and the well-preserved Ancient City Wall, which you can cycle along for panoramic views of the city.

Cycle atop ancient ramparts, explore Muslim Quarter street food, and visit the historic Big Wild Goose Pagoda as the summer sun dips.

7. Zhangjiajie: The Avatar Mountains and Natural Grandeur

Why Visit in Summer? Summer brings lush, vibrant greenery to Zhangjiajie's unique pillar-like mountains, enhancing their otherworldly beauty. The season is ideal for hiking and exploring the vast national park, with cable cars offering stunning panoramic views.

Zhangjiajie, located in Hunan province, is a destination of unparalleled natural beauty, famous for its towering sandstone pillars that famously inspired the floating mountains in the movie Avatar. The Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a geological marvel, offering dramatic landscapes of dense forests, deep canyons, and breathtaking rock formations.

Trek through the UNESCO-listed national park, ride the world’s highest glass-bottom bridge , and ascend Tianmen Mountain by cable car for breathtaking summer sunsets.

Essential Tips for Your Summer China Adventure: Stay Connected with Nomad

Embarking on a summer journey through China's most beautiful cities promises an enriching and unforgettable experience. To ensure your trip is as smooth and stress-free as possible, especially during the peak summer travel season, consider these essential tips:

Navigating Digital Payments: Alipay and WeChat Pay

China operates largely as a cashless society, with Alipay and WeChat Pay dominating digital transactions. Get set up before you go—these cashless tools are essential for summer travel across markets, mountain treks, and local eateries. Try our guide for Alipay and WeChat Pay setup.

Staying Connected: Bypass the Great Firewall with Nomad eSIM

Staying online in China during your summer travels can be tricky due to the Great Firewall, which restricts access to major international platforms like Google, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Facebook. To ensure uninterrupted access to your essential apps while visiting China, using a Nomad eSIM for China is the smartest solution. Unlike traditional SIM cards or VPNs, Nomad’s China eSIM allows travelers to bypass these restrictions effortlessly—no additional software required.

If you're wondering specifically about communication apps, we’ve covered the details in our guide on how to use WhatsApp in China, including how to maintain secure messaging and calls. For a broader view on staying connected, check out how tourists can access social media in China, which explores all your options for bypassing online censorship with or without a VPN.

Important: Chinese regulations prohibit eSIM plan purchases once you're inside China. Be sure to buy and activate your Nomad eSIM before departure so you’re connected the moment you land.

Plan Your Transportation

China's high-speed rail, domestic flights, and rideshare apps make summer travel seamless—just book early to avoid peak-season crowding. Utilize apps like Didi Chuxing (China's equivalent of Uber/Grab) for convenient city travel and learn how to book high-speed rail tickets.

Embrace Local Culture and Cuisine

Try chilled noodles in Xi’an, sweet osmanthus cakes in Hangzhou, and Sichuan-style shaved ice in Chengdu. Engage in traditional tea tastings and summer festivals—learning simple Mandarin greetings will open more doors.

Your Summer China Adventure Awaits with Nomad

From the misty peaks of Guilin to Zhangjiajie’s soaring pillars, China’s top summer cities offer a breathtaking seasonal escape. With careful planning and Nomad’s seamless eSIM connectivity, your journey will be smooth and share-worthy. Ready for adventure? Explore Nomad’s China eSIM plans and start your summer travel story today.