1. Zhangjiajie, Hunan province(Source: china.org.cn)

Zhangjiajie is located in the northwestern part of Hunan Province, about 265 kilometers to the northwest of Changsha, the provincial capital. Most scenic spots in the area are situated in the northern part of Zhangjiajie City, including Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Wulingyuan, Tianmen Mountain, Huanglong Cave, Baofeng Lake, and Suoxi Valley. Zhangjiajie is known for its beautiful forests, odd-shaped rock formations, exquisite canyons, limestone caves, and jaw-dropping panoramic views. The entire area is covered with towering sandstone and quartz cliffs and dense unspoiled forests over limestone caves lying underneath. The hills present different views to visitors with the changing of seasons. In the summer, it is the best place to avoid high temperatures and enjoy the charming scenery.

　　Travel tips:

　　Admission:

　　Zhangjiajie National Forest Park: 245 yuan

　　Wulingyuan: 245 yuan

　　Tianmen Mountain: 260 yuan

　　Opening Hours: 08:30-17:30

　　Getting there: You can take travel bus from Zhangjiajie to all the scenic spots.

　　Related reading: Best destinations in June, July and August.

2.Yili River Valley, Xinjiang(Source: china.org.cn)

Yili River Valley is located in the Yili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture, northwestern part of Xinjiang. It borders Russia and Mongolia in the northeast, and connects Changji Hui Autonomous Prefecture and Bayinguoleng Mongol Autonomous Prefecture in the southeast. In 1964, some species of lavender were first introduced from Provence, France to Yili River Valley. After half a century, Yili has now become the only lavender farming area in China, with more than 3,000 acres in production each year. It accounts for more than 95 percent of the country's lavender production. And Yili becomes one of the world's four lavender origins, together with Provence in France, Hokkaido in Japan, and the Caucasus alongside in Russia. After May each year, lavenders begin to blossom almost everywhere around the valley and turn the place into a sea of purple.

　　Travel tips:

　　Admission:

　　Kesang National Forest Park: 30 yuan

　　Kelajun Grassland: 50 yuan

　　Dongdatang: 25 yuan

　　Lujiaowan Grassland: 25 yuan

　　Getting there: You can take bus from Yining railway station

3. Zhexi Grand Canyon, Zhejiang Province(Source: china.org.cn)

Sitting at the border of Zhejiang and Anhui, Zhexi Grand Canyon is situated in the Lin'an City, northwest of Zhejiang Province. With a total length of more than 80 kilometers, the canyon has three scenic sections. The first scenic section is "Longjing Canyon", which has about 18 kilometers long and consists of exotic peaks, graceful waterfalls and dangerous and steep rocks. The second section is "Shangxi Canyon". With a length of about 26 kilometers, it has a high, steep topography, rapid currents and exotic and interesting mountain stones. The third is "Zhemen Canyon", which has layers of mountain waterfalls and flowing mist, as well as exotic and wonderful landscapes of large and small stone gate caves. It's an ideal place to enjoy the nature's beauty and avoid the sweltering summer.

　　Travel tips:

　　Admission: 110 yuan

　　Opening Hours: 07:00-17:00

　　Getting there: You can take coach bus from Lin'an bus station or Changhua bus station to Taipingqiao Town.

4. Daocheng, Sichuan Province(Source: china.org.cn)

Daocheng Located in the south of Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in southwest China's Sichuan Province, Daocheng is widely regarded as "the last pure land in the blue planet." At an average elevation of 3,800 meters, Daocheng is renowned for its magnificent mountains, broad valleys, lush pastures and wild lakes. Forests, grasslands, and brooks can also be found in the grand valley, fringed by splendid snowcapped mountain peaks. After May each year, when the temperature climbs high, lots of visit Daocheng to hike, hoping to relax and enjoy the quietest and purest natural scenery on the earth.

　　Travel tips:

　　Admission:150 yuan; 70 yuan for students

　　Opening Hours: 07:00-18:30

　　Getting there:You can take coach bus from Chengdu.

5. Xilingol Grassland, Inner Mongolia(Source: china.org.cn).

Xilingol Grassland Xilingol Grassland, which means "rivers on the highlands", is located in Xilinhot City, center of Inner Mongolia. Covering more than 10,786 square kilometers, the grassland is considered one of the most representative grasslands in a temperate climate zone in China. It consists of marshlands, grasslands, sand dunes, and wetlands, with over 1,200 plants growing on the grasslands. Among them, 671 plant varieties are edible, over 400 are herbs, and over 50 are oil bearing corps. The grassland is also home to many animals, including fine-wool sheep, Mongolian oxen, prairie red cows, Ujumuchin sheep, Xilinguole camels and horses, as well as 76 species of birds including swans and larks. When summer comes, it is a wonderful resort for sightseeing and avoiding heat.

　　Travel tips:

　　Admission: 25 yuan

　　Opening Hours:08:30-17:30

　　Getting there:You can take travel bus from Xilinhot City to Xiwuqi or Dongwuqi.

6. Dalian Bingyu Valley, Liaoning(Source: china.org.cn)

Covering an area of 110 square kilometers, Bingyu Valley is located north of Zhuanghe City, 240 kilometers from Dalian. It is labeled as "Little Guilin" and "Oriental Miniature Switzerland" thanks to its rugged cliffs, astonishing peaks, clear rivers, and mysterious caves. The valley is beautiful in different ways during different seasons. In winter, travelers can try ice sports; in autumn, visitors can enjoy a lofty mountain with colorful leaves, while in summer, it is the ideal place to avoid the heat. The whole scenic area consists of various scenic spots, such as Yingna River, Longhua Mountain, Yunshuidu, Shuanglonghui and Xianren Cave.

　　Travel tips:

　　Admission:120 yuan

　　Getting there:You can take travel bus from Dalian railway station, or take coach bus from Beigangqiao bus station.

7. Nanhu Lake, Shaanxi(Source: china.org.cn)

Lying at the southern foot of the Hanshan Mountain, Hanzhong City, Shaanxi Province, Nanhu Lake is listed as a AAA national tourist attraction and one of the most famous scenic spots in Shaanxi Province. Perennial green mountains, densely flowing rivers, colorful flowers, and flourishing pine and bamboo forests make Nanhu Lake a lush garden on the water. The poem line: "Blue water reflecting on the fairy lands makes you feel you're roaming in a picture." is an authentic description of Nanhu Lake's scenic spot. After May each year, the weather gets warmer and the mountain turns green, it's the high time to go out and enjoy the beauty of the area.

　　Travel tips:

　　Admission: 15 yuan

　　Opening Hours:08:00-18:00

　　Getting there:You can take travel bus from Hanzhong City.

8. Kangxi Grassland, Beijing(Source: china.org.cn)

Situated to the west of Badaling Great Wall, Yanqing County, Kangxi Grassland is sandwiched between Haituo Mountain and Guanting Reservoir. Covering an area of about 22 square kilometers, it is the largest grassland in Beijing. About 80 kilometers away from downtown, the grassland is a wonderful place for people to go out and get some fresh air. When summer comes, grasses begin to flourish and flowers start to bloom. It's the best time to escape from the city's chaos and relax. There are various interesting activities in the grassland, including horseback riding, camelback riding, boating, fishing and skating. Visitors can also have a taste of Inner Mongolia's lifestyle, complete with yurts, Mongolian song, dance, milk tea, kumiss, cheeses and roast rabbit and goat.

　　Travel tips:

　　Admission:30 yuan

　　Opening Hours: 08:00-17:00

　　Getting there: 919 branch line (Deshengmen-Kangxi Grassland)