Summer Hidden Gems｜5 Off-the-Beaten-Path Escapes to Embrace Cool Mountains & Seas

Tired of urban heat and noise? This guide leads you to 5 lesser-known summer paradises where you'll rediscover serenity amid poetic landscapes. 1. Damuli Village, Xiapu, Fujian｜Hydrangea Blooms Meet Coastal Symphony Follow the path guided by colorful windmills to discover 1,500 endless summer hydrangeas painting the hillside in dreamy blue-pink gradients. From the hilltop observatory, gaze at Funing Bay's turquoise waters where white wind turbines slice through clouds, while Shajiang Bay's coastline ribbons into the distance. Try the rainbow slide or lounge in a hammock on pink sand beaches as ocean breezes whisper through flower waves. Tips: Navigate to "Damuli Village, Xiapu" by car. Visit during May-June peak bloom for crowd-free photo ops—wear light-colored dresses for stunning floral backdrops. 2. Zhaoxing Dong Village, Guizhou｜Millennial Folk Songs in Terraced Cloud Seas Wake to ethereal Dong choir melodies as your window frames mist-wrapped rice terraces. During Dragon Boat Festival (May 31-June 2), witness gate ceremonies and "Window Courting" performances before joining bonfire celebrations. Hike to Tang'an Terraces at dawn when sunlight dances on stone paths and mountain springs tinkle past stilt houses. Hidden gems: Learn to make ash-water zongzi with locals or sip oil tea on covered bridges, savoring the Dong people's slow-living philosophy. 3. Bama Longevity Village, Guangxi｜Wellness Oasis by Panyang River With summer averaging 23°C (73°F), Bama's mirror-like river reflects bamboo forests that form natural cooling barriers. Trek through Longhong Nature Reserve or explore Nongyou Primitive Forest before detoxing in the "Oxygen Bar" of Baimo Cave. Stay in riverside lodgings lulled by frogs and cicadas, then practice tai chi with centenarians at dawn. Transport tip: Fly to Baise Bama Airport and take scenic shuttles through karst mountain vistas. 4. Zhaji Ancient Village, Anhui｜Time-Travel Among Ink-Wash Landscapes Featured by National Geographic, this Huizhou-style village basks in summer greenery with Xu Creek mirroring horse-head walls and stone bridges. At 6am, Honglou Bridge emerges from mist like a living ink painting, already surrounded by artists' easels. Retreat to "Bamboo Dawn" homestay's forest pool or try ancient paper-making with your host. Must-try: Steamed pork with fermented rice balls—a bite of Jiangnan nostalgia. 5. Fenglin Xiaozhen, Yingde, Guangdong｜Lotus Feast in Karst Wonderland By July, 300 acres of lotus ponds bloom beneath jagged karst peaks like a scene from "The Journey of Flower." Bike through sugarcane fields and fern groves, or board flower-themed trains for a "painting come alive" experience. Stay in paddy-field cottages tasting bamboo-tube rice and tofu pudding as fireflies star the night sky. Student perk: Exam candidates get 50% off tickets plus lotus-seed harvesting and pottery workshops. ✨ Travel Tips - Transport: Self-drive or private cars recommended—public transit is limited. - Gear: Pack sun-protective clothing, anti-slip shoes, and mosquito repellent—mountain temperatures vary sharply. - Experiences: Book homestay activities in advance (like Zhaoxing's rice-pounding or Zhaji's paper-making). Ditch the crowds and turn summer into poetry. These hidden gems offer nature's bounty and local wisdom—pack light and let mountains, seas, and ancient charm restore your spirit!