4 Coolest Summer Retreats in Jiangsu-Zhejiang-Shanghai Region

Discover these locally cherished getaways perfect for escaping 35°C+ heatwaves! Nestled in mountains and rivers with average 24°C temperatures, you won't even sweat all day. Full guide included - save it now! 1. Anji · Hidden Dragon Hundred Waterfalls 🌊 Why go: A hidden gem in "China's Bamboo Town"! 108 cascading waterfalls form a natural humidifier, with mist creating instant cooling effects ❄️ Highlights: • Stone steps lead past waterfalls every 50m - the 60m-tall "Flying Dragon Fall" sprays refreshing mist from its viewing platform • Glass walkway mid-mountain hovers above bamboo forests with roaring falls - thrilling but not for the faint-hearted 😜 • Emerald-green "Immortal Pool" at summit reportedly shows rainbow halos, making it a popular wishing spot Must-try foods: • Bamboo Shoot Feast: Braised, stir-fried, or in soup - tasting like spring itself • Bamboo Tube Rice: Glutinous rice with cured meat steamed in bamboo - releases sweet aroma when opened 🍚 2. Nanxi River · Cangpo Ancient Village 🏞️ Why go: "Cradle of Chinese landscape poetry"! Streams flow through village where locals wash vegetables and nap on bamboo chairs - 100x better than AC Highlights: • Healing bamboo raft rides - crystal-clear water reveals fish swimming beneath • Song Dynasty chessboard-style village with flagstone paths under dense locust trees 🌳 • Nighttime beach camping with bonfire-roasted corn under starry skies ✨ Must-try foods: • Nanxi Wheat Cake: Crispy pastry with preserved veggies and meat • Shagang Rice Noodles: Spring-water noodles stir-fried to perfection with local bacon 😋 3. Tiantai Mountain · Qiongtai Fairy Valley 🍃 Why go: Where poet Li Bai wrote "Rather than dragon towers, I'd fly to Tiantai" - valley breezes keep you cool all day Highlights: • Cliffside bridge between mountains with waterfall views - photos look fairyland • Sapphire-blue Eight Immortals Lake - paddle to center surrounded by silent peaks • 1,400-year-old plum tree at Guoqing Temple - sip tea with monk's bell chimes Must-try foods: • Jiao Bing Tong: Giant spring roll with 10+ fillings - local breakfast staple • Wuyao Cake: Herbal dessert made with mountain specialty, believed to prevent heatstroke 🌿 4. Moganshan · Yucun Village 🏡 Why go: Quieter than Naked Retreats! Revamped colonial cafes and bamboo forest bookshops offer cool + insta-worthy spots Highlights: • Converted train station cultural park - sip coffee watching bamboo shadows sway • Hike ancient trails with drinkable mountain springs - naturally ice-cold • Sunset vegetable picking at Yiyuan Organic Farm - ultimate rural experience Must-try foods: • Moghan Huangya Tea Cake: Bitter-sweet pastry pairing perfectly with tea • Free-range Chicken Noodle Soup: Handmade noodles in hearty broth - soul-warming 🥣 These mountain-water hideaways offer lush greenery and deep coolness without crowds. Summer should mean wading streams, eating farm food, and letting breezes carry your worries away!