Chongqing locals' secret! Five nearby summer resorts with average temperatures of 20°C, last chance for summer vacation

Help! The main city of Chongqing is turning into a "furnace," but luckily these "natural air-conditioned rooms" are hidden nearby! We've compiled 5 tested cool spots with plenty of activities, including transportation, food, and pitfall avoidance guides. Perfect for taking kids or parents at the end of summer vacation. Check it out and copy the plan! 🌿1. Wulong · Xiannüshan National Forest Park (Southern Little Switzerland!) - Coolness: Altitude over 1900 meters, summer average temperature 18-20°C, even the wind feels cool walking on the grassland! - Must-do trio: 1. Frolic on the grassland: The core area "Xiannüshan Grand Grassland" is a must-visit! Cows and sheep slowly graze on the grass, wear a white dress for photos with blue sky, white clouds, and green mountains as the backdrop, like stepping into an oil painting 📸 (go at 9 AM for fewer people and softer light); 2. Tree-top walk: A 300-meter-long aerial walkway with forest beneath your feet, you can touch the leaves, even if you're afraid of heights you can walk safely (with guardrails), and at the end there's a zipline, a 10-second ride that’s super relieving; 3. Tiankeng Three Bridges check-in: Visit the 5A scenic spot on the way, see the filming location of "Curse of the Golden Flower," the Qinglong Gorge waterfall is spectacular, standing under the waterfall you can feel the cool splash, remember to bring an umbrella! - Transportation: - Self-drive: Main city → Yuxiang Expressway → Xiannüshan, about 2.5 hours, parking 10 RMB/day; - Public transport: From Sikuang Hub Station take a bus to Wulong Passenger Center (about 2 hours), then transfer to the scenic area shuttle (15 RMB/person). - Food recommendation: At the park entrance "Zhang’s Farmhouse Cuisine," order highland cured meat stir-fried with bamboo shoots (very tender), Xiannüshan roasted lamb chops (small portion enough for 2), about 60 RMB per person, paired with a bowl of iced sour plum soup is amazing! - Pitfall: Don’t buy the "feed for cows and sheep" on the grassland (10 RMB/bag), the animals don’t eat it, waste of money! 🌊2. Pengshui · Ayi River (Rafting + bamboo raft, refreshingly cool!) - Coolness: River water is 18°C year-round, splashing during rafting feels great, dense shade in the canyon means no sun exposure! - Two ways to play: - Thrill seekers go rafting: 7 km "second half rafting" (first half is too gentle), over 30 rapids, max drop 3 meters, screaming down instantly cools off the summer heat! Wear quick-dry clothes and waterproof bags (keep your phone dry); - Leisure seekers take bamboo raft: From "Zhuban Bridge" take a bamboo raft through the canyon, the boatman slowly poles along, see green plants and wild monkeys on the cliffs, and listen to his Tujia folk songs, very healing 🎶 - Transportation: - Self-drive: Main city → Yuxiang Expressway → Ayi River Scenic Area, about 3 hours, free parking; - High-speed rail: Chongqing North Station → Pengshui Station (1 hour), taxi to scenic area (30 RMB/car). - Accommodation bonus: Stay at "Ayi River Renyi Hotel" inside the scenic area, open the window to the canyon, hear the river at night, hotel offers free laundry service (very convenient after rafting). - Must-try snack: At the park entrance "Pengshui cold shrimp," 5 RMB/bowl, with brown sugar water and fermented glutinous rice, cold and smooth, perfect to refresh after rafting! 🌳3. Nanchuan · Jinfo Mountain (Oxygen boost + exploration, great for kids!) - Coolness: Altitude 2238 meters, summer average temperature 20-22°C, 95% forest coverage, the air smells of grass and trees! - Family-friendly activities: 1. Bitan Valley hike: 2 km along the creek boardwalk, see small fish swimming, can step in the water (shallow and cool, bring sandals), the destination "Bitan" is stunning, blue-green water like jade; 2. Ancient Buddha Cave exploration: Wear a light jacket! Inside temperature 16°C, see stalactites shaped like "natural Buddha statues," lighting is impressive, educational for kids about geology; 3. Qinniuping meadow: Take the cable car up the mountain (15 minutes, beautiful forest view), the meadow has small daisies, bring a picnic mat, snacks, and enjoy the breeze, very relaxing. - Transportation: - Self-drive: Main city → Yuxiang Expressway → Jinfo Mountain North Slope, about 1.5 hours, north slope parking more convenient than west slope; - Public transport: From Nanping Bus Station take a bus to Nanchuan (1 hour), then transfer to a bus to the scenic area. - Pitfall reminder: Don’t buy "wild kiwi fruit" at the park entrance (10 RMB/jin), mostly unripe, sour and hard! ❄️4. Shizhu · Huangshui National Forest Park (Cool off + local market, full of life!) - Coolness: Average altitude 1550 meters, summer average temperature 19°C, need a light blanket at night, Chongqing people’s summer "backyard garden"! - Local favorite activities: 1. Dafengbao hike: Walk the "suspended glass corridor," below is a deep abyss, the sea of clouds is amazing (go at 7 AM for best chance); next to the trail is an "negative oxygen ion monitor," values over 10,000, breathing deeply feels great; 2. Qianye grassland sunset: Go at 6 PM, windmills and sunset on the grassland, photos come with natural filters, can also ride horses (50 RMB/round, horses are gentle); 3. Huangshui town market: Market days on Wednesdays and Saturdays, buy local potatoes (2 RMB/jin), Tujia cured meat (35 RMB/jin), and "Huangshui Coptis tea" (clears heat, 10 RMB/bag), very authentic. - Transportation: - Self-drive: Main city → Huyu Expressway → Huangshui Town, about 3.5 hours, parking convenient in town; - Bus: From Sikuang Hub Station take a bus to Shizhu County (2.5 hours), then transfer to a tourist line to Huangshui (1 hour). - Must-eat food: Town’s "Tujia hotpot," order "chun vegetable and fatty beef hotpot" (chun vegetable is a Huangshui specialty, slippery texture), about 50 RMB per person, spice level adjustable (choose mild for elders and kids). 🌊5. Wansheng · Heishangu (13 km canyon, cool all the way!) - Coolness: Canyon average temperature 23°C, creek runs through, walking on the boardwalk you can feel the mist, very refreshing! - Hiking highlights: 1. Waterfall group: Along the way see "Shenlong Waterfall," "Pearl Waterfall," especially "Fish Scale Waterfall," water spreads like fish scales, great for photos, you can drink the water beside it (mountain spring water, cool and sweet); 2. Cross Chongqing-Guizhou border bridge: One foot in Chongqing, one foot in Guizhou, check in at the "one foot in two provinces" landmark, free commemorative stamp nearby; 3. Water play at the end: At the "Carp River" end, shallow and clear water, great for kids to play with water guns and pick pebbles, super fun. - Transportation: - Self-drive: Main city → Yuqian Expressway → Heishangu, about 1.5 hours, free parking at the scenic area; - Public transport: Take Metro Line 3 to Yuhu Road Station, transfer to bus to Wansheng (1 hour), then transfer to bus to the scenic area. - Energy-saving tip: Buy the "one-way sightseeing bus + cable car" combo ticket (80 RMB/person), enter from the south gate, take the sightseeing bus to the canyon bottom, hike out (all downhill, not tiring), suitable for those with average stamina. 📌General pitfall avoidance & tips: 1. High altitude means strong UV! Don’t be lazy, apply SPF50+ sunscreen, wear hats and sunglasses, or you’ll get sunburned and tanned; 2. Prices inside scenic areas are high, bring your own bottled water and snacks (like chocolate, biscuits) to stave off hunger; 3. Parents with kids don’t forget: mosquito repellent (many insects in the mountains), spare clothes (water play or rafting will get you wet), portable fan (for queues); 4. Weekends are crowded! To avoid crowds, go Thursday-Friday, cheaper accommodation and shorter lines. Only a few days left of summer vacation, don’t stay home with the AC anymore, hurry to these cool places and make up for summer fun! Remember to share your beautiful photos in the comments when you get back~