June is the best time to visit areas famous for flowers. The summer sunshine makes natural scenery even more stunning. The best China destinations to visit in June are: 1) Chengdu, 2) Guilin, 3) Zhangjiajie, 4) Yunnan, 5) Xinjiang, 6) Qinghai Lake, and 7) Ningxia.
1. Chengdu — Cuddle Giant Pandas
Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province, is the hometown of a famous spicy hotpot and giant pandas. Having a hotpot feast and other local snacks in Chengdu are must-do things.
Seeing up close and cuddling giant pandas is a unique experience that is the highlight of many a China tour. You can join in a giant panda volunteer program.
Chengdu is located in the southwest of China. The weather in June in Chengdu is relatively cool at an average 28 °C max., but sometimes hot.
Jiuzhaigou (‘Nine Village Valley’) is open to visitors. The average summer temperature in Jiuzhaigou is only 20°C (68°F). With warm but not-too-hot weather, summer is the best time to see its waterfalls and green lakes.
Recommended Tours
- 2-Day Wolong Panda Keeper Program Tour
- 6-Day Essential Chengdu and In-Depth Jiuzhaigou Tour
- 7-Day Chengdu, Mount Emei and Jiuzhaigou Scenic Tour
- More Chengdu tours
All our tours can be customized. The itinerary can be adjusted according to your group size, time, budget, interests, and other requirements. Just contact us.
2. Guilin — the Best Scenery under the Heaven
China’s summer is hot and sometimes even scorching. Why not plan a trip to a slightly cooler destination with great summer resorts and amazing natural scenery like Guilin?
A cruise on the Li River from Guilin city to Yangshuo is as popular as a cruise on the Yangtze River. The Li River looks like a green silk ribbon weaving between the mountains, ancient towns, and folk villages.
After arriving in Yangshuo you can appreciate the countryside scenery by bicycle. If you want to get close to the water, challenging yourself to a SUP (stand-up paddleboard, i.e. a mini raft) and bamboo rafting on the Yulong River are highly recommended.
A scenic tour of Guilin is not complete without a visit to Longji Terraced Fields. It is a large scenic area with amazing tiered fields stepping hundreds of meters up the mountainsides, and also colorful minority cultures. Both the sunrise and sunset there are stunning, when the fields are a twilight fairyland.
Recommended Tours
- 3-Day Guilin and Yangshuo Tour — The Essence of Guilin
- 4-Day Guilin Scenic Countryside Discovery — Guilin Scenic and Ethnic Discovery
- 5-Day Dynamic Guilin and Yangshuo Tour — Indulge in Summer Fun in the Karst Landscape
3. Zhangjiajie — the Typical Sandstone Landform
Because Zhangjiajie is a mountainous area, the climate there is changeable. Zhangjiajie National Forest Park was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its outstanding geological and tourism features.
The mountainous scenery in Zhangjiajie is unique and fabulous, and is even more charming and poetic under the misty rain and fog.
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, with its photogenic peaks and cooler weather, is a perfect summer resort for avoiding the sweltering heat and enjoying the fresh air.
Recommended Tours
- 5-Day Zhangjiajie Hiking and Biking Tour for Any Level
- 4-Day Zhangjiajie Essence Tour
- More Zhangjiajie tours
4. Yunnan Province — the Nearest Place to Heaven
Yunnan Province, a large mountainous region in southwest China, is worth a trip all the year round. Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, and Shangri-la are the best destinations for a trip to Yunnan.
Shangri-la, which is painted with snow-capped mountains, transparent sky, dense forest, and extensive grasslands, is a holy grail for photographers.
The scenery there is like a huge colorful painting, which you will never be tired of. Many ethnic groups live there, and you can experience their cultures by attending minority festivals.
Recommended Tours
- 8-Day Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, and Shangri-La Tour
- 6-Day Lijiang to Shangri-La Tour
- More Yunnan tours
5. Xinjiang — a Romantic Purple World
Yili, a fabulous prefecture in Xinjiang, turns into a romantic world blanketed by lavender and many other colorful flowers in summer.
Relaxing in this pure world, without the noise of traffics and the bustle of large cities, will leave you calmed and charmed. The grasslands are spectacular, and can be enjoyed in traditional style with a horse ride.
Xinjiang is a gathering place for Muslim culture and snacks. Yili's summer has a cool, semi-arid and continental climate, which is suitable for outdoor activities.
Recommended Tours
6. Qinghai Lake — Escape the Heat and Picturesque
Qinghai Lake is at its best in summer when tens of thousands of hectares of rape flowers spread out from the lakeside. The average temperature in summer is 15°C (59°F). The cool weather also makes it a wonderful summer vacation area.
June is the best time to ride around the lake when the crowds of July and August have not yet arrived. Along the way, you will see grasslands, flower fields, herds of cattle and sheep, snow-capped mountains, and blue lake waters and skies.
- Recommended tour: 8-Day Qinghai Lake, Zhangye, and Dunhuang Tour
7. Ningxia — Wonderful Desert and Winery Experiences
Ningxia has China’s best winery and fun desert experiences. June is a good time to travel to Ningxia as it has neither the May Day crowds nor the heat of July. Ningxia’s average temperature range in June is 15–29°C (59–84°F).
You can try many exciting activities such as sand sledding, camel trekking, dune buggying, speedboating, and sheepskin rafting in the desert. In summer, camping in the desert is an awesome experience: the starry sky on a summer night in the desert is spectacular.
If you are interested in wine, don’t miss the chance to visit some vineyards at the eastern foot of Helan Mountain. Wines from there are reputed to be the future of Chinese wine.
- Recommended tour: 3-Day Zhongwei Desert Tour with Winery Experience
Tour China with Us
All our tours can be customized. If you are not interested in the above destinations or tours, you can contact us to tailor-make a summer tour for you. It is important to us that you feel comfortable and safe during your visit and we will respect any requests or decisions you make regarding your travels.
- See more recommended tours for your vacation in China
- Feel free to contact us if you have any questions.
