With summer vacation now in high gear, tourist attractions across China have rolled out cultural events and tourism promotions to attract visitors.
In Tonglu County of Hangzhou City, east China's Zhejiang Province, locals have revived their 300-year-old "Street Washing" tradition. During the annual ritual, spring water is channeled through the village's stone-paved streets for cleaning and cooling, and for symbolizing the washing away of misfortune.
The lively event features dragon dances, drum performances, and children splashing through the ankle-deep water.
"I learned about this tradition online, so I took my child here during the summer vacation to experience this cultural event and enjoy the joy of summer," said a visitor Chen Chi.
This year's festivities have further expanded to cover more areas in the ancient village, complemented by local snacks like rice cakes and herbal jelly.
Meanwhile, in Jiande, another city in Zhejiang, about 2,500 winter swimming enthusiasts braved the 17 degree-Celsius waters of the Xin'an River for the annual "Winter Swim in Summertime" challenge. The 900-meter crossing has become a major draw for cold-water swimmers nationwide.
Lanzhou Ink Danxia Scenic Area in Gansu Province, an attraction featuring the breathtaking rainbow-like Danxia landforms near Lanzhou City, is seeing 20 percent more visitors compared to last summer, with daily numbers reaching 6,000.
To beat the heat, the park has introduced discounted tickets for students and travelers arriving by train or plane, along with new activities including a three-kilometer glass water slide rafting experience.
From ancient water rituals to adrenaline-packed swims and geological wonders, China's summer destinations are blending tradition with innovation to create memorable holiday experiences.
Summer travelers enjoying cultural festivities, cool escapes across China
