From cascading waterfalls in southwest China's Yunnan Province to alpine grasslands in Sichuan Province and lush river valleys in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, some of China's most iconic scenic destinations are entering their peak summer season, attracting visitors with spectacular natural beauty and pleasant weather.
In Luoping County, Yunnan, abundant summer rainfall has brought the Jiulong Waterfalls to their finest viewing season. Along a 4-km stretch of the Jiulong River, 10 cascading falls create a dramatic stepped landscape.
The largest waterfall rises more than 70 meters high and 120 meters wide, where mist and sunlight often combine to form rainbows.
Visitors can enjoy panoramic views from boardwalks or take boats beneath the falls.
In Batang County of Sichuan's Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, the Gemu Grassland offers cool summer temperatures of around 16 degrees Celsius amid snow-capped mountains, wildflowers and lush pastures.
During the grazing season, horse racing and traditional Tibetan song and dance performances bring local ethnic culture to life.
Since July, Batang has received more than 300,000 tourist visits.
Meanwhile, in Xinjiang's Ili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture, the Tekes River nourishes vast alpine grasslands, where the seasonal spectacle of herders leading horses across shallow waters draws visitors each summer.
Nearby Kuerdening, deep in the Tianshan Mountains, features towering spruce forests, alpine meadows and snow-capped peaks, presenting a tranquil contrast that captures the essence of Ili's midsummer scenery.
Summer landscapes in China draw visitors with waterfalls, grasslands, alpine valleys
Fueled by expanded visa waiver policies and improved visitor services, Shanghai's inbound tourism is surging this summer.
Beyond shopping, growing numbers of international visitors are embracing the "China Chic" trend, exploring revitalized historic landmarks and time-honored brands to experience the city's rich cultural heritage and modern evolution.
Along Nanjing Road, the century-old eyewear brand Wu Liangcai Optical has partnered with the Shanghai Museum’s summer exhibition, Ancient Civilizations of the Americas.
Its nearly 1,000-square-meter flagship store has been transformed into a vibrant cultural destination, blending retail with art to attract overseas visitors.
"So I think the idea is very nice, like to put the whole kind of traditional Maya into merchandise, it's very interesting. And I think the design is very nice as well. I think it's the first time I ever taste corn ice cream, and it's very nice, delicate, not too sweet, very good. See the culture, the food, the people, I think that's the most interesting thing. So, I think I would expect in China, in a city like Shanghai to see all the cultures, to see all the things," said James, a visitor from Britain.
Nearby, a historic building on the Bund is hosting an immersive Song Dynasty (960-1279) exhibition, combining classical paintings, life-sized sets, and dynamic light installations to offer international visitors a deeper appreciation of China's cultural heritage.
"The most I like was the Sun Wukong, because it's one of the most famous in the international places. Yeah, I really like how the Chinese they can put all the products, they can make art with the culture, and then they can spread in the world. Also, the foreigners they can enjoy about the books, the stories about China, and I really like it so much," said Torres, a Chilean visitor.
These innovative cultural attractions are encouraging visitors to stay longer and explore the city more extensively.
In the first half of 2026, Shanghai received over 5 million inbound overnight visitors, marking a 31 percent increase compared with the same period last year.
Fresh cultural experiences boost Shanghai's inbound tourism
