China's Most Gifted Summer Retreat Province: Revel in a Refreshing 22°C Getaway!

In July, heatwaves swept across many parts of the country, marking the peak of summer. Where to escape the heat? This became a hot topic in air-conditioned rooms. However, let’s turn our gaze to Jilin Province in northeastern China, where residents rarely face this dilemma—because Jilin itself is China’s most naturally gifted summer retreat.

An average temperature of 22°C! The beauty of Jilin in summer lies in its perfect climate—neither hot, dry, stuffy, humid, nor sticky. Jilin in summer is not just "cool" but synonymous with "refreshing"!

"Refreshing" alone isn’t enough; to be a summer paradise, it also needs stunning scenery! Jilin boasts diverse landscapes: mountains, lakes, wetlands, rivers, rice fields, and forests. In the eastern mountainous areas, the majestic Changbai Mountain and breathtaking Tianchi Lake are surrounded by dense primeval forests and blooming alpine flowers. The central region features the "One River and Three Lakes," with endless rice fields alongside green mountains and clear waters, forming the backbone of the nation’s granary. The western part is crisscrossed by rivers, where the crane-filled Xianghai Wetlands and the vast grassland pearl, Chagan Lake, shine together.

Ideal for travel, living, and wellness, nature has endowed Jilin with unparalleled gifts. The people of Jilin have fully utilized these natural conditions through hard work, transforming it into an ecological powerhouse, an agricultural hub, a key forest transition zone, and—most importantly—a refreshing 22°C summer destination for all Chinese.

Mountains, forests, lakes, rivers...

Where does Jilin’s refreshing 22°C come from?

This is the first question many ask upon arriving in Jilin in summer. While much of the country suffers from scorching heat, Jilin stands out with its mild and refreshing average summer temperature of 22°C. As a temperate continental monsoon climate zone, Jilin enjoys distinct seasons and an excellent ecological environment. Beyond the cool temperatures, you’ll experience a universally pleasant and refreshing summer here.

According to the "Jilin Summer Tourism Climate Comfort Analysis Report" jointly released by the China Tourism Academy and the Public Meteorological Service Center of the China Meteorological Administration, Jilin boasts an average temperature of 22°C, average humidity of 70%, UV index below 5, daily sunshine duration of 7.3 hours, up to 120 days of gentle breezes, and 110 days without precipitation—making its summer climate uniquely comfortable.

Why is Jilin’s summer so pleasant? Look to this magical land sheltered by Changbai Mountain, and the answer is clear.

First, Jilin’s high latitude in northeastern China means less solar radiation, so even in summer, the total solar radiation is similar to spring, feeling much cooler than most southern cities. Then, observe Jilin’s terrain: its dense mountains, forests, lakes, and rivers are not just picturesque summer landscapes but also natural temperature regulators.

Jilin’s terrain slopes from southeast to northwest, with higher elevations in the east, including the 2,691-meter Baiyun Peak—the highest in Northeast China—and Tianchi Lake, China’s largest volcanic crater lake. Without visiting Tianchi Lake, one cannot grasp the grandeur of China’s volcanic lakes! Tianchi and Baiyun Peak are top destinations for visitors to Changbai Mountain and Jilin. Formed 12 million years ago, this crater lake gleams like a jewel amidst the majestic peaks of Changbai Mountain. The melting snow from these peaks also feeds the Songhua, Yalu, and Tumen Rivers, forming the "Three Rivers of the Northeast" and a vital ecological barrier.

Forests, nature’s "sunshade" and "humidifier," reflect and absorb most solar radiation. During heat, transpiration from leaves increases humidity and absorbs energy, further cooling forests and nearby cities. Jilin, coincidentally, is a summer retreat rich in forest resources.

Jilin’s forest coverage reaches 44.3%, exceeding 85% in the eastern mountains. Highlights include the Valley Forest in Changbai Mountain and Jingyuetan National Forest Park in Changchun—Asia’s largest artificial forest. One features ancient trees and cascading waterfalls, the other vast woodlands and clear waters, offering both physical and spiritual refreshment.

Water is another key to Jilin’s refreshing charm. Since ancient times, Jilin has been a "Northeastern Water Town" with abundant rivers and lakes. Beyond Tianchi Lake, China’s deepest lake, billions of years ago, an even larger lake—the ancient Songliao Lake—covered this land, nearly matching the North China Plain in size.

Today, Jilin’s aquatic charm endures. Songhua Lake in the east is Northeast China’s largest artificial lake, while Chagan Lake and the Xianghai and Momoge Wetlands in the west are integral to "Water Jilin." The Songhua, Yalu, and Tumen Rivers, all originating from Changbai Mountain, offer diverse scenery. At the Tumen River estuary, one can glimpse three countries, while in Changbai County’s Shierdaogou, lucky visitors might spot the "living fossil" bird, the Chinese merganser.

Together, Jilin’s mountains, waterways, forests, and lakes create a refreshing northern paradise with ideal temperature and humidity.

Waterfalls, wildflowers, cranes...

How nourishing is Jilin’s ecology?

Many associate summer vacations with sun, sand, and sea, but Jilin is different. Its unique landscapes make summer here extraordinary—because Jilin isn’t just "nature’s porter"; it is nature itself, nurturing all life.

Jilin’s summer allure lies in its "nourishing" landscapes. In recent years, Jilin’s air quality has steadily improved. In 2022, its "good air" days reached 93.4%, ranking 9th nationally, with "Jilin Blue" becoming the norm. Notably, the Changbai Mountain Protection Zone has 87.7% forest coverage (over 95% in the national reserve), 98.7% "good air" days, and 100% clean water sources—a true natural oxygen bar!

Blessed with such exceptional summer retreat conditions, Jilin stands out as one of China's top four summer retreat regions with the finest resources and climate. Simply breathing in the fresh air here brings an unparalleled sense of relaxation, even if you do nothing else during your visit.

In this nurturing ecosystem, Jilin's summer charm lies in its seasonal natural wonders. In July, alpine flowers bloom in succession across Changbai Mountain, transforming its slopes into a vibrant tapestry of shrubs and herbs in full bloom—a rare spectacle hailed as the "Floating Sea of Flowers."

The same mountain range boasts dramatic waterfalls, notably the record-breaking Changbai Mountain Waterfall from a volcanic lake. At peak flow in summer, its torrents roar with energy. What sets it apart is the surreal "winter-summer fusion": one side lush with greenery, the other clinging to unmelted snow due to altitude温差.

West of Changbai Mountain, wetlands cover over 60% of Jilin's total wetland area. Here, meandering rivers and scattered lakes thrive. Summer is prime time for birdwatching in Xianghai, Momoge, and Niuxintao wetlands, where flocks of cranes nest and soar. Nearby grasslands burst with life, offering horseback riding, lakeside leisure, and a soul-soothing escape from urban stress.

Millennia of history, diverse ethnic cultures...

Just how amazing is summer in Jilin?

If Jilin’s landscapes awe with nature’s grandeur, its vast farmlands in the central-west plains showcase human ingenuity—a "national granary" scenery. Summer travelers revel not only in majestic vistas but also in idyllic villages, savoring local cuisine and countryside coolness.

Jilin, China’s undisputed breadbasket: In 2021 alone, it yielded 80 billion jin of grain (6% of national output) with just 1.7% of the population. Its crop yield of 7,059.9 kg/ha leads the nation—proof of Jilin’s agricultural mastery.

These golden fields gift the nation with premium Northeast rice and summer’s emerald vistas. In Tonghua’s tribute-rice town, rice paddies stretch endlessly, dotted with waterbirds—a pastoral masterpiece viewed from boardwalks and platforms.

While feasting your eyes, don’t miss Jilin’s summer delicacies. Heat may kill appetites elsewhere, but here, cooling dishes will tempt every palate.

Lunch calls for icy-cold noodles—varied by region (soupy/tossed, savory/sweet), all served near 0°C for instant refreshment. Pair them with sizzling锅包肉 (crispy pork) for hearty Northeast satisfaction.

Nights demand Jilin-style barbecue. Regional twists—sweet, salty, skewered or chunked—unite under breezy skies. Even by fiery grills, local beers like Glacier or Kingsbry keep the mood cool.

Beyond classics, summer-exclusive treats abound: wild mountain greens with dipping sauce, forest-foraged kiwi berries and blueberries, orchard-fresh watermelons, and Tonghua grapes. Changbai Mountain blueberries (grown above 2,000m) burst with tangy sweetness—often preserved as wine or jam to savor year-round.

At 22°C, Jilin blends comfort, adventure, flavor, and heritage. Escape the sweltering season—come chill in Jilin!