Great places to escape city smog

1. Sanya, Hainan province Situated on the southern tip of Hainan Province, Sanya is the southernmost city on the island. Featuring blue sky, beautiful beaches and clear water, Sanya is perhaps the most famous coastal city in China. The climate is hot in summer but warm in the three other seasons. When other cities are shivering in this month, a stroll along the coastline and breathing the fresh air will provide you with a warm, comfortable holiday. 2. Xiamen, Fujian province Xiamen, a coastal city in Fujian Province, is regarded as one of the cleanest cities in China, as well as one of the most comfortable to live in. With its pleasant climate and picturesque scenery, it also affords travelers a wealth of opportunities. They can wander along the beach, surf and swim in the sea, stroll through narrow, quiet roads which are lined with old, European-style mansions. Visitors can even sip fine tea in ancient South Putuo Temple. Other must-do activities in Xiamen include the ten-minute ferry trip to the tiny island of Gulangyu to catch a glimpse of Jinmen Island, and a trip to Xiamen University's large, charming and stylish campus. 3. Lijiang, Yunnan province Culture, history, beauty converge in an old city of Yunnan province. The word "breathtaking" when applied to a Chinese city sometimes refers to respiratory-attack-inducing smog. But in the case of Lijiang, population 1.2 million, in Southwest China's Yunnan province, the word takes on its slack-jaw-in-awe meaning. The horizon here is Himalayan, and the blue sky above the city's stone streets, willow-lined canals and black-tiled roofs is reliably visible. This unusual troika of culture, history and natural beauty is why Lijiang's Old Town - a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a center of the Naxi people - is a top destination for Chinese tourists and a new favorite of the passport-carrying crowd. 4. Guilin, Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region Located in Southern China, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region is known for its gorgeous natural scenery as well as residences of a wide variety of ethnic folk groups. There is an old saying: "East or west, Guilin landscape is best." Whether you visit the verdurous waters of Lijiang River on a boat or see lofty mountains while riding a bike, you would have the most amazing experience! The crystal Lijiang River and the spectacular Longji Terrace are natural wanders that will give you memories to last a lifetime. 5. Zhangjiajie, Hunan province Zhangjiajie is located in the northwestern part of Hunan Province, about 265 kilometers to the northwest of Changsha, the provincial capital. Most scenic spots in the area are situated in the northern part of Zhangjiajie City, including Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Wulingyuan, Tianmen Mountain, Huanglong Cave, Baofeng Lake, and Suoxi Valley. Zhangjiajie is known for its beautiful forests, odd-shaped rock formations, exquisite canyons, limestone caves, and jaw-dropping panoramic views. The entire area is covered with towering sandstone and quartz cliffs and dense unspoiled forests over limestone caves lying underneath. The hills present different views to visitors with the changing of seasons. In the summer, it is the best place to a void high temperatures and enjoy the charming scenery. Source: china.org from China Travel & Tourism News http://ift.tt/1iB6EFm