On June 26th, at the launch of “2023 China Summer Tourism Development Report”, jointly hosted by the China Tourism Academy and the Public Meteorological Service Center of the China Meteorological Administration, Liupanshui was selected as one of the “National Preferred Summer Tourism Destinations for 2023”. This recognition was attributed to Liupanshui’s unique climatic circumstances, advantageous location, and captivating natural landscapes.
Undoubtedly, Liupanshui will once again be favored by numerous vacationers this summer.
Meeting in a Cool Place
“I’ll fly over mountains and cross waters to Liupanshui, all for its 19°C summer,” exclaimed Wu Jiaying, a prospective “summer sojourner” who shared her excitement over the phone with the reporter.
Being a local from Chongqing, Wu has visited several summer retreat destinations, yet her utmost preference remains Liupanshui. The city’s refreshing climate, convenient transportation, and picturesque environment have left a profound impression on her. She revealed that she has already made a hotel reservation for mid-July and will certainly keep her appointment.
Situated amidst the majestic Wumeng Mountains, Liupanshui boasts exceptional climatic advantages, with mild winters and moderate summers, enjoying over 223 days of cool and comfortable weather throughout the year. The city’s forest coverage rate reaches 61%, and its average annual temperature ranges from 13°C to 14°C, with an average summer temperature of 19.7°C. Recognized by the China Meteorological Society in 2005 for its “cool, comfortable, moisturizing, and fresh” climate, along with moderate ultraviolet radiation, Liupanshui became the first city in the country to be named after its climatic characteristics, earning the title of the “Coolest City of China”.
“In recent days, the temperature in Beijing has exceeded 38°C. It’s incredibly hot. But as soon as I arrived in Liupanshui and stepped out of the car, I felt a refreshing and comfortable coolness,” expressed Beijing tourist He Yihai, who plans to bring his family along for a visit next summer.
Over the years, Liupanshui’s dedicated to promoting summer tourism, bringing it the reputation as the “Coolest City of China”. The phrase “The world is scorching, I’m heading to Liupanshui, the Coolest City” has ignited the desires of countless travelers. As a rare summer retreat destination in a low-latitude, high-altitude region, Liupanshui was recognized as one of China’s Top 10 livable cities in 2022. It has soared to the top of travel platforms, such as Mafengwo’s hot searches for summer retreat destinations and LY.com’s list of long-haul summer vacation cities.
Embracing the Beautiful Scenery
In recent days, Shuicheng Ancient Town has been teeming with leisurely summer tourists. They stroll along the green slabstones, wander through narrow lanes, and visit the Third Line Construction Museum to reminisce about the past. They relaxedly embrace the refreshing breeze, savoring the “slow-paced life” in Liupanshui just like the locals.
Mr. Weng, a visitor, expressed his admiration for the architectural style and tranquil ambiance of the ancient town. “Compared to hotels, I prefer staying in the guesthouses within the ancient town, where I can experience the serenity of the place and its rich cultural heritage up close," he remarked.
“Since the ‘May Day’ holiday, there has been a surge in guesthouse bookings. Demand for rooms has surpassed supply, with an increase in occupancy rates of over 50% compared to previous years,” said a guesthouse manager in the ancient town.
Liupanshui not only offers comfortable temperatures, but also boasts the most concentrated karst landforms, along with unique and breathtaking scenery.
Here, you can ascend the “Roof of Guizhou” at Jiucai Hill, and behold a vibrant tapestry of mountain flowers. You can also gallop through the vast grasslands of Wumeng, witness clouds surging from steep cliffs and a sea of mist, and immerse yourself in the picturesque pastoral scenes. Ride the world’s longest same path mountain cableway to Meihua Mountain, where you stand above the sea of clouds and mist, while the beauty of sunrise accompanies you. Drift along the Zangke River, where you’ll feel as if you’ve entered a watercolor gallery. Its distinctive terrain makes it an excellent location for paragliding. Marvel at the millennia-old ginkgo tree grove, a living fossil from the Jurassic period, while enjoying the tranquility of the streets and the serenity of the mountains and rivers. Step into Dalaxiangu scenic area, where you’ll encounter well-arranged red-roofed western-style houses, vibrant flower fields, lavender in all seasons, immersing yourself in a fragrant floral world. Take a leisurely stroll through the Yuhai International Tourism Resort, relishing the splendor of flower fields, forested landscapes, sea of clouds, and the warm hospitality of the Yi ethnic culture...
It all begins with a journey and ends in sincerity. Liupanshui’s panoramic allure tirelessly ensures that every “coolness seeker” departs with contentment and satisfaction, for as the saying goes, “Spring is adorned with flowers, autumn with moon, summer with cool breeze, and winter with snow; beautiful scenery abounds everywhere, which ever changes throughout the year.”
Indulging in a Gastronomic Haven
“What would you like to eat?” “For the first meal in Liupanshui, it’s definitely going to be mutton noodle soup.”
Ms. Zhu, who traveled from Shaoxing, Zhejiang, wasted no time and headed straight to a mutton noodle soup restaurant as soon as she got off the train. Ms. Zhu mentioned that every summer, she visits Liupanshui upon the invitation of her local friends, and this year was no exception. Besides the pleasant climate, she looks forward to the diverse array of culinary delights offered here.
Food is an essential part of any journey, and in this regard, Liupanshui never disappoints.
Shuicheng’s mutton noodle soup features a savory lamb broth, fiery chili oil, tender meat slices, delicate rice noodles akin to white jade, all topped off with chili oil, making it irresistibly enticing.
Not to be missed is Shuicheng barbecue that leaves one salivating. With a variety of ingredients cooked together in the pan, it exudes an aromatic and spicy flavor.
The fragrant and spicy Cichong chicken hotpot is unforgettable, even though Cichong is just a small village within Liupanshui. Local residents always make a point to have a Cichongji hotpot meal whenever they visit the area.
The succulent and non-greasy Panxian ham is an excellent choice as a gift for loved ones. The unique climate of Liupanshui provides ideal conditions for curing ham, resulting in its golden skin, vibrant red flesh, and rich aroma.
In addition to these delicacies, Liupanshui also offers large, succulent, and sweet-tasting red kiwi, the nutrient-rich and fitness-enhancing “King of Vitamin C”, Rosa Roxburghii fruit, refreshing and fragrant early spring tea, the nourishing and healthful lamb soup pot, and the smooth and refreshing Langdai Liangfen (cold jelly noodles). Each and every dish leaves an unforgettable impression.
In July of Liupanshui, with a strong eastern breeze, summer tourism surges. This charming landscape welcomes visitors with warm hospitality. (Reporter: Han Yu)
