Editor's note: If you fancy coming to visit China this summer under the 72-hour or 144-hour visa-free transit policy, here are 10 destinations for you to explore the country's natural beauty and culture while escaping the heat.

1. Qingdao in East China's Shandong province

With pristine sandy beaches and crystal clear water, Qingdao promises immense summer coastal fun. Here you can bask in the sun, swim, or leisurely stroll along its picturesque shores to fully unwind. Explore the Laoshan Mountain adorned with Taoist temples and boasting China's highest coastal peak. Discover the quiet, lush Badaguan Scenic Area to marvel at red-roofed villas reflecting the city's German colonial past. Also, immerse yourself in the city's rich beer culture by savoring the renowned Tsingtao beer and delving its brewing history at the Tsingtao Beer Museum.