"Cool Economy" heats up summer tourism across China

High temperatures since the beginning of summer have fueled the growth of the "cool economy" across China. From thrilling rafting adventures in the canyons of Huangshan, Anhui Province, and water fun at theme parks in Suqian, Jiangsu Province, to jet skiing along the coast of Rongcheng, Shandong Province, and camping and stargazing on grasslands in Youyang, Chongqing Municipality, various regions are leveraging water-based activities, mountain retreats and ecological tourism to transform "cool resources" into "hot industries."These diverse summer offerings are effectively stimulating seasonal consumption and becoming a new driver of the summer economy.

Photo taken on July 22, 2026 shows tourists enjoying a rafting trip along Jiaxi River in Lantian Town, Xiuning County, Huangshan City, east China's Anhui Province. Visitors are embracing the cool experience brought by summer rafting amid the hot weather. (Xu Jiadong/Guangming Photo)

Photo taken on July 25, 2026 shows tourists enjoying water activities to cool off from the summer heat at MOMO Park in Jigao · Niujiao Village, Caiji Town, Sucheng District, Suqian City, east China's Jiangsu Province. Visitors are embracing the refreshing fun of summer. (Chen Shaoshuai/Guangming Photo)

Photo taken on July 19, 2026 shows tourists enjoying rafting and water activities amid green mountains and clear waters at the Keziji'er Lake Scenic Area in Gurtu Town, Wusu City, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Visitors are embracing the coolness of summer while enjoying the picturesque natural scenery. (Li Renxi/Guangming Photo)

Photo taken on July 21, 2026 shows tourists riding jet skis at the Naxianghai International Seawater Bathing Beach in Rongcheng City, east China's Shandong Province. Visitors are enjoying water activities and embracing the fun of summer by the seaside. (Li Xinjun/Guangming Photo)

Photo taken on July 23, 2026 shows high-altitude homestays in Chouling Village, Waitun Township, Zhenghe County, Nanping City, southeast China's Fujian Province. Relying on the surrounding forests and sea of clouds, the mountain homestays are attracting tourists seeking summer retreats and extended stays. (Xie Guiming/Guangming Photo)

Photo taken on July 26, 2026 shows a large number of tourists visiting the Changpu Grassland Scenic Area in Youyang Tujia and Miao Autonomous County, southwest China's Chongqing Municipality. The scenic area is developing new tourism offerings including high-altitude camping, grassland sightseeing and stargazing vacations, leveraging its cool climate and natural resources to boost ecological summer tourism in southeastern Chongqing and drive the growth of Youyang's cultural and tourism industry. (Chen Bisheng/Guangming Photo)

Photo taken on July 26, 2026 shows tourists visiting Jinxiu Yao Autonomous County, located in the Dayao Mountain National Forest Park in south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. With its cool and pleasant climate, the county has attracted many visitors seeking leisure, summer retreats and sightseeing. (Gao Rujin/Guangming Photo)

Photo taken on July 4, 2026 shows tourists enjoying artificial waves at the Xibuchangqing Water Park in Luquan District, Shijiazhuang City, north China's Hebei Province. (Liang Zidong/Guangming Photo)