7 best water escapes during China's summer heat

For anyone who is looking to escape the climbing summer heat and sometimes choking air in the hustle and bustle of the city, here is a travel list to take shelter in the country's best mountain streams.

1. The Nine Streams and 18 Gullies in Hangzhou

The Nine Streams and 18 Gullies wanders through small mountains in Hangzhou, East China's Zhejiang province, and flows into the Qiantang River, the city's major river. [Photo/VCG]

Hills with lush trees and tea fields flank the streams here, which together create a fresh and peaceful environment for a decent hike around the Nine Streams and 18 Gullies. [Photo/VCG]

2. Huaxi, Guizhou province

Huaxi is a district with over 50 rivers and streams in Guiyang, Guizhou province. With a forest coverage rate of over 40 percent, Huaxi is also a state-level ecological demonstration zone in China. [Photo/VCG]

People have fun in Huaxi, Guizhou province. [Photo/VCG]

3. Jinbian Stream, Hunan province

The Jinbian Stream is a 5A-level national scenic spot located in the National Forest Park in Zhangjiajie, Hunan province, running a total length of 5,700 meters. [Photo/VCG]

4. Mandarin Duck Stream, Fujian province

The Mandarin Duck Stream Scenic Spot is a special protection zone for mandarin ducks, which is also the only one of its kind in China. Hundreds of mandarin ducks migrate here every autumn to escape the winter cold. A 14-km stream runs through the tranquil space. [Photo/VCG]

5.Xiangxi Stream, Hubei province

Shenongjia in Central China's Hubei province is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Compared to the biggest tourist attraction in the region, the golden monkeys, the Xiangxi Stream is less known. However, surrounded by little valleys with lush trees, the stream is one of the best resorts to take shelter from the sizzling summer. [Photo/VCG]

6. Huanhua Creek, Sichuan province

The Huanhua Creek is adjacent to the Du Fu Thatched Cottage in Chengdu, Sichuan province. The cottage is a park and museum in honor of Tang Dynasty (618-907) poet Du Fu, one of the greatest poets from ancient China. [Photo/VCG]

7. Jiuqu Stream, Fujian province

The Jiuqu Stream is a must-visit for those who travel to the Wuyi Mountain in East China's Fujian province. [Photo/VCG]

Riding a bamboo raft on the stream is a nice adventure. [Photo/VCG]