A view of Kongtong Mountain in summer. [Photo/WeChat account: kongtongfabu]

Blessed with the unique advantage of an average summer temperature of around 21 C in its urban area, Pingliang city in Gansu province has emerged as a popular summer retreat destination in Northwest China.

Tourists in Pingliang enjoy refreshing breezes and a pleasant climate while many parts of China are experiencing persistently high temperatures with the arrival of midsummer.

According to Li Xiaoxia, a senior engineer at the Pingliang Meteorological Bureau, analysis of meteorological data collected over the past 30 years shows the average summer temperature across Pingliang is only 21.1 C. There are, on average, fewer than five days a year when temperatures exceed 35 C, and days with temperatures in the comfortable range between 15 C and 25 C account for over 75 percent of the total.

This summer, Pingliang has refined its meteorological service system to make the most of its climate resources, developing distinctive cultural tourism products tailored to different needs, such as mountain retreats, forest wellness and rural stays.

From July 5 to Oct 31, Pingliang is running the "Seeking the Way at Kongtong" tourism campaign. Visitors from outside the city who purchase a full-price ticket to the Kongtong Mountain Scenic Area will receive a voucher redeemable for two complimentary bottles of beer, along with a free round-trip shuttle service between Kongtong Ancient Town and designated hotels.