Tourists take pictures of a newly opened karst cave in Zengjia Mountain Scenic Area, Guangyuan, Sichuan province. [Photo provided to cngy.gov.cn]

Xiaoshu, or Minor Heat, the 11th solar term of the year, arrived on Sunday to signify the beginning of the hot days of summer. However, the Zengjia Mountain Scenic Area in Guangyuan, Sichuan province remains refreshingly cool, with an average summer and autumn temperature of just 23℃.

This summer, Zengjia Mountain has introduced new attractions to draw tourists seeking to escape the heat, with two newly-opened karst caves among the highlights. The Minghuang Cave remains close to its natural state, with streams, shoals, stalagmites, stone waterfalls and stone flowers enhanced by neon lights to offer a spectacular and otherworldly visual experience.

The deep, winding passages of Chenglong Cave, which stretches for 3.8 kilometers with a total area of about 20,000 square meters, leave many visitors in awe.

The travel photography spots in Yuanxiang township also opened to the public on Friday, with old-time barbershops and post offices offering a nostalgic backdrop for visitors' photos. In addition, the area features rock, rap and electronic music performances, complemented by dynamic street dance.

Hanfu (the traditional clothing of China's Han ethnic group) enthusiasts, adorned in exquisite makeup, add to the immersive experience, showcasing classical beauty and elegance in the streets.

"It's very pleasant to enjoy music while eating skewers and toasting," said a local resident surnamed Wang, "Every time I come to Zengjia Mountain, I have a new experience and feel very happy."

Around the Diaotan River, a small train transports tourists through fields of sunflowers, galsang flowers and lilies, passing over small bridges and streams, a refreshing breeze blowing all the time.

A tourist from Chongqing, surnamed Li, said she first visited Zengjia Mountain three years ago. Captivated by the air and coolness, she purchased a house there. For the past two years, she has brought her family out from July to September to beat the summer heat.

Along the railway line, tourists can be seen strolling among the flowers, capturing their journey and memorable moments with cameras and drones.