(Photo: huanqiu.com)

The continuous summer heat in many parts of China has inspired many to spend their valuable travel time in cooler regions to escape the scorching temperatures at home. Many Chinese believe that Africa is scorching out throughout the year, but according to one Chinese tourist traveling in Kenya, a country in East Africa, it is an extremely cool destination this time of year, Huanqiu.com reported.

“Africa when hotter” was not a joke at all.

Data released by the China Meteorological Administration, the country’s foremost weather authority, revealed the hottest July since 1961. 

Many cities have been hit relentless scorching heat - over 95 °F, with some cities like Chongqing reaching temperatures over 105°F.

According to the 2018 Summer Travel Big Data Prediction published by the China Tourism Academy and China’s largest online travel agency Crip, “escaping the summer heat” is the main reason why more Chinese tourists are traveling this summer. 

Zhou Bin works at an architecture firm and has been planning a family getaway earlier than he typically does. 

“It’s so hot that we have to keep the air conditioner on 24/7,” said Zhou, who will take his annual vacation earlier this year due to the unbearable summer temperatures. 

“I will take my child to Africa to see the animals in the jungle,” Zhou said.

Other than Africa, smaller countries and islands throughout Southeast Asia have become favorite destinations for Chinese travelers looking to escape the sweltering temperatures at home.  

“The peak travel season is from June to September,” one reporter said and added “off-season travel has become really popular.”

China travel agencies are poised to reap the benefits of a hotter-than-usual summer season among their outbound clientele.

“The economic growth has contributed greatly to tourism, especially with outbound tourism,” said tourism scholar Guo Xiang Min.

The China Tourism Academy said that by 2020, there will be more than 157 million Chinese traveling abroad.

However, for those on a limited budget, domestic tourism destinations like Qinghai and Gansu Provinces, or Ningxia Autonomous Region and Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region offer colder options for those looking to escape the heat.