Heilongjiang a cool summer getaway

Rows of recreational vehicles are parked neatly in the city of Heihe in Northeast China's Heilongjiang province, while groups of tourists drink tea, chat and prepare food.

As many parts of China have entered "hot weather mode" as summer reaches its height, cities in the country's northernmost province have seen a tourism boom.

Summer temperatures in Heihe, located on the border between China and Russia, rarely top 20 C, and many tourists from all over the country have chosen to spend the summer here as part of an "RV tour".

"The city is clean, and it's very convenient to buy food at the morning market. It is very comfortable here. I plan to stay for a few more days," says Ji Guifeng, a tourist from Tianjin.

"We have planned special parking areas for RV tourists, providing them with services such as water and electricity," says Li Liyan with the city's tourism bureau.

With an excellent environment, cool climate conditions and improved supporting facilities, Heihe has vigorously developed its tourism sector in recent years, Li says.