What are the best places to visit in China for 3-4 days in July?

Question

I am planning a short trip from Shanghai for 3-4 days. Plan on taking a flight and would prefer to go somewhere that is not as hot.

 

Answer 1

I agree with sakeslug that Jiuzhaigou, Dali or Lijiang are great places to escape the heat of Shanghai, but for all these destinations you would certainly need more time than just three or four days. You would spend most of the time getting there and back to Shanghai.
So I think you should go somewhere closer to Shanghai. 
Huangshan is one of the most beautiful mountains of China and not far from Shanghai in Anhui province. It reminds you of these old chinese paintings with old pine trees on steep cliffs. And on the mountain it should be a little bit cooler than in damp Shanghai.
Another option would be the island Putuoshan. It has a holy buddhist mountain in the middle of the island with monasteries and temples all over. Putuoshan is off the coast of Zhejiang province and can be easily reached by an overnight boat trip from Shanghai. And if you like seafood you're in paradise there.
Both places are absolutely safe for a single woman to travel to.

Answer 2

Go to Kunming. It is a great city and not so hot. It is called the city of Spring.
From there you can take a bus to Dali or grab a flight to Lijiang or Shangri-la (stay at the Banyan Tree or a youth hostel) have also heard that Tibet, Inner Mongolia, and Xinjiang are best to visit in summer. Also going to Huangshan could be pleasant as it is in the mountains. Jiuzhaigao in Sicuhan would also be a great place to visit. Anywhere where there is higher elevation so you can escape the heat. 
I am stuck in Shanghai now.... it is too hot. I plan to go to the US for several weeks to escape the heat.