A bird's-eye view of Tuju Kaisha Island Campsite. [Photo/WeChat account: ntwgx6]

As summer temperatures soar across China, a quiet escape is drawing visitors to Kaisha Island in Nantong, Jiangsu province, the first island along the Yangtze River as it flows into the province. 

Tucked away on this lush outpost is the Tuju Kaisha Island Campsite, a sprawling 318-mu (21.2-hectare) getaway that has earned a top-tier 5C certification for self-drive recreational vehicle camping.

The site is a study in contrasts compared to the sweltering city: dense forest canopy, two crystalline lakes at its heart, and breeze-swept open spaces that feel distinctly cooler than the urban area. 

Designed as a full-service waterfront camping complex, the property offers RV pitches, lakefront accommodations, outdoor adventure courses, water sports, and regional dining — all aimed at families, groups of friends, and corporate retreats alike.

For those looking to stay overnight, the options range from family-sized RVs and KTV-equipped RVs to lakefront cabins and forest treehouses. The treehouses, perched among the branches, have proven particularly popular with couples and solo travelers seeking a quiet night under the leaves.

As dusk settles over the Yangtze River, the campsite shifts gears. The lawn fills with picnic tents and grills, the air thick with the scent of barbecue and the low hum of conversation. For larger groups, the staff members can arrange outdoor movies, open-air karaoke, or even a bonfire — complete with fireflies and the soft chorus of summer insects.