Get groovy at China's flourishing music festivals

Founded by the Beijing Midi School of Music, the unofficial birthplace of China's underground rock movement, the Midi Music Festival has developed from humble roots as a student band showcase in 2000 into a powerful brand with dozens of famous acts performing every year. Midi enjoys a reputation as the Chinese version of Woodstock – this year's camping-based festival was held across four days in Suzhou, featuring a slew of top bands, DJs and electronic music artists. For a long time, Midi has also promoted a healthy, positive and sustainable lifestyle; in 2016, its theme was Away from Drugs, Close to Music, while 2018 was Say No to Plastic Meal Boxes.

With its beautiful scenery on the Zhongdu Grassland in late July for three days every year, the Zhangbei Grassland Music Festival (held since 2009) is another top campout festival that's great for enjoying a vast array of music and watching the stars from your tent. Beyond the tunes, there's a variety of entertainment options including outdoor movies, a kite zone and a space for circus performers. Once the weather warms up again, perhaps it's time to head outside