Summertime usually promises longer days, blue skies, outdoor meals and the pleasure of being outside, soaking up the sun. In China, though, the summer heat can be a lot to handle. When temperatures climb into the mid-to-high 30 degrees Celsius, daily life becomes a search for shade to escape the scorching sun.
To an outsider, some of these habits can look puzzling at first: passersby wrapped in sun-proof "armor," grandmothers insisting on cooling teas, or friends recommending mung bean soup with the confidence of a TCM pro. But for those who've been here long enough, these rituals become part of everyday summer living. Here are some of the quirkiest, and most original, ways Chinese people beat the summer heat.
Armor-like sun gear
One Chinese summer strategy is not what many outside of the country would expect: covering up. On sunny days, pedestrians and cyclists may appear in arm sleeves, UV jackets, wide-brimmed hats, masks, neck covers, sunglasses and umbrellas. The result can look almost futuristic, and even a little intimidating – less beachwear, more heat wave battle gear.