Sunshades can be spotted at various crossings in Hangzhou. Photo: Huang Yifei
Residents are seeking coolness in an opened air-raid shelter in Hangzhou. Photo: Xia Yang
Free drinks are available for outdoor workers. Photo provided to Hangzhoufeel
By Han Yifei
As the summer heat hits Hangzhou and pushes temperatures to above 30℃ and as a red alert for heat has been announced on July 12, Hangzhou has introduced many heartwarming measures, bringing cool air to its residents and tourists.
As the countdown for Hangzhou Asian Games ticks, it is also time to take a closer look at just how thoughtful the Hangzhou people are.
Sunshades: smart solution to sizzling street crossings
This summer, to beat this scorching heat, 275 sunshades have been installed at various crossings in the city.
It is a long-standing practice of Hangzhou, with the design of these tents constantly evolving each year. Since last year, a new design has been introduced to replace the previous pointy top of the tents with an arched one of a better look.
Elements of the West Lake, the Broken Bridge and ancient pavilions that reflect the unique charm of Hangzhou are added to the design.
Beverages and benevolence
June 15 marked the 100-day countdown to Hangzhou Asian Games. On the day, the annual free herbal tea stall in the West Lake Scenic Area was officially set up again, along with dozens of summer tea stalls cross the city. The lineup this year includes rejuvenating brews like Baihe (Lily) Ruyi Tea and Chenpi (Orange Peel) Huangjing (Rhizoma Polygonati) Tea. Additionally, every Wednesday will see a limited supply of the cold West Lake Longjing Tea. The free herbal tea service is scheduled from 10:00 to 16:00 every day for four months.
Not far from the south end of the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, a refreshment station has been set up by a nearby residential community and a jogging club consisting of local residents. The station provides free bottled water, functional drinks, and popsicles to outdoor workers working in the sweltering heat as well as residents and visitors in need. This year marks the first year of the initiative that the staff and volunteers hope to continue in the future. "As long as the heat goes on, so will our efforts," said they. "We hope to do something for the upcoming Asian Games and for the city."
Public cooling spaces
On July 11, Hangzhou Metro spared a batch of cooling zones for citizens. Seven metro lines currently feature these zones, with Lines 1 and 5 following up soon.
The cooling zones are adjusted as needed. Netizens have lauded the Hangzhou subway for this thoughtful initiative, noting the carefully arranged seating!
As a usual practice in the summer, six abandoned air-raid shelters and caves across the city are cleaned up and open to the public as natural cooling spaces since June 30. These spots are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily for two months.
Now the shelters and caves are well-equipped with an array of facilities such as comfortable seating, ventilation fans, and dehumidifiers. Complementing these features are the provisions of bottled drinking water, newspapers, magazines, and cable TV, to ensure that the public needs are properly catered to. With regular air quality checks, a comfortable and healthy air condition is ensured.
Every morning, the Sipailou air-raid shelter bustles with people seeking a break. In this comfortably cool setting, people immerse themselves in a variety of activities, from reading and chatting to playing cards and knitting. Some children run around with a loud fun, coming back to their sitters occasionally and having a bite of the juicy watermelon slices. Shielded from the harsh sun outside, people enjoy a homey comfort in such places. They stand as a testament to Hangzhou's distinct charm, shaping a unique summer scene.
Hangzhou wins hearts in heat
As the Asian Games approaches, these efforts underline the city's commitments to a hosting ambience. As the considerate measures reflect the essence of Hangzhou's vibrant civic culture, they also raise a fascinating question – what a city can offer during the blazing summer? Each of the above-mentioned initiatives stands as a response to this question with a vivid picture of beating the summer heat with mutual help and public welfare.