Beating the heat

In these modern times, some residents have swapped the cramped alleyways outside their homes for the cool, air-conditioned malls across the city. Swedish furniture mega store IKEA has been one of the most popular destinations. At Kafer by The Binjiang One, a bar where temperatures within are kept below freezing all the time, is another place that has seen a spike in customers. There, patrons get to indulge in chilled drinks served over an ice counter.

For those who can afford a short getaway to escape the heat, Moganshan in Zhejiang province is a choice destination. Located a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Shanghai, Moganshan is renowned for its scenes of nature and hiking trails.

Coastal cities such as Dalian in Liaoning province and Qingdao in Shandong province are also popular. Besides cooler temperatures, these cities are also well-known for their fresh and affordable seafood.

Other destinations include the Changbai Mountains in Jilin province where people get to walk with the clouds at their feet, or Harbin in Heilongjiang province where temperatures are typically below 23 C during summer.

Cao Chen in Shanghai contributed to this story.