Cool-down shelters help hot and bothered survive summer swelter

With air conditioning, Wi-Fi, watermelon and cold water offered for free, the Huajin Community Service Center has become an oasis for the elderly and holidaying youngsters to escape the searing heat this summer.

At the center in Wuchang district of Wuhan, Hubei province, people can pass the time dancing, singing, painting or reading. Since June 30, the facility has been open from 8:30 am to 6:00 pm as a public place for rest, recreation and relief.

Liu Quanzhen, 70, is a frequent visitor.

"At home, it's just my husband and me. We're frugal and don't want to use too much electricity, so we usually cool ourselves with cattail leaf fans," she said. "Here, we elderly people chat, share problems and forget our worries. I feel happy."

Guo Yinuo, 10, has spent his summer vacation at the center as his parents are busy working. "I can play with friends and learn a lot," he said. "I have painting classes and sometimes receive gifts."

Since 2003, Wuhan has opened cool-down shelters when the minimum temperature exceeds 28 C or a maximum temperature of 35 C is reached. With this year's punishing heat, all its 1,763 shelters, equipped with health facilities, dining options, and recreational activities, have been opened.