We have just landed in China and the boiling heat makes for a pleasant change to the dull seasons back home. To be sinical the UK only really has two seasons, two weeks of sunshine and the rest may as well be called the rainy season.
So its no surprise that a sizzling Chinese summer is welcome but also challenging. China has a few innovative ways to stay cool in the heat that I feel could benefit any avid traveller.
First China is great at its gadgets and tech. With nearly all of it home made these innovations can be affordable to all and super fun. For example the hanging neck fan will keep you cool while looking cool ... well they might not be pretty and look a bit futuristic they will certainly keep the heat at bay.
Or alternatively go old school and get yourself a bamboo hand fand for a sweeping breeze. And if you are as lucky as my partner get someone else to fan you and imagine you are royalty in an exotic land. I personally like the varied selection of pocket fans with anime and cartoon character designs.
China also has great culinary ways to keep you cool in the heat. With noodles as a staple part of the Chinese diet, the way to eat them in the summer is as a cold dish. Unsurprisingly these noodles are delicious and refreshing. A mix of garlic, soy sauce, vinegar, tahini, chilli oil, spring onions and peanuts gives the dish a complex taste that helps brings the heat out of your body.
If you are ever at a pub quiz and need to know which country invented the ice cream its China. Quite a surprising fact but its makes perfect sense, what would an emperor of the Qin dynasty want in the scorching heat other than a ice cold refreshing ice cream served up by his faithful entourage.
Ok this is a bit of creative imagination but the invention is true. China still leads the way in creative ice creams. My personal favourite is lemon with a jelly centre but if you are a bit more adventurous than I am make sure you try the sweetcorn ice cream.
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