As the summer sun blazes down on Hangzhou, temperatures have soared past 40°C, with August 8 marking yet another record-breaking day. This year, the city has already endured seven days of extreme heat, even reaching an unprecedented 41.9°C. Despite these sweltering conditions, tourists continue to flock to the iconic West Lake, eager to explore its scenic beauty. But what draws them here in such oppressive heat, and how do they manage to enjoy their visit?
West Lake's Charm: Beautiful Despite the Heat
One of the top attractions at West Lake is the "Quyuan Fenghe (曲苑风荷)," a spot famous for its lotus flowers. This location is deeply rooted in history, dating back to the Southern Song Dynasty, when the lake was first cultivated with these vibrant plants. Today, the sight of endless green lotus leaves and brilliant red blooms captivates visitors, creating a picturesque scene that's hard to resist, even in the heat.
A Chengdu native working in Hangzhou, Zhang decided to bring his family, who were visiting from Chengdu. "It's unbearably hot these days, but you can't visit Hangzhou without seeing West Lake, especially in summer when the lotuses are in full bloom," Zhang said, wiping sweat from his brow. His wife, however, wasn't as enthusiastic, lamenting the intense heat as she dabbed her face with a handkerchief.
A group of tourists from Madrid found themselves captivated by the lake's beauty, despite the challenging conditions. "It's horrible, but beautiful," commented Lola, one of the visitors, as she admired the unique Oriental charm of the surrounding plants, architecture, and temples.
Creative Ways Tourists Stay Cool
Walking along Su Causeway, another popular spot at West Lake, two girls from Jinhua, Zhejiang, were spotted fanning themselves with their hands. "We came to the provincial capital for a summer trip, but didn't expect it to be this hot," said Xiaomei (pseudonym). Despite the heat, they were determined to explore the scenic area, jokingly asking if the vendors could lower the price of fans, which were being sold for 25 yuan each. Their plan was simple: wander along the causeway, enjoying the view, as "everywhere at West Lake is a scenic spot."
In the relentless sun, tourists have devised various methods to combat the heat. From cooling patches stuck to foreheads to neck fans and wet towels draped over heads, creativity knows no bounds. On a leisurely boat ride, a group of visitors experienced firsthand just how hot West Lake could get, with the water feeling more like warm bathwater in some areas. The boatman, drenched in sweat, gulped down water from a large thermos, while the tourists wiped their faces, trying to keep up with the constant sweat. Despite the heat, the shaded areas along the "Jinsha Harbor Line" provided a welcome respite, with cooler water and a slight breeze offering some relief.
Museums as Cultural Havens
For those seeking a break from the outdoors, the Zhejiang Provincial Museum, nestled on the southern slope of Solitary Hill, offers both cultural enrichment and a much-needed escape from the heat. On August 6, Ms. Li from Shenyang was spotted reading aloud to her young son about the renowned Longquan celadon. "It's our first time in Hangzhou, and I wanted my son to experience the culture of Jiangnan. But we didn't expect it to be this hot—I've almost had heatstroke several times," she confessed, adding that she was grateful for the museum's air conditioning and the anti-heat medications she had brought along.
The Zhejiang West Lake Art Museum also drew visitors, including Liang Dayou, a freelance worker from Yangjiang, Guangdong. He had embarked on a road trip in mid-May, traveling through various cities before arriving in Hangzhou on August 4. "From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., when the heat is at its peak, I visit museums and historical sites," Liang explained. "After 5 p.m., when the heat subsides a bit, I go out to photograph the sunset. The golden hour at West Lake is perfect for capturing stunning images."
While museums provide a haven, other indoor venues around West Lake, like the bustling Apple store near Longxiangqiao Metro Station, have become popular spots for cooling off. University student Wang Xiaoda from Hebi, Henan, had initially planned to watch the music fountain show but found it canceled due to the heat. Instead, he decided to spend time in the Apple store, enjoying the air conditioning and exploring new products.
Cooling Treats and Temporary Relief
In the historic Qinghefang Cultural District, the scorching heat hasn't deterred tourists from sampling the area's renowned teas. Along Ding'an Road, tea shops line the street, with delivery scooters parked outside, ready to dispatch cold drinks to thirsty customers.
Nineteen-year-old Chen Jian from Shangrao, Jiangxi, shared his experience working as a part-time delivery driver in Hangzhou. "The heat doesn't bother me much—I used to train in track and field under similar conditions," he said with a grin. Chen's electric scooter, equipped with a large bottle of water and a cup filled with ice, is a testament to his determination to stay cool while on the job.
Visitors strolling through Qinghefang can often be seen grabbing free samples from tea shops, where iced floral teas are poured into plastic cups. "We've brewed two large barrels of tea for tasting, and refills are available," a shop assistant proudly announced. Even stores selling traditional snacks like snow cream and lotus root flour have jumped on the bandwagon, setting up stalls to sell cold drinks.
In a city where the summer heat can feel unbearable, Hangzhou's West Lake remains a magnet for tourists, each finding their own way to enjoy the scenery and culture, whether through a leisurely boat ride, a cool museum visit, or a refreshing cup of tea. Despite the challenges, the allure of this historic site proves irresistible, offering a unique blend of "pain and pleasure" to those who brave the sweltering temperatures.
