Minor Heat: A glimpse into ancient ways to stay cool in China

July 7 marks the start of Minor Heat, the fifth solar term of summer in the traditional Chinese calendar, which signifies the start of the hottest and most humid period of the year. So, how did ancient Chinese people stay cool without electricity and air conditioners?

Several of the exhibits at the Beijing Folk Custom Museum offer some clues. In addition to folding fans, ancient Chinese also loved to bear sachets which contain ingredients such as mint and sandalwood to refresh themselves on hot days. Ice had become affordable to ordinary people during the Qing Dynasty, when cold drink vendors would use bronze cups as a ringing device to attract customers. Xuehualao, a snack made from crushed ice, bean paste, and raisins, was popular at that time.