Weather remains livelihood source for farmers as well as entrepreneurs
According to an old Chinese proverb, farmers rely on the weather for their livelihood. But in today's China, while farmers are using technology to adapt to scorching summers, entrepreneurs are turning the heat into hot business opportunities.
In the face of orange alerts across northern China, a consumer revolution is transforming the summer heat into an economic boom. With the China Meteorological Administration warning of prolonged heatwaves and even higher temperatures, people are moving beyond mere endurance to embrace a new kind of cooling consumption pattern.
Air conditioners are flying off the shelves while handheld fans double as fashion statements, bartenders and baristas are coming up with new ice-cold drinks and innovative cooling gadgets are flooding online and offline markets.
These purchases, once seen as basic survival needs, have evolved into curated lifestyle choices. From high-tech personal cooling devices to Instagram-worthy frozen treats, the summer heat is fueling a wave of economic activity.
As it cools down relatively in the evenings, night markets are exploding, with people making a beeline for sizzling and spicy skewers, stalls serving up icy desserts and vendors hawking everything from glowing bubble tea to USB-powered mini fans. Cities such as Chengdu and Xi'an are seeing their pedestrian street markets packed until midnight, while coastal towns such as Qingdao have set up beach-side bars and open-air seafood feasts. It is not just about food. Nighttime river cruises, rooftop movie screenings and live music under the stars are turning summer nights into economic gold mines.
E-commerce platforms are also cashing in by launching seasonal promotions, physical stores are creating dedicated "summer cool" sections and restaurants are introducing frozen delicacies. The boom is not limited to retail. Indoor entertainment venues such as cinemas, shopping malls, aquariums and themed parks are experiencing record footfalls as families, students on vacation and office goers are all seeking refuge from the oppressive heat.
The weather is changing the way people travel too. Traditional beach-lovers are now heading for highland resorts, mountain retreats and northern cities. Thanks to expanding high-speed rail networks and improved rural infrastructure, the scale of China's summer tourism and related markets has reached 1.2 to 1.5 trillion yuan ($167 to $209 billion).
The surge in demand for summer coolers is also stimulating advances in green technology. With energy consumption peaking during prolonged heatwaves, consumers are gravitating toward energy-efficient air conditioners and green systems that help reduce electricity costs and environmental impact.
The government's emphasis on sustainable development dovetails naturally with these trends. By promoting energy-saving appliances and environmentally friendly cooling technologies, policymakers are guiding the market toward long-term ecological and economic benefits.
Meanwhile, this seasonal boom is generating jobs across multiple sectors — from additional hiring in delivery logistics and warehousing to expanded staffing in hospitality, tourism and entertainment.
From ancient farmers reading the skies to modern entrepreneurs reading market trends, China's summer economy proves that even extreme weather can be harnessed for growth. As temperatures rise, so does the nation's capacity to innovate by turning what was once a seasonal challenge into a year-round blueprint for sustainable development.
