Today marks Minor Heat, or Xiaoshu, the fifth solar term of summer, from which midsummer starts. It is now the perfect time to find a free, refreshing place to escape the heat, cool down, and enjoy a cool summer.

 

 

People’s Park

 

 

 

When it comes to free cooling spots in downtown Chengdu, the Chengdu No. 1 Air Raid Shelter at the People’s Park may be the first option that comes to mind. While maintaining a constant temperature of around 25°C year-round, the shelter is equipped with dehumidifiers, water dispensers, televisions, free Wi-Fi, and other amenities, as well as nearly 300 standard seats for visitors.

 

 

Chengdu Metro Stations

 

 

 

Those who are looking for accessible, nearby, and free places to cool off may find local metro stations an excellent choice.

 

Since 2022, Chengdu Metro has set up designated cooling areas to provide residents with a comfortable escape from the summer heat. Currently, all stations across Chengdu Metro’s network are available for a refreshing break.

 

 

Museums and Libraries

 

 

 

From the popular Chengdu Museum and Sichuan Science and Technology Museum, to the aesthetically appealing Tianfu Humanities and Arts Library, and then to Sichuan Museum, Sichuan Provincial Library, Sichuan Art Museum, and more, there are too many choices to explore in one visit. These venues are perfect for quiet solo contemplation, as well as for bringing children to broaden their horizons.

 

 

Living Water Garden

 

 

 

As visitors step into the park, the dense canopies instantly bring a noticeable drop in temperature. Water meanders through the park, with the gentle babble of flowing streams carrying refreshing coolness.

 

The Living Water Garden is the first “mosquito-free park” in Chengdu. It has introduced mosquito control devices, which use eco-friendly physically biomimetic technology to trap blood-feeding mosquitoes.

 

 

Wangjianglou Park

 

 

 

With a vast bamboo forest stretching across the landscape, the park is immersed in a sea of tranquil green, where over 500 rare bamboo species around the world are growing. 

 

As breezes sweep through the bamboo forest, the serene atmosphere offers soothing coolness.

 

 

Baihuatan Park

 

 

 

Resembling an ink wash painting hidden in the heart of the bustling downtown, the park is home to elegant traditional gardens with the serenity of natural landscapes. It offers an immersive retreat into the refreshing beauty of garden scenery.

 

 

Huanhuaxi Park

 

 

 

With lush greenery and gently flowing streams, the park provides residents with a perfect escape from the midsummer stuffiness that instantly soothes people.

 

It is now the peak season for lotus blossoms. Set against the expansive Canglang Lake, the shimmering waters and verdant surroundings present a peaceful and elegant retreat. The Egret Islet by the lake is a habitat for wild birds, where visitors can often see flocks taking flight. The ancient poetic line, “a flock of egrets soar into the blue sky”, is vividly recreated here.

 

Edited by Zhang Yuanlin

Source: Home in Chengdu