🕒 Last updated on August 1, 2025
Chongqing, one of China’s largest and most vibrant cities, is in the middle of a severe heatwave. Known for its spicy food and dazzling skyscrapers, this city in the southwest is now facing extreme temperatures that are making everyday life difficult.
Heatwave Grips a Cyberpunk City
In recent days, temperatures have crossed 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit), turning streets into heat traps. According to local weather updates, a record high of 44 degrees Celsius is expected on Sunday. This level of heat is very unusual, even for a city known as one of China’s “furnace cities.”
The government has issued the highest possible heat warning—a red alert—as more than half of Chongqing’s districts are expected to feel temperatures above 43 degrees Celsius. This comes after an entire week of daily highs above 40 degrees, breaking multiple heat records just in the month of July.
With over 32 million people living in Chongqing, the effects of this heatwave are being felt city-wide. Many are struggling to stay cool as the temperature keeps rising. The city’s power grid is also under pressure. Electricity demand has reached new highs, with usage now over 1.5 billion kilowatts. Air conditioners, fans, and coolers are working non-stop, but sometimes even they are not enough.
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Finding Creative Ways to Stay Cool
As the sun blazes overhead, residents are turning to creative ways to escape the heat. Some older people are gathering in subway entrances, where the air-conditioning is strong and free. These cool underground spaces are becoming informal community centers. Dozens of retirees gather here during the hottest parts of the day, playing cards and sharing snacks as they wait for the sun to go down.
Others are heading toward water. In the late afternoon, many people go to the riverside. The Yangtze River, which flows through the city, is now a popular spot for swimming. Locals are diving in, hoping the cold water will give them some relief from the burning air.
Even Chongqing’s famous food culture is adapting. Some restaurants have moved their tables into old bomb shelters that were built long ago for protection during wartime. These underground spaces are naturally cool, making them a perfect place to enjoy hotpot—a local favorite—even when it’s over 40 degrees outside.
In these shelters, families and groups of friends laugh and eat, trying to ignore the heat above ground. The thick stone walls keep the air cool inside, and fans add extra comfort. Some diners say they’re used to the heat and have grown up with these intense summers. For them, spicy hotpot and summer heat go hand-in-hand.
Climate Strains Everyday Life
The intense heat is causing problems beyond just discomfort. For many, daily routines have changed completely. People avoid going out during the afternoon unless it’s absolutely necessary. Streets are empty during peak heat hours, and shops and offices are reporting lower foot traffic.
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The heat has also affected workers, especially those whose jobs require them to be outside. Construction workers, delivery drivers, and street vendors are all struggling to stay safe. Many are forced to work early in the morning or late at night to avoid the worst of the heat.
Public services are working hard to support residents. Cooling stations have been set up, and medical teams are on alert for cases of heatstroke. Despite this, many people are worried that the situation might get worse if the heat continues.
Chongqing’s weather this summer is not just about high numbers on a thermometer. It’s affecting how people live, eat, work, and relax. Families are staying indoors more, children are missing outdoor playtime, and businesses are adjusting their schedules.
While the people of Chongqing are known for their strength and resilience, this summer is putting them to the test. Through swimming in rivers, gathering underground, and eating in bomb shelters, residents are showing remarkable creativity and endurance. But the unrelenting heat continues to dominate life in one of China’s most dynamic cities.