As record-shattering temperatures lead to power crises in European cities, a new vacation trend — "coolcation" — is taking hold. Tourists from Europe are flocking to China not only for its diverse landscapes, history and culture, but also for its reliable air conditioning.
For Europeans, caught between blackouts and high cost of power, air conditioning isn't always a given, and China offers a cool alternative.
According to data from Trip.com Group, international inbound tourism during the summer season has seen explosive growth, with the number of trips from Europe to China increasing 275 percent year-on-year.
In Hainan province, air conditioners hum steadily in malls, museums, cars and even at beachfront snack outlets. This may sound mundane, but it makes a big difference when you're melting like a chocolate bar in the sun. Little wonder then it is a talking point on social media.
"Air conditioning is available almost everywhere here, which is totally different from France," said Kelvin Grosjean, a 22-year-old French tourist who was cooling off at a scenic spot in Haikou, Hainan. "Restaurants, museums, cinemas, malls — it's everywhere. That makes living and traveling much more comfortable."
In France, Grosjean noted that air conditioning is uncommon on public transport, and it can be particularly uncomfortable in stations.
Libraries sometimes have air conditioning, he said, but not often. In general, when people find cool air in France during the summer, it's mainly in supermarkets, hotels and offices.
"I think the French government will take measures to tackle heat waves in the coming years," Grosjean said. "It's easier to head off to China."
In July, China's National Immigration Administration reported 22.91 million foreign arrivals in the first half of the year, a 20.4 percent jump year-on-year. Visa-free entries grew 30.6 percent to 17.8 million. Hainan, which offers visitors from 86 countries visa-free access, is a prime beneficiary.
Now, social media users across the world are swapping tips on Hainan's beaches and forest retreats. "China's summer is so pleasant," one wrote, joining a chorus of would-be travelers organizing group trips.
China's coolcation appeal goes beyond infrastructure. From subarctic permafrost to tropical coastlines, the country offers a remarkably diverse array of summer getaways.
Hainan's east coast offers 28 C days tempered by ocean winds — far milder than the 40 C-plus heat currently baking southern Europe. Inland mountain villages provide additional respite, moderating what can be oppressive heat at lower altitudes.
"You've got the sea, and also mountains, which make the weather much milder," Grosjean said. "So Hainan avoids extreme heat, and will be far more pleasant for overseas visitors."
For 24-year-old German tourist Maximilian Strobel, a trip to China in July was the fulfillment of a long-held dream. Together with his brother, he planned the journey to experience the diverse landscapes and cultures of China. Their travels took them from the south to the north, with each destination offering its own unique climate and cultural experiences.
Their first stop was Kunming, Yunnan province, a city known for its mild climate.
"We hardly needed any special cooling measures," Strobel said. "The weather was quite comfortable. An occasional ice cream or cold drink was more than enough. The hotel's pool also offered a refreshing retreat."
However, Chengdu in Sichuan province was a different story. With daytime temperatures hovering between 35 C and 40 C, the brothers were forced to move their midday activities indoors. They visited museums and shopping malls — which Strobel noticed were unusually lively.
In Beijing, the brothers rose at 5 am to visit the Great Wall, because at that time of day the weather is relatively cool and the crowds thin.
What struck the German travelers most was a cultural contrast: In the summer heat, many Chinese people opt for long sleeves, wide-brimmed hats and face coverings — a sight rarely seen on European streets. "My Chinese friends had all warned me about the heat before I came. But honestly, I think locals here handle it better than I expected," Strobel said.