Scenic spots in Xi'an, Shaanxi province take various steps to provide better services for tourists during the summer heat. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
Scenic spots in Xi'an, Shaanxi province, are taking various measures to provide better services for tourists during the summer heat.
For days, Xi'an has been experiencing high temperatures ranging from 37 C to 40 C, with the ground temperature exceeding 40 C at noon.
Major attractions have offered advice and adjusted their schedules and physical facilities to help people deal with the heat — for example, moving outdoor performances to the evening, installing more mist cooling systems, setting up free drinking water stations and shaded rest areas and encouraging visitors to travel during off-peak hours.
Scenic spots in Xi'an, Shaanxi province take various steps to provide better services for tourists during the summer heat. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
The Yongning Gate section of the Xi'an city wall, for example, now advises tourists to climb the wall after 5:30 pm, when the evening breeze is pleasant, especially after dusk, allowing visitors to enjoy both the sunset views and the ancient city's night scenery. For daytime visits, early morning hours from 8 am to 10 am are recommended.
Air-conditioned coffee lounges and cooling rooms have been set up for visitors to take breaks. Mobile mist cooling devices and public drinking water stations have been added along the wall and patrol staff members carry heat-relief supplies.
This month, nearly half the city wall's visitors have come in the evening. Nighttime sightseeing has become the dominant choice, according to a manager.
Scenic spots in Xi'an, Shaanxi province take various steps to provide better services for tourists during the summer heat. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
Grand Tang Mall, a pedestrian avenue with themes from the Tang Dynasty (618-907), moved some popular performances to nighttime and extended opening time to 11 pm.
Water stations are set up every 150 meters along the block, providing free water (boiled and cooled), as well as mung bean soup. Mist cooling systems are activated regularly during peak heat hours.
Multiple rest zones with seats and fans have been designated, and medicines to prevent heatstroke are available. Security staff carry first-aid supplies at all times.
During the hottest period, from 11 am to 4 pm, outdoor staff and performers work on a rotating schedule. Medical staff are on-site to provide prompt treatment for visitors affected by the heat.
At Tang Paradise, a sprawling cultural theme park, and Qujiang Lake Heritage Park, discounted evening tickets are available after 6 pm. The operating hours of nighttime lighting displays and boat cruises have been extended until 10 pm. Additional seating in shaded areas along the lakeside has been set up with water mist systems
Scenic spots in Xi'an, Shaanxi province take various steps to provide better services for tourists during the summer heat. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
At the Terracotta Warriors scenic area, additional shuttle bus services have been arranged to minimize visitors' exposure to direct sunlight while walking.
The Shaanxi History Museum and Xi'an Museum have extended their operating times for the summer vacation period.
Li Mei, a tourist from Yuncheng, Shanxi province, visited the Terracotta Warriors and the Xi'an city wall around 8 am. She then escaped the rising heat at midday by visiting the museum and shopping in malls with air conditioning and finally headed to Tang Paradise after dark.
"The cool evening breezes and dazzling lights created a perfect atmosphere for photos," she said. "This is the right way to explore the city in summer."
Scenic spots in Xi'an, Shaanxi province take various steps to provide better services for tourists during the summer heat. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
