An intense heatwave has gripped northern and central China this July, with temperatures soaring and nights offering little relief. As multiple cities issue high-temperature alerts, weather officials warn that longer, hotter summers are becoming the new norm.

From zoos to riverbanks, and water parks to malls, residents are finding ways to cool off. But experts say the country needs long-term heat adaptation plans, including urban cooling infrastructure and stronger protections for outdoor workers.

Below, Sixth Tone captures how people across China are coping with the relentless July heat.