Ancient Chinese from noble families stayed in ice cellars to keep cool during the summer. Photo by Cindy Gu / chinadaily.com.cn

Ice cellar

Ice was very rare during summer in ancient times. While ordinary people resorted to paper fans, noble families had ice stocked in underground cellars to cope with summer heat. Ice could be placed in front of a fan to bring cool air or put into beverages to make an ice drink.

 

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