Cave dwellings prove cool in summer

In the midst of a summer heat wave, Sanmenxia residents are being given the perfect chance to cool off at popular cultural scenic spot, the Shanzhou Cave Dwellings.

Because the dwellings are built underground, they remain warm in winter and cool in summer, and so in the middle of the heat it is a perfect time to visit.

To add icing to the cake, a range of fun activities are being arranged to take place throughout the summer period, such as concerts, barbecues and open-air movie showings, which started on July 8.

Thousands of illuminations light up the underground domestic architecture at midnight. [Photo by Wang Jiandong/Sanmenxia Daily]

"Incredible! The place seems equipped with a huge air conditioner," exclaimed one first-time visitor upon entering the underground dwellings.

Guests can also gain an insight into local folk culture and customs at the underground folk custom museum and even take part in some folk activities.

The scenic spot is open free to the public from 7pm to 10pm every evening during the 52-day summer heat wave. The cooling summer activity will last until Aug 28.

Music plays as children stamp on reflections on the ground, Shanzhou district of Sanmenxia, Henan province. [Photo by Wang Jiandong/Sanmenxia Daily]

A live concert is held in the cave dwellings, adding fun to the hot summer's night. [Photo by Wang Jiandong/Sanmenxia Daily]

Children play on swings in the cave dwellings, a famous tourist attraction in Shanzhou district of Sanmenxia. [Photo by Wang Jiandong/Sanmenxia Daily]

Tourists watch open-air movies in the night cool breeze at the cave dwellings. [Photo by Wang Jiandong/Sanmenxia Daily]