Chongqing - As much of China bakes under record-breaking heat, Chongqing is seizing the moment with a booming "cooling economy"—spanning innovative summer products, diverse leisure experiences, and a vibrant nighttime scene, all helping locals and tourists beat the heat.

A Surge in Demand for All Things Cool

With high temperatures persisting, "summer retreat" has become a hot search term on major online travel platforms, especially for destinations in northwest, northeast, and southwest China. In addition to long-distance getaways, water parks and indoor snow resorts are in high demand for local outings. On the popular lifestyle platform SMZDM.com, sales of "heat-relief" products jumped 65% year-on-year in June.

Chongqing's cooling economy has responded with both product innovation and service upgrades. Large appliances remain summer essentials—in July, at a Suning store in Liangjiang New Area, air conditioners and refrigerators saw sales spike by 200% and 150% year-on-year, respectively, hitting new highs for the season.

A variety of portable fans at Miniso. (Photo/Song Danlei)

But small and portable gadgets are just as popular. At one Chinese retailer, Miniso's store in The Ring mall, affordable handheld, neck, and desk fans—most priced under 60 yuan—are flying off the shelves. According to staff, this summer's top seller is an "ice-feeling" handheld fan, boasting a 7-hour battery and five adjustable speeds, ideal for commutes or travel. Cooling patches, collars, and ice towels are also in high demand.

Market data from JD.com indicates surging sales across a range of heat-relief items: carbonated drinks and ice cream are up over 75% month-on-month, and sales of cooling eye masks have skyrocketed more than tenfold, making them one of this summer’s must-have products.

Diverse "Cooling" Experiences

Chongqing’s residents aren't just cooling down at home—indoor venues and fresh leisure options are transforming the city's summer landscape. "The ski trails here are long and wide, perfect for beginners. Practicing here during the summer means I'll be ready to show off my skills outdoors in the winter," said Mr. Zhao, a regular at Chongqing Jihua Park's indoor ski hall.

Indoor surfing at Chongqing Jihua Park. (Photo/Song Danlei)

Jihua Park offers an impressive lineup of indoor extreme sports—including skydiving, skiing, climbing, and surfing. Its newly upgraded center now features karting, adventure zones, and kids’ play areas, making it a go-to destination for families this summer.

Chongqing is also riding the nationwide “ice and snow sports fever.” According to a report, over half of southern Chinese residents enjoy these activities, fueling the industry's “north-to-south” expansion. This year, Chongqing’s first international-standard skating rink—the City of Inspiration International Ice Sports Center—opened in Liangjiang New Area, set to become a new hub for local training and national and international competitions.

Zhuxi River rafting. (Photo provided by the scenic spot)

Meanwhile, "light outdoor" activities are trending among young people. The newly opened Zhuxi River rafting course in Shuitu New Town lets visitors drift between scenic gorges and rocky banks, immersing themselves in the area's natural beauty.

Nighttime: A Golden Hour for Consumption

Chongqing's nighttime economy comes alive as the sun sets and the city cools. At Playa Maya Water Park in Liangjiang New Area, the wave pool transforms into a vibrant party scene after 4 p.m., complete with lively music, colorful lights, and Thai-themed events such as water fights, parades, and electronic dance parties. According to Chongqing Happy Valley Theme Park, night sessions have increased park attendance by 30% year-over-year this July.

Crowded pool at Chongqing Playa Maya Water Park. (Photo provided by the scenic spot)

Other hotspots include Liangjiang International Film City, where weekend water-splashing festivals draw crowds for playful battles with friends and family—ticket sales have already topped 11,000. At the bustling Minxin Jiayuan Night Market, street food stalls selling skewers, cold noodles, and local desserts line the roads, attracting crowds especially between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.

According to Meituan Travel, searches and reviews for “night tours” have doubled month-on-month since July, with weekends seeing the highest spikes. As leisure activities increasingly extend from day to night, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. becomes Chongqing’s new “golden four hours” for summer consumption.

With its ever-evolving array of cooling products and experiences, Chongqing is not just keeping its residents comfortable—it’s turning the heat into a catalyst for innovation and economic growth.

(Xie Xinyi, as an intern, also contributed to this article.)