By Jin Yuhan
As summer settles in, the sweltering heat in Ningbo pushes workers across various industries to persevere through demanding conditions. Their dedication under the scorching sun reflects the hardworking spirit that defines the city.
Riding Through the Heat
In July, the asphalt roads of Jiangshan Town, Ningbo, radiate heat as temperatures soar to 35°C (95°F).
Despite the oppressive heat, 23-year-old He Fumei, a food delivery rider, loaded her tenth order into the insulated box on her electric scooter, her movements deft and practiced. Her sun-protective jacket was soaked through, but she smiled brightly. "This doesn't feel like work—it's more like a fun ride!"
He Fumei moved to Ningbo from Nujiang, Yunnan, in April, drawn by the promise of better opportunities. Some of her family members had already settled down in the city.
At noon, her scooter displayed a temperature of 39°C (102°F). She parked under the shade of a tree and took a moment to sip on a heat-relief herbal tea provided by her delivery station manager.
The station makes sure riders stay comfortable, offering chilled drinks, sun-protective arm sleeves, and encouraging regular breaks. They also provide a heat stroke prevention kit and adjust delivery routes to minimize prolonged sun exposure.
This year, Jiangshan Town rolled out an initiative to support workers in non-traditional sectors, such as delivery riders. The town has taken proactive steps to address their needs and ensure newcomers feel at home in Ningbo.
Despite the heat, He Fumei remains positive about her job. "This is much easier than farm work back home, and every delivery means real, tangible income," she said with a content smile, gesturing to her scooter.
Sun Erniang Under the Sun
On a sweltering afternoon in July, our correspondent met with Shi Yingzhi, a local woman from Xinqiao Town in Xiangshan, known to many as Sun Erniang, a well-known fictional character from Chinese literature, depicted as a bold and fearless woman. Off-screen, she is a mother, balancing family life with the demanding world of acting.
Shi entered the world of background acting in 2016, quickly learning the harsh realities of summer film sets. Her most memorable experience was filming Royal Nirvana. During the height of summer in Xiangshan, ground temperatures reached nearly 40°C (104°F). Despite the scorching heat, Shi and her fellow background actors wore three layers of padded coats and trousers to portray winter scenes. The cotton fabric, soaked with sweat, clung heavily to their skin with every movement.
"Background actors appear on screen for only a few seconds, but we owe it to the role to give our all," Shi often says.
In 2023, Shi transitioned to working as an interactive performer at Xiangshan Global Studios' tourist zone. Dressed in Sun Erniang's heavy costume, she interacts with visitors, even on the hottest days. Sweat beads roll down her face, but she continues to smile and pose for photos, never letting the discomfort show.
Her years of acting experience bring depth to her character, making her interactions with visitors vibrant and engaging. Guests often exclaim, "This Sun Erniang is so convincing!" unaware that beneath the costume, Shi is drenched in sweat as she turns to wipe her brow.
Spidermen Braving the Scorching Heights
On a scorching July morning, with temperatures reaching 35°C (95°F), our correspondents visited a group of aerial workers in an old residential area in Yinzhou District. They are known as "Spidermen" for their exterior wall painting work.
By 7 a.m., team leader Guo Guofei and his crew had already arrived, swiftly preparing for the day ahead. They mixed paint, filled buckets, climbed stairs, secured safety ropes, installed seat boards, and attached lifelines—motions that had become second nature.
Once on the rooftop, the team of three positioned themselves side by side, each suspending two paint buckets from their harnesses. They began their slow descent, carefully applying paint to the exterior walls.
Sweat poured down their faces as they worked under the relentless sun. After three hours, they had used over a dozen buckets of paint, totaling more than 100 kilograms.
"We make the most of the cooler morning hours—every minute counts," Guo said. Summer, he explained, is the hardest season, with insulation layers trapping heat and pushing worksite temperatures to 50°C (122°F).
Guo reminisced about painting the 52-story, 170-meter Jinguang Center Building, where over a dozen workers collaborated on the task. "It was unforgettable."
Now approaching 50, Guo still moves with the agility of a younger man, ascending and descending like a real-life "Spiderman".
"Doing this work is fulfilling: it helps me make a living, improve the community, and enhance the city's image. I just hope to keep doing meaningful work like this," he said.