Ice Block Sales Soar Amidst Sweltering Heat in China
As the scorching summer heat continues to grip China, the demand for ice blocks has skyrocketed, bringing a surge in business for ice factories. A recent visit to an ice factory in Wuhan, Hubei Province, revealed that the factory is selling approximately 200 tons of ice blocks per day, with the majority being sold to customers in Wuhan and surrounding cities. The factory's production has increased significantly since July, with the summer months being the peak season for ice block sales. The factory's responsible person stated that the business has grown by several dozen times compared to previous years, with the factory operating at full capacity to meet the soaring demand.
9 July 2025
The high temperatures have led to an increase in demand for ice blocks, which are used for cooling purposes in various industries such as food storage, construction, and entertainment. The ice factory in Wuhan produces different types of ice blocks, including 10kg, 25kg, and 50kg blocks, which are sold at varying prices depending on the quantity purchased. The factory's ice blocks are made from tap water and are reportedly durable and cost-effective. The factory's production capacity has been pushed to its limits, with two ice machines operating 24 hours a day to meet the demand. The factory has also had to resort to sourcing ice blocks from other subsidiaries to fulfill orders.
Despite the sweltering heat outside, the workers at the ice factory have to brave the cold temperatures inside the factory. The temperature in the cold storage room can drop to as low as -15°C, and workers have to wear warm clothing, including cotton coats and pants, to keep themselves warm. The workers' hard work has paid off, with the factory's daily revenue exceeding 80,000 yuan. The workers, who come from various parts of the country, including Anhui Province, have been working tirelessly to meet the demand, with some even working for 20 hours a day.
The demand for ice blocks is not limited to industries, as parents in Yantai, Shandong Province, have spontaneously organized to purchase large quantities of ice to cool down the classrooms for their children. The schools lack air conditioning, and the parents' efforts aim to bring some relief to their children who return home drenched in sweat every day. The ice, placed in foam boxes, is replaced twice a day, once in the morning and once at noon. Although the limited cooling effect, this gesture demonstrates the parents' concern for their children's well-being.
Similarly, the Wuhan Zoo has implemented various measures to help its animals beat the heat, including providing ice blocks, air conditioners, and swimming pools. The zoo's primate and chimpanzee houses are fully air-conditioned, offering a cool retreat for the animals. The zoo's approach to giving its animals the freedom to choose how they want to cool off is noteworthy, with staff members guiding the animals to either hug ice blocks, enjoy the cool air from air conditioners, or feel the breeze from fans.
As the scorching heat persists, ice blocks have become an indispensable tool for cooling down, acting as an effective "cooling artifact" by absorbing heat through melting, thereby slightly lowering the environmental temperature. For many, a daily cup of ice water has gradually become an integral part of their routine. People are scrambling to find various ways to combat the sweltering weather, with the demand for industrial ice blocks seeing a significant surge, especially in places lacking air conditioning. Ice blocks, priced around 6 to 7 yuan per block for bulk purchases without delivery, offer a simple yet effective method for lowering the immediate surroundings' temperature.
Businesses, such as fishing spots, are adapting to meet the demands of their customers during the high-temperature seasons, providing not only recreational activities but also measures to ensure participants' comfort and safety. However, amidst these creative solutions, health experts emphasize the importance of proper hydration and sun protection. Director Li Qi of the Health Management Center at Hunan Province Occupational Disease Prevention and Treatment Institute advises individuals to wear protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses when outdoors and to consume electrolyte-rich beverages to avoid dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. A balanced diet rich in water-based foods, fruits, and vegetables is also recommended, along with regular health checks before the onset of the hot season.
In essence, while ice blocks have emerged as a simple, effective means of cooling down, it's crucial for the public to adopt a comprehensive approach to managing the heat, ensuring both immediate relief and long-term health benefits. As the summer heat continues to intensify, the demand for ice blocks is expected to remain high, bringing a boom to the ice industry, and the workers at the ice factory remain committed to their work, despite the challenging conditions, to ensure that the demand for ice blocks is met.
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