In ancient China, people used various methods to cool their homes during hot and humid summers. Some of these ancient Chinese methods to cool home includes:
- Architecture and Design: Chinese architecture was often designed with cooling in mind. Traditional homes were built using natural materials like wood and clay, which helped regulate indoor temperature. Courtyards and open-air spaces were incorporated to create better air circulation and ventilation.
- Shading and Awnings: To block the sun’s direct rays, Chinese homes often had extended eaves, awnings, and screens made of bamboo or other materials. These provided shade to the interior spaces, reducing the amount of heat entering the building.
- Water Features: Water was commonly used for cooling purposes. Ponds or small water bodies were constructed within or near homes, which helped cool the air through evaporation. Additionally, homes might have had indoor fountains or water features to enhance the cooling effect.
- Use of Porous Materials: Porous materials like bamboo mats and screens were placed over windows and doors. These materials allowed some airflow while filtering out excess heat and sunlight.
- Cooling with Fans: Handheld fans made of bamboo or other materials were widely used to create a cooling breeze indoors. Some homes might have had larger, more elaborate fans hung from ceilings to improve air circulation.
- Cooling Beds: People often slept on beds made of bamboo or other cooling materials. The ancient Chinese methods to cool home. These beds allowed air to circulate underneath, preventing excessive heat retention.
- Ice Houses: In some regions, ice houses were constructed to store ice during the winter. This ice was used during the summer to cool indoor spaces or make refreshing cold beverages.
- Use of Light Colors: Light-colored exterior walls helped reflect sunlight and reduce heat absorption, keeping the building cooler.
- Siheyuan Architecture: In northern China, the traditional Siheyuan architecture, characterized by a square courtyard surrounded by buildings, was prevalent. This layout allowed for better ventilation and natural cooling.
- Siesta and Nighttime Ventilation: During the hottest parts of the day, people would often take siestas to avoid excessive heat. In the evenings, windows and doors were opened to allow cooler nighttime air to flow through the house.
These ancient Chinese cooling techniques were adapted to the local climate and available resources, providing a glimpse of how people creatively managed to keep their homes comfortable during hot summers without modern cooling technologies.
Also read: Know about Forbidden City of China
