Beijing temperatures top 40 C at start of hottest period of the year

Beijing baked under intense heat on Wednesday as temperatures reached as high as 43.1 C in parts of the city, marking the start of this year's sanfu, the hottest period on the Chinese calendar.

According to the Beijing Meteorological Observatory, the highest temperature was recorded between 1 pm and 2 pm at a weather station atop the National Stadium, commonly known as the Bird's Nest.

At the Nanjiao observatory, regarded as the benchmark for Beijing's official weather records, the afternoon temperature exceeded 35 C, making Wednesday the capital's latest officially designated high-temperature day. The observatory said temperatures across much of the city climbed to between 35 C and 40 C, with some locations going even higher.

This year's 40-day sanfu runs from July 15 to Aug 23. Meteorologists expect frequent high temperatures and humidity during the period, bringing prolonged "sauna-like" conditions.

Authorities advised residents to limit outdoor activities during the hottest hours, stay hydrated, and use air conditioning appropriately while avoiding excessive consumption of iced drinks.

The heat is also prompting special measures for animals. Ahead of Thursday's opening of Beijing Zoo's newly expanded Giant Panda Pavilion, zoo staff have switched on an intelligent climate-control system to keep the pandas comfortable. Several pandas have already moved into the new enclosure, where the cooling system maintains a stable indoor environment without relying on ice to beat the summer heat.