Changsha service station gives delivery riders, cleaners a cool break

On a sweltering July afternoon, more than 70 food delivery workers, couriers, and street cleaners in Changsha, Hunan province, found relief in an air-conditioned service station during a summer fair designed to help them unwind.

The event, held on Thursday at a service station in the city's Xiangjiang New Area, offered a much-needed respite from the heat. Organizers created a mini carnival atmosphere, complete with games and food.

The highlight of the event was a watermelon-eating contest. Contestants eagerly dove in, juice dripping down their arms as onlookers cheered. "After a long day of delivery work, having cold watermelon like this is so satisfying," one delivery rider said.

A ring-toss game also proved popular, with participants competing for prizes such as fruit and cold drinks. One courier, who won two items, mentioned he would share them with colleagues.

A traditional Chinese medicine consultation area was also set up, offering delivery workers and cleaners free health advice and massages. TCM practitioners addressed common occupational issues such as back pain, neck strain, and stomach problems.

To conclude the afternoon, each participant received a summer care package containing a mat for resting, arm sleeves for sun protection, and herbal medicine for heatstroke. "To prepare the packages, we conducted surveys to find out what they really needed," an organizer explained.

This year, Hunan province plans to build 1,000 new service stations for outdoor workers. So far, 403 are already equipped with air conditioning and water dispensers.