Zhanjiang weather station issued the first "orange" heat alert of the year on May 30, when the temperature reached 38.4 C, the highest on record for the end of May over the past 30 years.

An orange heat alert is the second highest on the country's heat warning chart. The recent lack of rain has also worsened the situation further. Here is local media's take on how residents spent their torrid weekend.

Residents try to cool off at the Chikan Swimming Pool, which saw more than 7,000 people using it during May 29-31, the first three days of its opening following a renovation project. [Photo/Zhanjiang Daily]