As the Summer Solstice arrives right on schedule, it marks the 10th of China's 24 solar terms, and signals the official onset of midsummer. With the sun blazing and all living things in full bloom, how to stay cool has become a hot topic.
From patented cooling apparel and seasonal delicacies with Geographical Indication (GI) protection to high-tech summer gadgets and newly bred lotus varieties, intellectual property (IP) is quietly transforming the way we stay cool, adding a refreshing touch to our daily lives. The Bilingual Weekly presents a guide to chilling out with IP this summer, inviting you to explore how IP is making summer cooler while ensuring greater comfort.
Wearing breezy clothing
Sweltering heat and humidity make cool and breathable clothing essential. In Shunde District of Foshan, Guangdong Province, the GI product Xiangyun Gambiered Gauze has become a standout, known for its unique handcrafted dyeing and finishing techniques. With a lightweight texture, wrinkle resistance, excellent breathability and moisture absorption, Xiangyun Gambiered Gauze keeps the body dry and comfortable even in the hottest weather. "In partnership with Lunjiao Subdistrict, we've worked to enhance the GI protection system and build regulatory capacity. Several initiatives have been implemented to strengthen the GI protection and management of Xiangyun Gambiered Gauze, promoting the high-quality development of the industry," said an official from the Shunde District Administration for Market Regulation (Intellectual Property Office). To support brand development, Shunde District has actively organized GI enterprises to participate in major exhibitions and international fashion weeks, accelerating the transformation of Xiangyun Gambiered Gauze into a fashion-forward, market-oriented, and high-end industry.
Cooling off with summer delicacies
In China, there's a long-standing folk tradition of eating noodles during the Summer Solstice. In Guangyuan, Sichuan Province, a local favorite for beating the summer heat is steamed cold noodles. Made from finely ground local rice and steamed in bamboo baskets, these noodles are soft yet chewy, with a distinctive spicy and refreshing flavor. In 2023, the technique for making Guangyuan steamed cold noodles was listed as a representative item of Sichuan Province's Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH).
A range of GI foods take center stage on summer dining tables. From the sweet harvests of Maoming lychees and Daxing watermelons, to the refreshing produce of Wutang bitter melon and Guiding herbal tea, these regional specialties are hot commodities in the market. As for Maoming lychees, the city of Maoming in Guangdong Province has promoted the registration of the GI certification mark and introduced relevant management measures. It has also registered the copyright for its lychee mascot and promotional slogans. These efforts have helped build a robust IP protection system and enhance brand influence, enabling Maoming lychees to be exported to countries and regions such as Australia and Singapore.
Using cooling summer gadgets
As temperatures rise in summer, sun protection has become a top priority. From skincare products to wearable gear, sun-protection products are increasingly integrated into daily life driven by continuous technological innovation. In the apparel sector, many brands have filed utility model patent applications for items such as UV-protective jackets and hats, enhancing their breathability, convenience, and effectiveness. Meanwhile, several wearable tech companies have embedded UV monitoring modules into smartwatches and wristbands, offering real-time alerts through intelligent monitoring systems.
Beyond sun protection, cooling products are also popular among consumers. The palm-leaf fan, a traditional staple made from the Chinese fan palm (Livistona chinensis), remains a summer essential in many households. In Jinyinzui Village, a well-known "fan-making village" in Neijiang, Sichuan Province, the municipal-level ICH fan-making technique is used to craft a wide range of palm-leaf fans, including round fans and pyrography fans. Today, the village produces more than 5 million fans annually, with exports reaching markets across Southeast Asia and Europe.
Admiring unique lotuses
As midsummer approaches, lotus flowers are blooming across China, attracting visitors eager to capture their seasonal beauty. In Wuhan, Hubei Province, the Lotus Garden at the Moshan Scenic Area of East Lake officially opened to the public in early June, showcasing more than 1,200 lotus varieties. As the home of the China Lotus Research Center, the garden has intensified efforts in lotus breeding and application in recent years, successfully cultivating hundreds of new varieties. In Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, the Hangzhou Botanical Garden has creatively integrated independently bred lotus varieties with traditional cultural elements such as oil-paper umbrellas and scroll paintings, offering visitors a harmonious blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage.
The development of new lotus varieties and breakthroughs in key technologies have transformed the flower's ornamental appeal into economic value, fueling the rise of the "lotus economy." Across China, towns in provinces such as Hubei and Jiangsu are leveraging local lotus resources to develop lotus tourism and host activities like lotus viewing, lotus root harvesting, and lotus-themed banquets, boosting local incomes and revitalizing rural communities.