Amid a sweltering heatwave that has gripped Shanghai, thousands have turned to the Shanghai L+SNOW Indoor Skiing Theme Resort to find respite. This expansive indoor ski park spans 98,000 square meters and maintains a chilling temperature around 5°C (41°F) throughout the year, providing a stark contrast to the nearly 37°C (98.6°F) heat outside.

Visitors enjoyed activities such as skiing, snowboarding, and snowball fights, taking advantage of the cool environment. Ten-year-old Tang Junqi, who visited with her mother, described the experience, stating, "It was so hot outside and feels like being in a pot. But it feels like in a fridge inside."

Shanghai recorded its 24th consecutive day of temperatures soaring to 35°C (95°F) or higher in August, equaling a heatwave record dating back to 1926. In response, the city issued an orange alert—the second highest level under its three-tier heatwave warning system—with forecasts indicating the high temperatures will persist for the remainder of the month.

Experts attribute the increasing frequency and severity of such extreme weather events to human-induced climate change. Carbon emissions and energy-intensive practices, including efforts to maintain artificially cool indoor environments, are intensifying these conditions worldwide.

The prolonged heat and its consequences underscore growing environmental challenges facing urban centers like Shanghai.