Major Heat, or Da Shu in Chinese, which is the 12th solar term of China's lunar calendar, started on July 23 this year. During this period of time, most parts of China enter the hottest season of the year.

Nowadays, people can use air-conditioning and fans to help relieve the summer heat. However, in ancient times, without such appliances, how did people pass the hot summer?

Some cultural items collected in the Palace Museum in Beijing help us figure out how the royal family of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) who lived inside the Forbidden City spent the summer days.

The summer costumes for the royals are mainly made of fabrics like yarn and silk. The materials are permeable, which keep the wearer cool.

The summer food and drinks in the royal court are mainly various kinds of melons and fruits, as well as tribute tea from around the country.

Iceboxes made of wood were widely used in the royal court of the Qing Dynasty. Due to the weak conductivity of heat, lead or tin is put inside the box to extend the hours for preserving the natural ice. Many historical materials record emperors, empresses and imperial concubines using the box to keep food like melons and fruits cool in the hot summer days.

Many features of the architecture of the Forbidden City help to relive the summer heat. The Zhizhai window, or hung and removable window, is one of the great inventions. The upper part can be hung up for ventilation, while the lower part can be removed to allow more light in.

Besides, the royal family of the Qing Dynasty can even enjoy an air-conditioned room in ancient times. As the icebox often has air holes, it can cool the temperature of the room.

The fan is another necessity for royals in the summer days. Fans at the royal court of the Qing Dynasty varied widely. Exquisitely made, fans are more than a tool for cooling people down, but extraordinary works of art in themselves