Growing up in the north of England, I know all about freezing winds, driving rain and snowstorms. But then again, I was usually watching them all through the double-glazed windows of my warm, cozy home.

OK, I admit it; I lived a pretty charmed existence back then compared to the many millions of people who endure hard winters in South China with little more than an electric blanket to stave off hypothermia.

I come from an area where so-called tough men claim -1 C is "T-shirt weather" but I doubt they would be so brave if they had to spend a weekend in Anji county.