Stifling heat outside, blissfully cool inside - this was the extent of the recent heat wave to the majority of us well air-conditioned Beijingers.

During this period, the temperature regularly clocked around 40C. Venturing outside during the day was off the cards for all but essential movement for anyone who could avoid it and anyone unfortunate enough to not possess air-conditioning was likely roasted.

Against this backdrop, many areas of the city were plunged into darkness as working hours concluded. With so many citizens using electricity-hungry cooling units, the power grid simply couldn't cope.