Kunshan, a city in East China's Jiangsu province, is often hit by freezing air on winter days. Different from the northeastern area of China, buildings in the city generally don't have indoor heating. Residents here have to rely on different things to keep warm, some of which have become very much a part of Kunshan's charm and culture.

Sunshine

Senior citizens in Kunshan often sit under the eaves on sunny days in winter. The city has plenty of greenery, flowing rivers and boats, providing a serene atmosphere to enjoy the outdoors in. Some people flock to pavilions and corridors to watch chess games while others go to talk with neighbors.

A senior citizen sits in the street of an ancient town in Kunshan.

Copper hot water container

Made of copper, the containers are usually small and exquisite. In times gone by, with no air conditioning, the copper hot water containers were popular among Kunshan residents for their heat preservation. When the container is put under blankets, people can enjoy a warm and comfortable bed. Nowadays, copper hot water containers can only be seen in some Chinese movies and TV dramas.

The traditional copper hot water container used to be a necessity for winter days in Kunshan.