Domestic tourism jumps as people flee hot summer

Domestic tourism in China has surged as people flee the sizzling summer heat wave, prompting a rush for long distance trips to cooler border areas or enjoying off-season activities like indoor skiing or even rafting, travel industry experts said.

Most of the nation's provinces and regions have been scorched by relentlessly high temperatures, especially since the start of June. For example, Shanghai recorded a temperature of 40.9 C on the afternoon of July 13, equaling the highest reading in the city based on records dating to 1873.

The sweltering weather has not discouraged people from planning trips, though, and they have shown a strong desire to travel just to beat the suffocating heat, according to travel agencies.