Sweltering summer heats up jokes, economy

E-commerce, delivery services and cold chain logistics have also been boosted, though no precise data are available yet, he said.

A Shanghai municipal official surnamed Chen, who is in charge of construction and renovation projects for health and educational facilities, said renovations during the summer vacation have been slowed down to help prevent workers from being affected by sunstroke.

Chen said he expects the regional economy may be affected by the hot weather, considering construction projects on government-led buildings and infrastructure would be reduced this year.

In Hangzhou, capital of Zhejiang, the drought and 40-plus degree days have caused Longjing tea trees to wilt in the sun, their dried leaves crumbling. Experts are anticipating a production reduction and price hike on that type of tea next year.

Longjing is a type of green tea, and West Lake Longjing produced near Hangzhou's West Lake is considered the most famous brand.

A tourism report released in June estimated that the extreme heat this year could help develop China's summer resort market.

According to the 2013 Summer Resort Development Report for Chinese Cities, jointly released by the China Tourism Academy and the CMA Public Meteorological Service Center, mountainous and forested areas, most of which are located in the southwest, northwest and northeast parts of the country, could turn into hot summer resort destinations for tourists looking to cool down.

(Chen Aiping contributed to the story.)