This summer, despite the scorching heat, people’s enthusiasm for heading outdoors and seeking connection remains undiminished.

In late July, on the green football field of Suzhou Olympic Sports Centre, the Chinese Football Boys clinched the championship with a 5-0 victory, igniting the excitement of tens of thousands of spectators.

The finals of the 5th “2034 Cup” Primary School Students’ Football Games (U12) not only offered 120 teams of pupils from around the country to showcase and improve their football skills, but also provided them and their families with opportunities to make new friends.

“My son and I visited Suzhou Eslite Bookstore after the match. It was football that guided us here for this unforgettable journey,” said Ms. Tang from Yunnan province.

Also in this summer, the Dushu Lake is often dotted with colorful paddleboards on weekends.

Lin, a programmer from Shanghai, said, “I had never expected to meet so many paddleboarding lovers on the lake in these hot days. Paddleboarding is becoming a new social currency for our generation.”

The southern shore of Jinji Lake was even more vibrant. Water motorcycles carved dazzling white waves, while stand-up paddleboard yoga enthusiasts moved in unison through a series of “Tree Pose” movements under the glow of the setting sun.

By the end of August, the summer holiday water activities at Jinji Lake had attracted over 100,000 tourists, with more than 20,000 people visiting the Taohua Island in the center of the lake, a 48.71% increase compared to the same period in 2024.

Whether it is the cheers on the football field or the freedom of exploration on the water, these experiences are redefining lifestyles under the intense heat, expanding the meaning of “proximity” from geographical closeness to resonance in interests and a sense of emotional belonging.