According to Guo Wenbin, a scholar of the 24 solar terms, ancient Chinese had come up with various solutions to protect themselves from the intense heat that dominates the uncomfortable period.

The roaring temperature often causes fatigue and loss of appetite. People had heat-dispelling food even hundreds of years ago, such as juicy watermelon, bitter gourd, teas and soups.

A popular soup to beat the heat is made of green beans. In traditional Chinese medicine, green beans are thought to be able to dispel heat and toxic substances.

"Ancient Chinese people paid attention to ways to dispel heat and humidity from their bodies. They had soups with lotus seeds, drank tea with lotus leaves and added many herbs to their porridge," says Guo.

Other than making full use of the foods, people also believed that to stay as calm as possible, "stop complaining about the heat and one will feel cool in no time", as an ancient Chinese idiom goes.

"We have to keep a good mood. It's the best way to spend xiaoshu," Guo adds.

Contact the writer at dengzhangyu@chinadaily.com.cn