Air Conditioning--The Chinese Way

Since my internship spans in both India and China, it's hard not to compare every single differences among these countries and the U.S. While culture, religion, or food are worlds apart among all three cultures, I find comparing minuscule yet very noticeable things very interesting. Since almost summer is grilling with heat and humidity in almost everywhere in Asia (Bangalore being the nice exception), air conditioning, especially in the public space is a big deal--directly impact the quality of work/life.

In India, while auto-rickshaw and restaurants would not have air conditioning, subway and offices are typically very soothing if not chilly. In contrast, subway and train in China has very weak air conditioning (very noticeable when it gets crowded). Not to mention the U.S., we cannot survive with out air conditioning.

It may seem that Chinese government is saving energy by regulating air conditioning (seems logical considering the amount of energy China use). But that's not really the case until I witnessed taxi drivers drinking hot tea during a grilling 90 degree day with no A/C in the taxi, or seeing my colleagues from different part of China drinking room temperature beer, I started to realized how deep the yin and yang, or the balance of warm and cold (not just temperature, but also the effect that wind or food would bring to your body), are ingrained to people's life. Just as Indian are used to drink boiling hot chai in mid-afternoon, both Indian and Chinese are not that comfortable with putting cold things in your face or body. We would drink Starbucks--but with air conditioning.

While Chinese people would still complain about the heat and occasionally drink cold orange juice at the restaurant, often they drink hot tea and sit outdoor even though indoor air conditions are widely available. However, when you visit China, DO NOT order ice water in a traditional Chinese restaurant. They will pour boiling water and scramble to find ice cubes for you.