The Hangzhou Municipal Office of National Defence Mobilization has confirmed that the city’s six air-raid shelter cooling sites officially closed on September 1, according to a recent announcement.

Since opening to the public on July 1 this year, the cooling sites—including the Sipailou and Xishan tunnel locations—have proven a big hit with residents, emerging as popular spots for beating the heat, family outings, and educational visits. The Sipailou site alone welcomed up to 3,000 visitors a day at its peak.

This year, the office doubled down on its “cooling-plus” service concept, weaving together heat relief with national defence education, civic engagement, and community services. The programme featured special Yue opera performances, a “civility caravan” offering on-the-go public services, and intangible cultural heritage workshops for young people—turning the air-raid shelters into spaces that serve the community, foster civic values, and spread awareness of national defence.

The office has reminded residents that all cooling sites are now closed, so there’s no point making a trip. Looking ahead, it plans to review this year’s experience and refine its services, with hopes of welcoming residents back for another cool summer retreat next year.