As the vibrant colors of autumn are fading away, winter is coming soon! We’ll share 6 ways to stay warm and cozy during winter.
6 Ways to Stay Warm and Cozy During the Winter Season
01. Eat Dumplings 🥟
CHINESE LEGENDS
During the Eastern Han Dynasty, the Chinese physician 张仲景 (Zhāng Zhòngjǐng) saved a lot of people from a devastating typhoid epidemic. As the winter cold descended, he noticed that many suffered from a severe cold, and their ears were particularly vulnerable to frostbite.
He made a special dish made from mutton, chili pepper and herbs, known for their warming properties. He wrapped these ingredients in dough, shaping them like ears. This is how dumplings were born!
吃饺子
chī jiǎozi
to eat dumplings
Today, there is a saying, “Eat dumplings on the day that marks the Beginning of Winter, or your ears will get frostbite”. Thanks to the old tradition, restaurants specializing in 饺子 (jiǎozi) are bustling with customers lining up to get this comfort food.
02. Eat Hotpot 🌶
Hotpot is great for warming up in cold weather. When you dip ingredients such as meat, vegetables, and noodles into the hot broth, they quickly absorb the warmth, raising your internal body temperature.
吃火锅
chī huǒguō
to eat hotpot
Sharing a hotpot meal with friends or family often involves gathering around a heated pot, which provides a cozy atmosphere.
TEACHERS RECOMMEND
Here are hotpot restaurants recommended by our teachers:
海底捞
Hǎidǐlāo
Haidilao Hotpot restaurant
Sichuan-style hotpot
凑凑
Còucòu
Coucou Hotpot‧Brew Tea
Taiwanese-style hotpot
03. Keep a Hot Water Bottle Handy 💧
Hot water in China serves as more than just a means of hydration; it’s a fundamental aspect of daily life. Many Chinese people prefer to consume warm or hot beverages throughout the day, rather than cold drinks.
喝热水
hē rèshuǐ
to drink hot water
TEACHERS RECOMMEND
Our teachers recommended getting a thermos to experience the local culture. In China, thermos flasks are a must, especially in cold weather, as they keep hot drinks like tea or soup on hand all day.
热水瓶
rèshuǐpíng
thermos flask; thermos bottle
04. Wear Thermal Clothing 👕
Whether you’re out and about in the bustling streets of Shanghai or exploring the landscapes of the Great Wall, you can stay cozy by getting special thermal clothing. Here are some keywords for your Taobao search:
保暖内衣
bǎonuǎn nèiyī
thermal underwear
保暖裤
bǎonuǎn kù
thermal pants
保暖丝袜
bǎonuǎn sīwà
thermal stockings
NOTE
To get an extra warm edition, when shopping online, include the term “加绒加厚” (jiā róng jiā hòu) along with the words above. For example, 加绒加厚保暖裤 (jiā róng jiā hòu bǎonuǎn kù), “fleece-lined-thickened-thermal-pants”.
05. Use Accessories
These items are what you need in China during winter. You can find them on Taobao or ask at a local store:
取暖器
qǔnuǎnqì
room heater
电热毯
diànrètǎn
electric blanket
❕To use an electric blanket and heater safely, it’s essential to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and take necessary precautions.
保暖热贴
bǎo nuǎn rè tiē
thermal patch, thermal pad
🤓 These small, portable packs contain heating elements that, when activated, emit warmth for several hours. They can be placed in pockets, gloves, or even stuck to clothing to provide localized warmth.
06. Eat Roasted Vegetables 🍠
Throughout winter, you will see these two popular food items sold in the streets. Roasted sweet potatoes and corn are not only enjoyed for their taste, but also for the warmth they provide during the cooler months.
烤红薯
kǎohóngshǔ
roasted sweet potato(es)
烤玉米
kǎoyùmǐ
roasted corn
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