People in many parts of China are suffering from extremely hot weather, especially those in the south. Temperatures keep climbing to nearly 40 degrees Celsius, with many cities' electricity supplies dealing with shortages.

Umbrellas, hats, and even advertisement paper was used to beat the heat.

People are making do with whatever they can.

In south China's Guangdong province, most of the cities and counties are coping with the heat wave with temperature above 35 degree Celsius.

For many older residents playing Mahjong in the community center seems like a good way to keep cool.

A resident said, "The sun is burning outside. I'm not going back for lunch."

Bicycles for rent are not as popular as usual in such extreme weather.

A resident said, "I don't think the canopy is enough to keep off the sunshine. They should have something else to cover the bike seats, then they won't be so hot to ride."

In central China's Hubei Province, the heat wave has been broiling the area for nearly a week.

Daytime temperatures in the region averaged about 35 degrees Celsius, with some even reaching 41, a record at this time of year. Showers are predicted in the coming days but meteorologists say that they will not help much to lower the temperature.

Taiwan residents are suffering under temperatures of more than 38 degrees Celsius. The heat there is predicted to last till next week.

In Taipei, a popular tourism destination, the outdoor temperature climbed to 39 degree Celsius.

Tourists savor every minute enjoying the air conditioners on the bus.

A tourist said, "It's extremely hot."

"I didn't expect such hot weather."

Wenzhou, in Zhejiang Province, east China, is even warmer with the highest temperature recorded so far at 41.8 degree Celsius.

Many residents choose to stay indoors. An air-raid shelter which has just opened to the public is becoming very popular.

Power departments in Wenzhou say the power supply load was at its highest on Sunday. Their staff are repairing broken electricity lines to guarantee the supply for local residents.