Spraying Water Once Costs 2.26 Million Won... Chinese Apartment Complex Tackles Heatwave with 'Rooftop Rain'

"Rooftop Rain" Draws Attention to China’s Cooling System
Foreign Ministry Video Surpasses 8.3 Million Views
Lowers Temperature by Up to 8 Degrees in Just 5–8 Minutes

As deadly heatwaves with temperatures nearing 40 degrees Celsius persist across Europe, the United States, and other parts of the world, a spray-type cooling system installed in an apartment complex in China has become a topic of interest overseas.

The spray-type cooling system installed in a residential complex in Shanxi Province, China, is drawing attention as a countermeasure against the heatwave.

Recently, Mao Ning, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, posted a related video on her X (formerly Twitter) account, stating, "A residential complex in Shanxi Province, China, is gaining attention for its 'rooftop rain.'" She explained that "the mist cooling system lowers the building's surface temperature by 5 to 8 degrees Celsius within a few minutes."

The post garnered over 8.3 million views and received more than 600 comments. Many comments suggested, "Europe should introduce such a system," and, "While it would take years for Europe to even decide on adoption, China swiftly tests and implements new technologies."

On the other hand, some expressed concerns, commenting, "This could result in massive water waste," and, "In extreme heat, the mist could actually make it feel more humid and even hotter."

The location featured in the video is the Shichang Guobinfu apartment complex in Yuncheng, Shanxi Province. This complex is reportedly the first residential complex in Shanxi Province to be equipped with a spray-type cooling system.

The system uses high-pressure mist spray equipment installed on the building's rooftop to disperse water in the form of a fine mist. As the mist evaporates, it absorbs surrounding heat, thereby reducing the temperature of the building and its surroundings.

According to the apartment management, activating the system can lower the temperature of the building and ground surface by 5 to 8 degrees Celsius within just 5 to 8 minutes, and the cooling effect lasts for several hours. On clear days, rainbows often appear due to the mist, making the system a popular topic on Chinese social media platforms.

According to Sina Finance in China, the system has been installed across all 12 residential buildings in the first phase of the area. The total project budget was 16.5 million yuan (approximately 3.7 billion won), equating to more than 1 million yuan (about 226 million won) invested per building.

The operating costs are also significant. The apartment management revealed that each activation of the system costs more than 10,000 yuan (about 2.26 million won). Each use consumes about 15 tons of water, and the costs include electricity for the high-pressure spray equipment and maintenance for over 200 high-pressure mist nozzles.

However, all costs are covered by the management company. Residents are not charged any additional fees, as the operating expenses are included in the maintenance fee, which is set at 2.8 yuan per square meter per month.

Actual resident feedback has been generally positive. Residents reported that after the cooling system was activated, the perceived temperature dropped by several degrees, making it noticeably cooler.

The Yuncheng municipal meteorological authorities are reportedly considering including this complex as part of the "community climate adaptation pilot project" and expanding the initiative throughout the city.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.