What they used…

The bronze cold-drink pot, or tong bingjian, discovered in a tomb dating back to the 430 BC during the Warring States Period, is considered the earliest incarnation of refrigeration technology in China. Found in 1978 in Suizhou, Hebei Province, the surprisingly sophisticated and beautifully crafted vessel was used to cool wine for important rituals and grand banquets held by the Marquis of Zeng.

What they ate…

In China’s traditional lunar calendar, the hottest days of summer fall in the “Sanfu,” or “Three Dog Days.” This year, that sweltering period fallseen the end of June and July 17.