The cold spell in the past couple of months has stirred heated debate in Shanghai and neighboring regions on district heating such as that found in northern cities.

For historical reasons, the majority of homes in central and eastern China, where the winter can get very cold, are denied what is considered the most cost-efficient heat source. Families that can afford it run their air conditioners non-stop to keep warm on particularly cold days, of which there have been many in the past month. Others seek relief with space heaters, electric blankets and hot water bottles.

There are those who simply wrap themselves in the traditional cotton-filled padded pajamas, which look bulky but are actually quite comfortable for watching television on the sofa. I have a petite woman friend who wears a heavy woolen sweater and two pair of tights under her padded pajamas to stay warm because she doesn't want to rack up her electricity bill.