A designated area, with sleeping arrangements and showers, to provide relief for the homeless from the heat has been set up in Shanghai, according to the city's civil affairs bureau.

Free drinks will also be provided from Wednesday.

For those who are unable to make it to the areas, members of staff will visit them, the bureau's notice said.

Each “dorm” is equipped with an air conditioner and bed-mat in the shelter at Mengzi Road in Huangpu, the Shanghai Morning Post reported.

Mosquito repellant, soup and barley tea will be provided.

Staff from the shelter said most homeless people have their own favorite spot to beat the heat. These are often air-conditioned areas, such as shopping malls, metro stations, hospitals or banks.

Sometimes students seeking summer work, rather than the homeless, use these facilities, staff members said.