This is the adorable moment a red panda was spotted cooling off by lying on a block of ice in China.

Footage shows the red bearcat lounging on top of the massive ice as it pants in exhaustion from the sweltering 38-degree Celsius weather in Zhejiang.

It can be seen sprawling on the cold slab, enjoying the refreshing chill against its fur and closing its eyes in relief on July 4.

The zookeeper said: 'It was hot that day, so we ordered ice for the red panda.'

Red pandas have thick fur coats adapted to cooler mountain climates, so extreme summer temperatures can quickly lead to overheating and dehydration.

Prolonged exposure to high heat can make them lethargic and cause labored breathing as they struggle to regulate their body temperature.