【Learn Chinese】The 24 Solar Terms in Chinese (Part 2)

The 24 Solar Terms, or 二十四节气 (èr shí sì jiéqì), is a traditional Chinese calendar system that divides the year into 24 periods, each lasting about two weeks.
This is part two of our article.

13. Liqiu or Start of Autumn
立秋 (Lìqiū) marks the transition from summer to autumn. In recent years, a charming tradition is becoming popular among young people, especially in urban areas: drinking milk tea on the first day of autumn.
People marking the start of autumn with a cup of milk tea saying: 秋天的第一杯奶茶 (qiūtiān de dì yī bēi nǎichá) - The first cup of milk tea in autumn.

14. Chushu or End of Heat
处暑 (Chǔshǔ) brings the end of the summer heat with it and the temperature starts to cool down for autumn. The tradition of eating duck during the End of Heat period remains popular today. Duck is favored for its naturally sweet flavor and, according to TCM, its ability to stop the heat.

15. Bailu or White Dew
The true arrival of autumn is marked by 白露 (Báilù). As temperatures cool, moisture in the air turns into dew on grass and trees during night. During this season, Chinese people celebrate The Mid-Autumn Festival and have family reunions with a feast featuring delicate foods.

16. Qiufen or Autumn Equinox
The Autumn Equinox usually falls around September 22nd, marking the midpoint of autumn. During 秋分 (Qiūfēn), the weather becomes cooler, and the leaves start to change color, painting the landscapes with vibrant hues of red, orange, and yellow.

17. Hanlu or Cold Dew
The Cold Dew marking the time when the temperature drops and people focus is on preparing for the colder months ahead and switch from lighter summer clothing to warmer autumn attire.
One important date that may fall within the span of 寒露 (Hánlù) is the Double Ninth Festival, or 重阳节 (Chóngyáng Jié). On this day, people celebrate the health of the elder members in their family and pay respects to their ancestors.
According to TCM, the air tends to be cleaner and pollution lower around this time. So, hiking in the nearby mountains is a great way to enjoy the Cold Dew period.

18. Shuangjiang or Frost Descends
Shuangjiang 霜降 (shuāngjiàng) is considered the last chapter of the autumn, as it brings the frost and freezing wind. One traditional custom during Frost Descends is to eat persimmon, which is not only delicious, but also helps strengthen the body for the colder weather.

19. Lidong or Start of Winter
Start of Winter, or Lìdōng (立冬) usually falls around November 7th, marking the beginning of the winter season. In this article, we share a few tips on staying cozy as winter takes hold:

20. Xiaoxue or Minor Snow
The Minor Snow 小雪 (xiǎoxuě) usually falls around November 22nd, and its time when the weather becomes even colder, and the first snowfalls begin to appear in northern China.
Customs during the Minor Snow period include pickling salted vegetables like sauerkraut and potherb mustard. As the saying goes: 小雪腌菜，大雪腌肉 (xiǎoxuě yān cài, dàxuě yān ròu) - Preserve pickles during Minor Snow, preserve meat during Major Snow.

21. Daxue or Major Snow
Major Snow, known as 大雪 (Dàxuě) is the third solar term of winter. During this time, the temperature drops day by day as the year draws to a close. Similar to the previous solar term Xiaoxue (Light Snow), Major Snow is also a good time to make preserved meat like pork, chicken, duck, fish.

22. Dongzhi or Winter Solstice
The Winter Solstice, or 冬至 (Dōngzhì) marks the shortest day of the year and the longest night.
Traditions during Dongzhi are also related to food. In the northern regions, people have a tradition of eating dumplings (饺子 jiǎozi), while in the south, there is a tradition of eating tangyuan (汤圆 tāngyuán) – glutinous sweet rice balls typically filled with fillings such as red bean paste or sesame paste.

23. Xiaohan or Lesser Cold
Xiaohan 小寒 (xiǎohán) marks the beginning of the coldest days of the year for most areas of China.
Soaking feet in warm water during winter can be helpful. Not only does it help to warm up cold feet, but it can also improve circulation and relieve tension. This simple practice can be a comforting way to take care of your health during the colder months.

24. Dahan or Major Cold
Major Cold, known as 大寒 (Dàhán) is the final solar term of both winter and the entire year. It marks the coldest time of the year, with temperatures often dropping to their lowest points.
Dahan typically falls around January 20th, close to the Spring Festival, and the festive atmosphere grows stronger. People start preparing for the Chinese New Year by cleaning, making preserved meats, and getting ready for the festivities, as the most important festival for Chinese people is approaching.