Now in season: 惊蛰 Awakening of Insects · 三候: 鹰化为鸠
👤 🧺

The 24 Solar Terms

二十四节气 · China's Ancient Seasonal Calendar

Long before the modern calendar, Chinese farmers and scholars divided the year into 24 solar terms — each marking a shift in weather, light, and the natural world. Inscribed in 2016 as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, this system still guides how millions live, eat, and drink tea today.

🌸 Spring · 春 Wood · 木 — Renewal and growth — time for green teas
立春
Beginning of Spring
02-04 — 02-18
雨水
Rain Water
02-19 — 03-05
惊蛰
Awakening of Insects
03-06 — 03-20
● Now
春分
Spring Equinox
03-21 — 04-04
清明
Clear and Bright
04-05 — 04-19
谷雨
Grain Rain
04-20 — 05-05
☀️ Summer · 夏 Fire · 火 — Peak energy — time for white & cooling teas
立夏
Beginning of Summer
05-06 — 05-20
小满
Grain Full
05-21 — 06-05
芒种
Grain in Ear
06-06 — 06-20
夏至
Summer Solstice
06-21 — 07-06
小暑
Minor Heat
07-07 — 07-22
大暑
Major Heat
07-23 — 08-06
🍂 Autumn · 秋 Metal · 金 — Harvest and balance — time for oolongs
立秋
Beginning of Autumn
08-07 — 08-22
处暑
End of Heat
08-23 — 09-07
白露
White Dew
09-08 — 09-22
秋分
Autumn Equinox
09-23 — 10-07
寒露
Cold Dew
10-08 — 10-22
霜降
Frost Descent
10-23 — 11-06
❄️ Winter · 冬 Water · 水 — Rest and warmth — time for black & aged teas
小寒
Minor Cold
01-06 — 01-19
大寒
Major Cold
01-20 — 02-03
立冬
Beginning of Winter
11-07 — 11-21
小雪
Minor Snow
11-22 — 12-06
大雪
Major Snow
12-07 — 12-21
冬至
Winter Solstice
12-22 — 01-05