Beginning of Autumn: cool nights, leaves begin to fall
Beginning of Autumn (liqiu), the thirteenth of the twenty-four solar terms and the first solar term of autumn. Falling on August 7-9 each year when the sun reaches 135° of ecliptic longitude, Beginning of Autumn marks the moment when yin energy gradually grows while yang energy gradually retreats, and the qi of the four seasons transitions from "growth" to "contraction and gathering."
Climatically, Jiangnan and South China regions remain hot and humid, often experiencing "autumn tiger" heat waves; northern areas see cooler mornings and evenings with increasing day-night temperature differences. At this time, guard against residual summer damp-heat, severe convection, and extreme weather such as typhoons and torrential rains, while beginning preparations for autumn harvest and planting.
First Aspect - Cool Breezes Arrive: A hint of coolness appears in the wind; summer heat gradually recedes.
Second Aspect - White Dew Forms: Morning dew gradually appears on grass and trees; yin energy begins to grow.
Third Aspect - Cold Cicadas Call: Cold-weather cicadas begin their song, conveying the message of changing seasons.
Rest: Sleep early and rise early to gather and conserve spirit energy; add layers of clothing morning and evening to guard against cold; avoid prolonged exposure to direct air conditioning drafts.
Diet: Follow autumn's principle of "reduce pungent, increase sour"—favor hawthorn, apples, grapes, lotus root, lily bulb, and white fungus to nourish yin and moisten dryness. Still guard against lingering summer damp-heat; minimize oil and pungent flavors while avoiding excessive cold foods.
Exercise: Engage in moderate aerobic activity and stretching such as walking, tai chi, and flexibility exercises. When summer heat has not completely retreated, avoid the intense midday sun and maintain mild perspiration as the ideal level.
Emotions: Autumn qi governs gathering; emphasize calming the heart and settling the will through reading, quiet sitting, and brief nature outings to smoothly transition into autumn's rhythms.
Biting Autumn: Folk tradition involves eating watermelon, peaches, and other fruits on Beginning of Autumn—called "biting autumn"—symbolizing clearing summer heat, eliminating dampness, welcoming autumn, and receiving auspiciousness.
Nourishing After Autumn: Some regions practice "nourishing after autumn," taking appropriate supplements to recover from summer's depletion.
Drying in Autumn: In Jiangnan mountain villages, with clear autumn skies and crisp air, chili peppers, pumpkins, and grains are dried on eaves and corridors, creating the picturesque "autumn drying" landscape.
Beginning of Autumn Rituals: In ancient times, ceremonial sacrifices welcomed autumn, offering prayers for favorable weather and abundant harvests of the five grains.
Beginning of Autumn follows Major Heat and precedes End of Heat. Its key characteristics include heat retreating and autumn arriving, increasing day-night temperature differences, and typhoon season remaining active. Agriculture enters the preparation phase for autumn harvest and planting.
Astronomical Significance: At Beginning of Autumn, the sun reaches 135° of ecliptic longitude. The sun's subsolar point continues moving southward, daylight gradually shortens while nights lengthen, and near-ground heat begins transitioning from "accumulation" to "dissipation."
Agricultural Guidance: In southern regions, early rice harvest is imminent; mid-season rice requires close monitoring of field water, fertilizer, and pests. In northern areas, focus on mid-to-late stage management of corn and soybeans, and prepare harvest machinery, storage facilities, and grain-drying equipment.
