The 24 solar terms are a body of knowledge and social practice developed by the Chinese through observing the annual movement of the sun and understanding the patterns of seasonal, climatic, and phenological changes throughout the year.

The development of the 24 solar terms began in the Spring and Autumn Period and was fully established during the Qin and Han dynasties. On May 20, 2006, the 24 solar terms were included in the first batch of national intangible cultural heritage lists, and on November 30, 2016, they were officially inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

The solar terms were established in ancient China as a supplementary calendar specifically for guiding agricultural activities. They represent the accumulated experience and wisdom of the Chinese working people.

The 24 solar terms originated in the Yellow River Basin and are a product of ancient agricultural civilization. They were gradually refined during the Warring States Period and officially incorporated into the calendar during the Western Han Dynasty. The 24 solar terms are: Beginning of Spring, Rain Water, Awakening of Insects, Spring Equinox, Pure Brightness, Grain Rain, Beginning of Summer, Grain Full, Grain in Ear, Summer Solstice, Lesser Heat, Greater Heat, Beginning of Autumn, End of Heat, White Dew, Autumnal Equinox, Cold Dew, Frost Descent, Beginning of Winter, Light Snow, Heavy Snow, Winter Solstice, Lesser Cold, and Greater Cold.

August 7, 2025, is the 14th day of the sixth lunar month in the Chinese calendar. Today marks the thirteenth of the 24 solar terms—Beginning of Autumn, the first solar term of autumn.

Although Beginning of Autumn has arrived, many areas are still experiencing the scorching heat of the "autumn tiger." The real coolness doesn't arrive until after White Dew. Daytime temperatures remain hot, but mornings and evenings cool.

Each solar term has its own corresponding customs, and Beginning of Autumn is no exception. Common customs include: putting on weight for the autumn, chewing on autumn leaves, the Autumn Festival, drying autumn leaves in the sun, the Autumn Busy Festival, eating "slag," and eating autumn peaches. With the arrival of the Beginning of Autumn, the weather becomes dry. You should eat more foods that nourish yin and moisten the lungs, such as pears, lilies, white fungus, lotus roots, and less spicy food. You still need to pay attention to sun protection during the day, but be careful not to seek coolness at night.