In the Chinese lunar calendar, “Autumn Equinox” signifies the beginning of autumn and is also right between “Start of Autumn” to “Frost’s Descent”. This year, the Autumn Equinox falls on September 23rd.

After the arrival of the Autumn Equinox, most of China has entered the cool autumn. At this time, the crops in the fields are very full and the leaves of the sycamore trees along the roadside turn to warm yellow. There has not only the warm color, but also cool autumn rains.

It is also the best time for appreciating osmanthus. During this period, it’s hot in the day while cool in the night in South China so it’s called “Gui Hua Zheng”, which indicates the hot weather appears in the bloom time of osmanthus flowers.

Autumn Equinox is the season for eating crabs. In this season, crab is delicious. It helps nourish the marrow and clear the heat inside the body. It is also a good season to enjoy chrysanthemums in full blossom.

(By Yang Jiming/Qi Qian)