Liqiu, or the Start of Autumn, is the 13th solar term, starting around August 7th and ending around August 22nd, when the Sun reaches the celestial longitude of 135°. It marks the formal transition from summer to autumn. Though residual heat—known as the "autumn tiger" (qiulaohu)—may linger, the term signals the gradual recession of yang energy and the slow descent toward cooler days.
Agriculturally, Liqiu is a critical period for crop maturation and harvesting. In northern China, corn and soybeans enter grain-filling stages, while in the Yangtze basin, late rice requires careful water management during booting. The proverb, "At Liqiu, reap early rice and plant autumn vegetables," captures the urgent balance of harvest, sowing, and drought prevention.
Culturally, Liqiu features customs focused on seasonal transition and nourishment. The practice of "biting autumn" (yaoqiu) involves eating fresh fruits like watermelon to celebrate the harvest. Many also observe "sticking autumn fat" (tieqiubiao), consuming hearty meats to recover from summer's toll and build strength for winter. Other traditions include eating longans for vitality and hanging grains or chilies to symbolize abundance. These customs reflect a deep wisdom of aligning daily life with autumn's quiet, transformative arrival.
By Yuan Ruichen/ Zhang Yishuo
