The 24 solar terms, consisting of 12 major solar terms and 12 minor solar terms, were created thousands of years ago by the ancient Chinese to guide agricultural production.
Today, the culture behind the terms provides useful guidance to people's lives as each term features special food, cultural ceremonies and healthy living tips.
"Lidong" or Beginning of Winter, which means the winter is coming, is the 19th of the 24 solar terms in the Chinese lunar calendar. It falls on Nov. 7 this year.
In fact, the Beginning of Winter is not the start of winter in terms of meteorology. The climate every year is different, so the beginning of winter could be quite different. And with the vast territory of China, winter time starts at different times in different areas.
Feel the vitality and passion of outdoor exercising together with Xinhua images!
Photos by: Song Yanhua, Yan Linyun, Cheng Min, Zhou Mi, Xu Yu, He Zhongming, Yang Suping
