Red leaves in Fragrant Hills Park in Beijing, Nov 3, 2010. [Photo by Li Wenming/asianewsphoto.com]

During Cold Dew, North China takes on a look of late autumn with white clouds, red leaves and early frost. On the day of the Double Ninth Festival, people often climb hills with cornels, a kind of plant. This custom aims to dispel evils, and originated in the Eastern Han Dynasty (AD25-220).