The summer solstice falls on June 21st or 22nd every year. It is the tenth solar term of the 24 Chinese solar terms, marking the day of the longest daytime and shortest nighttime. Starting on the summer solstice, the days begin to draw out. There's a saying that goes: "After eating noodles on the summer solstice day (a seasonal tradition), daylight gets shorter day by day".

After the summer solstice, temperatures rise in north China and there's plenty of sunshine and rainfall, which is good for the growth of crops. Meanwhile, areas in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River wallow in their rainy season, during which persistent and heavy rains are common. The hottest days of summer begin after the summer solstice. They come in three stages - the first, second and third period of the hot season, with each period lasting for ten days. Crops thrive in these hottest days, and at the same time weeds and pests also grow actively. It's a busy farming season.

Source: http://traditions.cultural-china.com/en/14Traditions1047.html

By Chen Yanqiu

Editor: Wen Yi