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Remember those days when stepping outside felt like you were melting? Good news—summer’s heat is finally fading, and there’s a crisp breeze in the air saying: autumn is here!
In China, we don’t wait for leaves to turn golden to know fall’s coming. We follow ancient wisdom from the 24 solar terms, and the star of the show is Liqiu (立秋)—the official start of autumn. Happening around August 7 or 8 each year, Liqiu signals the shift from summer’s heat to cooler nights and the cozy vibes of fall.
For centuries, Liqiu has marked this transition—from changing our diets to embracing new traditions. It’s the perfect time to say goodbye to watermelon and hello to warm soups, swap fans for sweaters, and enjoy the magic of nature’s change.Ready to explore? Let’s dive into how Liqiu turns the “end of summer” into a celebration—from “sticking autumn fat” (yes, that’s a real thing!) to chasing that first crisp breeze of the season.
The Science and Weather Changes of Autumn’s Beginning
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Astronomical Roots: Liqiu occurs when the sun reaches 135° longitude on the Earth's path. Think of it like a cosmic reminder—a natural “calendar alert”—that signals the switch from summer to autumn. It’s nature’s way of saying, “It’s time for a seasonal change!”
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Climate Shifts: After Liqiu, the days get shorter, nights grow cooler, and the leaves begin to turn golden. But hold on—don’t pack away your fan just yet! The "Late Summer Heat" (Qiulaohu 秋老虎) often makes a comeback, bringing one last burst of warmth before autumn fully settles in.
Liqiu Traditions: Fun and Tasty Ways to Celebrate
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Stick Autumn Fat (Tie Qiubiao 贴秋膘):One of the most popular customs is called “sticking autumn fat.” This tradition involves cooking rich, hearty meals like pork ribs, dumplings, or hot pot. The idea? To build up energy and strength for the cooler months ahead. It’s a way of preparing the body for the change in seasons, and yes, it’s just as delicious as it sounds!
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Gnawing Autumn(Ken Qiu 啃秋):Another fun tradition is “gnawing autumn,” where people enjoy the last of summer’s juicy fruits like watermelon, grapes, and peaches. It’s a sweet way to say goodbye to the hot summer days and enjoy nature’s final offerings before autumn fully settles in. Gathering with friends to share a watermelon is a classic Liqiu activity—refreshing, tasty, and perfect for the warm days that linger.
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Worship the Earth (Jisi Tudi 祭祀土地):Historically, families in rural China would honor the Earth God for a good harvest. Today, this has evolved into a more social gathering. People come together to share meals, tell stories, and appreciate the hard work that has gone into the growing season. It’s a time for gratitude, reflection, and celebrating nature’s abundance.
Liqiu’s Three Stages: Nature’s Autumn Timeline
Liqiu, or the beginning of autumn, unfolds in three stages—each marked by a distinct change in nature. These stages, known as Sanhou (三侯), offer a beautiful glimpse into the gradual shift from summer to fall.
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1st Hou: Cool Winds Arrive (Hanfeng Zhi 凉风至):The first sign of autumn arrives with cool winds. You’ll feel it most in the mornings—refreshing and crisp, without the humidity of summer. Nature’s subtle reminder: it’s time to grab your light sweater and enjoy the early autumn breeze.
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2nd Hou: White Dew Falls (Bai Lu Jiang 白露降):Next comes the formation of white dew on grass and leaves, sparkling like tiny diamonds in the morning light. This gentle dew is a soft signal that autumn is quietly settling in, bringing a serene beauty to the landscape.
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3rd Hou: Cold Cicadas Sing (Han Chan Ming 寒蝉鸣):The final stage marks the cicadas’ songs becoming softer and more subdued. As they prepare for the cooler months, their voices seem to sing a lullaby to the season—nature’s way of gently easing us into the quiet of autumn.
Liqiu in Chinese Culture: Poetry & Art
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Poetry: A Glimpse of Autumn in Verse: Liqiu has long inspired Chinese poets, capturing the essence of autumn in simple yet profound words. One of the most famous poets, Bai Juyi from the Tang dynasty, wrote: “The cool wind blows at Liqiu, and the leaves fall in the courtyard.” His words effortlessly evoke the peaceful, almost magical transition from summer to autumn—quiet, serene, and full of change.
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Art: Bringing Autumn into Your Home: Chinese art also beautifully reflects the spirit of Liqiu. Traditional paintings often feature iconic autumn elements like maple leaves, chrysanthemums, and harvest scenes. These works exude warmth and coziness—making them perfect for adding autumn’s tranquil beauty to your home decor. Whether it’s a peaceful landscape or a harvest scene, these artworks capture the season’s essence in a way that feels both timeless and relatable.
Easy and Fun Ways to Celebrate Liqiu Today
Want to celebrate Liqiu in a simple way? Start with food. Many families cook hearty “Autumn Fat” meals like pork ribs or dumplings—a tasty tradition meant to recharge for the cooler months. You can also try “Gnawing Autumn,” which is all about enjoying the last of summer’s fruits, like fresh watermelons or grapes from the market. And if you prefer something outdoors, just take a walk. Feel the cool breeze, notice the changing leaves, and enjoy the season’s quiet shift. Even small rituals like these bring you closer to Liqiu’s spirit.
Conclusion: Welcoming Autumn’s Beauty
Liqiu isn’t just a date on the calendar—it’s a gentle reminder to pause, enjoy the changing season, and spend time with the people you love. Cook a hearty meal, share sweet autumn fruits, or simply take a walk to feel the crisp breeze.
And if you’re setting the table for a family dinner, why not bring in the spirit of the season? Our Chinoiserie Round Leather Placemat – Vintage Floral Dining Mat adds a warm, autumn-inspired Chinese touch to your home. Celebrate Liqiu with good food, cozy vibes, and moments that make autumn truly special.
