Cold Dew

Cold Dew

When the dew on plants carries a hint of chill and chrysanthemums bloom one after another, Cold Dew arrives quietly. It is the first solar term in the 24 Solar Terms with the character meaning "cold", marking the transition from cool weather to cold.

Temperatures at this time drop further compared with White Dew, and dew becomes more abundant. The crystal dewdrops on the ground are on the verge of freezing, turning pale white like frost and tinged with coldness — hence its name. "Remember this fine scene of the year: oranges glow golden and tangerines turn green." With Cold Dew comes rich autumn hues. Forests in northern China blaze with layered colours, while in the south cicadas fall silent and lotus flowers fade. It is the most colourful late autumn.

After Cold Dew, dew grows heavier and temperatures keep falling. Frost appears in some regions. The north is fully immersed in late autumn: white clouds, red leaves, and occasional early frost. Autumn deepens in the south too, with no more cicada chirps and withered lotus. Once Cold Dew passes, winter draws near.

Cold Dew is here, yet warmth still lingers. Take time to admire autumn scenery, taste seasonal harvests, and feel the resilience of life.