Autumn Equinox — 2025 insights
Autumn Equinox秋分
Autumn Equinox is the 16th solar term. Cool air spreads southward, and rice fields turn gold while cotton bursts into fluffy white bolls.
Key dates
Gregorian date: 2025-09-23
Lunar date: Eighth lunar month, 2nd day, 乙巳 year
Arrives around September 23 to 24
Seasonal origin
Day and night are once again equal, but now within autumn.
Seasonal verse
Half autumn, fields glow amber; cranes circle above the river. A soft breeze rustles reed beds, moonlight spills like silk.
Customs
Families in southern China taste autumnal crab feasts. In the north, farmers celebrate "sending off the heat" by burning mugwort bundles.
Seasonal food
Hairy crabs, sweet osmanthus wine, and roasted chestnuts are beloved treats. Pumpkin congee replenishes qi spent during harvest.
Guidance
Dry winds can irritate lungs and skin. Use humidifiers, drink chrysanthemum tea, and keep a steady sleep schedule as daylight shortens.