EYESHENZHEN  /   Art

Colorful illustrations portray 24 Solar Terms

Writer: Cao Zhen   |  Editor: Zhang Chanwen  |  From: Shenzhen Daily  |  Updated: 2022-10-24

At the opening ceremony of the Beijing Winter Olympics earlier this year, the creative 24 Solar Terms countdown along with the stunning videos portraying Chinese landscapes drew worldwide attention.

Now the Shenzhen Illustration Association is holding a free exhibition showcasing 100 works by 23 artists that portray the 24 Solar Terms. Depicting landscapes and folk culture, the illustrations highlight the infinite vitality and charm of Chinese farming and custom.

Shi Yumeng’s illustration shows Frost’s Descent which was yesterday this year. Photos from the organizers 

The Solar Terms represent the 24 periods in the traditional Chinese lunar calendar that correspond to the changes in nature and climate. More than 2,000 years ago, ancient Chinese people created this overall framework to mark the annual passage of time based on observations of the sun’s motion along its ecliptic.

Ye Yin’s illustration depicts Major Snow which falls on Dec. 7 this year. 

The 24 Solar Terms embody Chinese people’s traditional recognition of natural rhythms, the astronomical calendar and folk custom. In 2016, they were included in the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.


Dates: Until Dec. 30

Hours: 10:30 a.m.-9 p.m., closed Mondays

Venue: ALILI.ART, inside Nantou Ancient Town, Nanshan District (南山区南头古城内阿哩哩艺术馆)

Metro: Line 1 to Taoyuan Station (桃园站), Exit B and then walk northward for 2 kilometers