Autumn starts today

Liqiu, which marks the beginning of autumn, falls on today this year. Traditionally on the day, people eat watermelon to ward off illnesse. As Liqiu arrives, summer fades and the weather gradually cools. Although some regions of China may still experience heat for a while after Liqiu, the overall trend is toward cooler temperatures.

Children in Nanping, a city in southeastern China’s Fujian Province, enjoy watermelon during a “Biting Autumn” event to celebrate the arrival of solar term liqiu. Photos from China News Service

A seal enjoys iced fishes at Wuhan Polar Ocean World during a “Biting Autumn” event to celebrate the arrival of solar term liqiu in Wuhan, Hubei Province.