MELON MUNCH: On li qiu day it is a folk custom in Nanjing to eat watermelon, which is believed to be very healthy (SUN CAN)

Solar Term 13: Beginning of Autumn (Li Qiu)

Gregorian date: August 7 or 8

Lunar date: Early in the 7th month

Li qiu usually comes on August 7 or 8 on the solar calendar. This term marks the beginning of autumn as temperatures gradually fall.

The weather is mild and crops are about to ripen and li qiu marks the approach of a busy farming season. In central China, people begin to bring in early rice and transplant late rice seedlings. During this period, pests in the field begin to breed. Farmers should pay attention to pest control and prevention while preparing for the harvest.

Li qiu was a very important solar term in ancient times. On that day, the emperor would lead officials on an excursion to welcome the arrival of autumn. Since fall is a time for training troops, when returning to the court, the emperor would provide a great feast for his army.

Regular people also celebrate li qiu and there are many folk customs. Many believe that a rainy li qiu day would bring a good harvest. In the past, people would worship on that day to thank the God of Heaven for bringing a good harvest.

The Double Seventh Festival, or Qixi Festival, falls on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month on the Chinese calendar (August 16, this year). It's tradition on this day to worship the moon and tell the Chinese love story about the cowherd and the weaver girl. In addition, custom dictates that young girls should demonstrate domestic arts and make wishes for a good husband. In recent years, the Qixi Festival has been referred to as Chinese Valentine's Day and is celebrated by many Chinese young people.

Li qiu is followed by the Ghost Festival on the 15th day of the seventh lunar month, a day for paying homage to ancestors and seeing off ghosts. There are also many festivals celebrated around li qiu day – especially for ethnic minorities – such as the Fresh Grain Tasting Day celebrated among minority populations in the southwest.

Solar Term 14: Limiting of Heat (Chu Shu)

Gregorian date: August 23 or 24

Lunar date: Middle of the 7th month

With the start of chu shu, farmers begin cultivating seedlings for autumn crops in central China. In southern areas, it's time for farmers to perform weeding for crops such as corn and millet, apply fertilizer to hybrid rice fields, and raise furrows for sweet potatoes. It's also critical to apply pesticides at this time.

As fall is just around the corner, it's advisable to limit the intake of ice cream, iced drinks and raw foods. Overindulging in cooling summer foods builds up excessive mucus in the lungs, impairing breathing function.

However, if you are experiencing symptoms of internal heat, it is appropriate to eat watermelon, cucumbers and other cooling foods to clear it from the body. Best not to keep it trapped there for the rest of the year.

During this period, people usually experience dryness. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) believes that this affliction is caused by leftover heat from summer and the dehydration of autumn. Dry weather usually causes an itchy throat, a dry nose, chapped lips, rough skin, hair loss and dry stools.

Food choice is important in ensuring that the body adjusts to the changes of the season. With the vigorous heat of summer over, TCM holds the belief that, in fall, everything needs to turn inwards to prepare for the harshness of winter.

Beneficial foods for this are lily bulb, white fungus, nuts or seeds, pear, lotus root, pumpkin, honey, soy milk and dairy products. Pears are considered a good healing fruit in the dry season. They can clear away heat, promote the production of body fluids, moisturize the lungs and relieve dry coughs.