Today is Lidong, or the “Start of Winter”, the 19th of the 24 solar terms on the traditional Chinese lunar calendar.

Lidong usually covers the period from November 7 to 22, when water starts to bite and the earth begins to harden. It is the season for every living creature to get ready for the big chill.

It is a time when people used to celebrate the harvest and welcome the festivals. With the temperature plunging, food with warm and tender characteristics is preferred at this time of year, in order to keep away the cold air.

People eat dumplings and brew rice wine to welcome winter. How do you spend the start of winter?

(By Liuqin/Fanying)