1. Climate & Natural Phenomena
Hanlu (Cold Dew) is the 17th solar term, occurring around October 8 to 9. As the name suggests, the dew that condenses on plants is no longer just cool like “White Dew”—it is now chill and close to freezing. Temperatures drop sharply across northern China, and autumn foliage transforms into breathtaking shades of crimson and gold.
Ancient Chinese phenology divided Cold Dew into three distinctive micro-seasons (Penthads / 三候):
鸿雁来宾 The last migrating flocks of wild geese arrive as 'late guests' on their southern journey.
雀入大水为蛤 Small birds disappear from beaches, replaced by striped clams resembling bird plumage.
菊有黄华 Golden chrysanthemums bloom in defiance of the creeping autumn frost.
2. Lifestyle, Diet & Customs
An important health warning for this season says: “Do not expose feet during Cold Dew (寒露不露脚).” Wearing warm footwear and soaking feet in hot water before sleep become essential habits.
🍵 Diet & Health
Health regimens during Hanlu focus on warming the body gently while moistening the throat:
- Eating Sesame (吃芝麻): Roasted sesame seeds, sesame oil, and sesame pastes are prized for nourishing kidney energy and protecting skin moisture.
- Chrysanthemum Wine: Drinking traditionally brewed chrysanthemum wine to promote longevity and clear blood vessels.
- Persimmons: Sweet, ripe persimmons become available, helping to strengthen the lungs and relieve dry coughs.
🏮 Folk Traditions
The most popular recreational activity during Hanlu is “Admiring Autumn Leaves” (赏红叶). People hike up mountains—such as Fragrant Hills in Beijing—to marvel at forests of maple and smoke tree leaves that have turned fiery red under cool October frosts.
📜 Classic Poetry
Poets were deeply inspired by the crisp solitude and late-blooming flowers of Cold Dew:
《败荷》 — 白居易 (Tang Dynasty)
飒飒凉风吹冷雨，萧萧落叶漏疏桐。
留得枯荷听雨声，偏倚寒露夜深中。
(A rushing cool wind drives the icy rain, while falling leaves drift through thinning parasol trees. I keep the withered lotus leaves just to hear the rain’s percussion, leaning quiet through the deep Cold Dew night.)
3. Agricultural Wisdom
In rural farming communities, an old proverb states: “During Cold Dew, harvest late soybeans and plant winter wheat without hesitation (寒露到霜降，种麦莫慌张).”
Farmers rush to pick ripe cotton and harvest hawthorn berries, while ensuring winter wheat fields are well-drained and protected against the impending first frost.