On November 7, the Chinese mainland welcomed Lidong, the 19th solar term in the traditional 24 solar terms calendar, marking the symbolic start of winter.
Steeped in ancient tradition, Lidong is synonymous with the Four Great Elegances: incense-burning, tea-brewing, painting-hanging, and flower-arranging, practices once embraced by scholars to capture the season's hush and harmony.
Fast forward to today, and the spirit of Lidong thrives across modern cities. Urban teahouses host seasonal tea ceremonies, while creative studios in Beijing and Shanghai offer workshops on flower-arranging techniques passed down by literati.
Meanwhile, guqin players in the Chinese mainland gather in intimate yaji (雅集) sessions, plucking ancient melodies to honor the season's arrival. 'Each note feels like winter's first breath,' says Li Wei, a musician based in Hangzhou. These gatherings blend performance, conversation, and a shared appreciation for heritage.
Digital platforms amplify the vibe: livestreamed incense-pouring tutorials and hashtags like #LidongElegance have sparked global interest. In a recent poll, 68 percent of young respondents across major cities in the Chinese mainland said they plan to explore traditional solar term customs this year.
From centuries-old scholar gatherings to today's urban studios and virtual forums, Lidong's ceremonial vibe bridges past and present. Whether you're a culture buff, music lover, or digital nomad exploring seasonal rhythms, this winter's start invites us all to pause, reflect, and celebrate the subtle art of slowing down.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
