Inquiry on the 24 Solar Terms

1. The 24 Solar Terms are a supplementary calendar system developed by the ancient Chinese people through long-term observation of the sun’s annual movement, designed to guide agricultural activities.

2. Originating in the Yellow River basin, the 24 Solar Terms embody the Chinese nation’s profound cultural heritage and historical legacy.

3. These solar terms can be divided into four categories:

(1) Solar terms reflecting seasonal changes: Start of Spring, Spring Equinox, Start of Summer, Summer Solstice, Start of Autumn, Autumn Equinox, Start of Winter, and Winter Solstice.

(2) Solar terms symbolizing changes in temperature: Minor Heat, Major Heat, End of Heat, Minor Cold, and Major Cold.

(3) Solar terms reflecting precipitation: Rain Water, Grain Rain, White Dew, Cold Dew, Frost’s Descent, Minor Snow, Major Snow.

(4) Solar terms reflecting phenological phenomena or agricultural activities: Start of Insects, Pure Brightness, Grain Buds, Grain in Ear

3. This tool allows you to look up the 24 solar terms for any year between 1900 and 2099.

4. Note: The period from the Winter Solstice to the Great Snow marks one solar term cycle; solar terms marked with an asterisk (*) include both the preceding and following year’s terms.