The 24 Solar Terms

2016, Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity

The ancient Chinese divided the sun's annual circular motion into 24 segments. Each segment was called a specific 'Solar Term'.

The element of Twenty-Four Solar Terms originated in the Yellow River reaches of China. The criteria for its formulation were developed through the observation of changes of seasons, astronomy and other natural phenomena in this region and has been progressively applied nationwide.

It starts from the Beginning of Spring and ends with the Greater Cold, moving in cycles. The element has been transmitted from generation to generation and used traditionally as a timeframe to direct production and daily routines.