As gentle cool breezes stir and chilly dew begins to fall, at 14:29 Beijing time on October 8, we welcome the 17th solar term of the 24 traditional Chinese solar terms and the fifth solar term of autumn — Cold Dew.

This is the first solar term to carry the character for "cold," marking the transition of autumn from cool to chilly. According to the ancient text "Explanations of the Seventy-Two Pentads in the Monthly Ordinances," it states: "In the ninth month, the dew's vapor grows cold and is about to condense." During White Dew, dew had only just begun to form; by Cold Dew, temperatures are lower than during White Dew, and the dew on the ground is colder, on the verge of condensing into frost.

Cold Dew has three pentads: In the first pentad, wild geese arrive as the last flock of geese migrates south to winter over. In the second pentad, sparrows enter the sea and transform into clams — the sparrows gradually disappear and clams appear along the seashore. In the third pentad, chrysanthemums bloom in yellow — only the chrysanthemum blossoms proudly against the cold.

During the Cold Dew season, traditional customs are rich and varied, including climbing heights, admiring red autumn leaves, drinking chrysanthemum wine, and eating flower cakes. As the saying goes, "Having taken in all the autumn colors, life is truly worth living." At this time, the autumn sky is clear and crisp, and the layered forests are dyed in brilliant hues. Climbing high and gazing into the distance is the only way to truly appreciate this feast of autumn scenery.

During Cold Dew, temperatures drop sharply, and the temperature difference between morning and evening widens. As the old saying goes: "When Cold Dew comes, do not expose your feet." At this point, it is no longer advisable to "endure the autumn cold." Before bed, soak your feet in warm water, and add clothing in the mornings and evenings to stay warm. In terms of diet, eat more foods that nourish yin and moisten dryness, such as white fungus, lily bulbs, pears, red dates, Chinese yam, pumpkin, and lotus root. For outdoor exercise, choose gentle activities like jogging, and avoid working up a heavy sweat — be sure to replenish water promptly.

As the weather gradually turns colder, the dew grows heavier, and autumn deepens. May you, in this season of forests dyed in layered hues, carry warmth in your heart and wear thick clothing on your body, savoring this journey of clear autumn beauty together with the passing of time.