Today, Monday, January 5, 2026, marks the start of Xiao Han (Minor Cold), the 23rd solar term in the traditional East Asian calendar. This year, it signals the onset of the coldest period, when nature pauses in a frosty hush before spring’s rebirth.
Across the Chinese mainland’s northern regions, biting winds and swirling snow sculpt a serene, monochrome landscape. In the southern parts, a sharp frost tingles the morning air, painting rooftops with crystalline patterns. Rivers freeze over, soils harden, and animals retreat into nests and burrows—nature’s way of conserving energy in the deep freeze ❄️.
Yet beneath this icy stillness, life pulses with quiet vitality. Winter buds lie dormant under frozen ground, ready to burst forth when the first sunbeams of spring thaw the earth. Farmers check their winter crops, ensuring young shoots survive the cold, while urban dwellers savor the crisp air on morning walks or warm up with steaming bowls of ginger tea.
Solar terms like Xiao Han remind us of our deep ties to nature’s cycles. Even in our fast-paced digital age, we can find moments to slow down, tune in to the changing seasons, and appreciate the subtle magic of winter’s pause. Soon, the landscape will awaken in a riot of green—until then, let’s embrace the chill and recharge for the warmth ahead 🌱.
Reference(s):
Nature's quiet pause before spring: Xiao Han (Minor Cold) arrives
cgtn.com
