Frost's Descent Solar Term Arrives Today: Autumn Ends, Winter Begins As Cold Intensifies

Reported by Xi'an Tihealth

October 23, 2025, the 3rd day of the 9th lunar month - At 11:50:39 this morning, China 迎来 the 18th solar term of the 24 solar terms - Frost's Descent (Shuangjiang). As the last solar term of autumn, Frost's Descent marks the end of autumn and the beginning of winter.

Solar Term Characteristics: The Season with the Greatest Day-Night Temperature Difference

Frost's Descent signifies that the weather is getting colder and the first frost appears. According to meteorological authorities, Frost's Descent does not literally mean "frost falling from the sky," but rather refers to the sudden drop in temperature and the large day-night temperature difference. On average, "Frost's Descent" is the time of year with the greatest day-night temperature difference.

The ancient text "The Collection of Seventy-two Pentads of the Moon" states: "Frost's Descent, in the middle of the ninth lunar month. The Qi (vital energy) becomes stern and condensed, turning dew into frost." At this time, cold air begins to accumulate on the ground, and sometimes the night temperature drops sharply below 0°C, causing water vapor to condense into tiny ice crystals on the ground or plants, forming white frost flowers.

Three Pentads: Seasonal Changes in Nature

Frost's Descent has three pentads:

• First pentad: Jackals offer sacrifices of beasts - After catching prey, jackals display their prey on the ground, similar to humans offering newly harvested grain to heaven

• Second pentad: Plants wither and leaves fall - Plants begin to wither and turn yellow, leaves fall to the ground, waiting for the call of spring next year

• Third pentad: Hibernating insects lie dormant - Animals and plants start preparing for winter, and hibernating insects begin their winter sleep

Traditional Customs: A Gentle Farewell to Late Autumn

Enjoying Chrysanthemums and Drinking Wine

Frost's Descent is the time when chrysanthemums are in full bloom. There is an ancient saying: "Chrysanthemums bloom when touched by frost." In many places in China, chrysanthemum exhibitions are held at this time, where people admire chrysanthemums and drink wine to show respect and love for chrysanthemums. The ancients regarded chrysanthemums as "grass that waits for its time," considered to be "longevity guests" and "immortal grass," symbols of vitality.

Eating Persimmons

There is a custom of eating persimmons during Frost's Descent. At this time, persimmons are large, with thin skins and sweet juice, making it the best time to eat them. As the saying goes: "Eating persimmons during Frost's Descent prevents runny nose," meaning that eating persimmons during this solar term helps prevent runny nose and colds. The Chinese character for persimmon "柿" (shì) is homophonous with "事" (shì, meaning matters), symbolizing "everything going smoothly." The character for frost "霜" (shuāng) is homophonous with "双" (shuāng, meaning double), implying "double good fortune."

Climbing Mountains and Admiring Maple Leaves

Frost's Descent is an excellent time to admire maple leaves. The famous poem "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening" describes this scene: "I stop my carriage to admire the maple woods at dusk; the frosty leaves are redder than spring flowers." After Frost's Descent, the anthocyanins in maple leaves cause them to turn from yellow to red, creating a beautiful scene of mountains covered in red leaves.

Autumn Tonics

As the weather turns colder during Frost's Descent, many places have the custom of "adding autumn fat." People in northern China prefer to eat beef and mutton, while people in southern China, especially in Fujian and Taiwan, like to eat duck for nourishment. In Beijing, Zigong and other places, there is also the custom of eating "frost-facing rabbit."

Health Preservation Tips: Scientifically Responding to Seasonal Changes

Cold Prevention and Warmth

During Frost's Descent, the day-night temperature difference increases significantly. Special attention should be paid to keeping the head, neck, and feet warm. As the saying goes: "Cold enters through the feet." Before going to bed, you can soak your feet in warm water and massage the Yongquan acupoint to warm and unblock the meridians.

Dietary Regulation

The diet should be mild and tonifying. Appropriately consume warm, soft foods such as mutton, beef, and chicken soup. Eat more ingredients that strengthen the spleen and nourish the stomach, such as millet, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, and white lentils. At the same time, pay attention to hydration, maintaining a daily water intake of 1.5 to 2 liters.

Moderate Exercise

Choose gentle outdoor activities such as jogging and Baduanjin (Eight Brocades). Exercise until the body feels slightly warm, avoiding excessive sweating that may deplete yang energy, while maintaining smooth circulation of qi and blood.

National Weather: Winter Approaches in the North, Temperature Differences Widen in the South

According to meteorological forecasts, during Frost's Descent, cold air affecting China will become more frequent, and the weather will turn from cool to cold in many places. Inner Mongolia, most of Northeast China, Shanxi, and northern Hebei often enter winter during Frost's Descent, while the autumn front will reach southern regions south of the Yangtze River.

Northwest and Northeast China will experience multiple cold wave processes, and some areas already show early winter scenes of "cold winds and falling leaves." North China and Huanghuai regions will experience frequent fog, resulting in poor visibility. Sichuan, Chongqing, Yunnan, Guizhou and other places will have large day-night temperature differences, possibly experiencing "two seasons in one day."

Conclusion

Frost's Descent is the final touch of autumn, and the prelude to winter has already begun. At this moment of seasonal transition, let us follow the laws of nature, adjust our physical and mental state, and welcome the arrival of winter with a healthy body and joyful mood.

As the ancients said: "Frost falls and water returns to the valleys; wind blows and leaves return to the mountains. As the years gently age, all insects close their doors." In this poetic solar term, let us cherish the final moments of autumn and prepare for the coming winter.

Warm Reminder: The temperature changes significantly during Frost's Descent. Citizens are reminded to add appropriate clothing to keep warm, arrange 作息 reasonably, and maintain physical and mental health.