As the 24 solar terms cycle concludes with Major Cold (Dahan) on January 20, 2026, communities across the Chinese mainland embrace both winter's zenith and the imminent Spring Festival. This period, marked by biting winds and frost-laden landscapes, signals the final push to prepare for Lunar New Year celebrations starting February 17.
Households are immersed in the age-old ritual of "sweeping away the old" – a thorough cleaning tradition believed to purge misfortune. Markets brim with residents stocking red lanterns, couplets, and ingredients for festive dishes like nian gao (sticky rice cake). In southern provinces, the air carries the smoky aroma of meats curing in preparation for reunion banquets.
Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners emphasize dietary warmth during Dahan. "Stews with lamb and ginger help yang energy combat the cold," explains Beijing-based TCM doctor Li Wei. Pharmacies report increased demand for cinnamon bark and dried tangerine peel, ingredients prized for their circulation-boosting properties.
This year's celebrations hold particular significance as families reunite following recent travel normalization measures. Railway authorities anticipate over 400 million passenger trips during the 40-day Spring Festival travel period, with ticket sales opening this week.
