As winter approaches, a kindergarten in Huzhou, Zhejiang Province has embraced China's cultural heritage through a unique educational initiative. To mark Xiaoxue (Minor Snow) – the 20th of 24 solar terms in the traditional lunar calendar – children participated in a “Welcoming Minor Snow with Winter Pickles” activity this week.
The hands-on program taught students aged 4-6 about seasonal food preservation techniques, with instructors guiding them through the process of washing vegetables, preparing brine solutions, and packing jars. Teachers integrated lessons about the solar term's agricultural significance and its historical role in Chinese rural life.
“This isn't just about making pickles,” explained kindergarten director Li Meiying. “Through these tangible experiences, we're helping the next generation understand how our ancestors harmonized with natural cycles while preserving intangible cultural heritage.”
The event coincides with growing interest in traditional ecological knowledge across China, particularly following the 2023 UNESCO recognition of solar term-related practices. Similar educational programs have been reported in 17 provinces this year, according to Ministry of Education data.
