As the sun climbs higher in the sky, communities across the Chinese mainland welcome the arrival of Start of Summer</strong> (“Lixia”), the seventh solar term in the traditional Chinese calendar. Falling on May 5 this year, the day blends ancient customs with modern creativity, offering a window into China’s rich cultural tapestry.</p>
A Day of Joy and Play</h3>
For children, Lixia is a festive highlight marked by the playful tradition of egg-tapping games. Armed with hard-boiled eggs, youngsters compete to see whose shell remains uncracked the longest—a simple yet cherished ritual symbolizing vitality and resilience. Meanwhile, the season’s agricultural significance unfolds in rural areas, where tea fields and rice paddies hum with activity as farmers plant and harvest in sync with nature’s rhythms.</p>
Harvests and Melodies</h3>
Amid the laughter of children and the rustle of crops, technology adds a fresh note to this year’s celebrations: a special AI-composed melody invites global audiences to “sing along” with the spirit of Lixia. This fusion of tradition and innovation reflects a dynamic China where cultural heritage thrives alongside progress.</p>
From bustling fields to digital harmonies, Start of Summer underscores the enduring connection between people, land, and shared heritage—an occasion as vibrant as the season itself.</p>
