December 7 marks this year's "Daxue" or Major Snow, the 21st of the 24 solar terms based on China's lunar calendar. Compared to the previous term Minor Snow, Major Snow means snowfall is more likely to happen from this day on, and the weather is getting colder.

The 24 solar terms used to serve as a weather report in ancient times, created by the observation of the sun's movement throughout the year.

Usually, in northern China, the temperature plunges below zero, and snowstorms packed with dry wind are frequent at this time of year, whereas southern China embraces relatively milder winter with occasional rain and fog.

(Cover image via VCG, video and text edited by Zhang Hao.)

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