The Spring Equinox, or Chunfen in China's 24 solar terms, falls on March 20 this year. The day is the bisecting point of day and night and a prelude to increased daylight, warmer weather and increasing rainfall. It is considered the best time for spring ploughing, gardening and tea harvesting. /VCG

Farmers are busy picking and harvesting tea leaves in Jishou City, Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, central China's Hunan Province. /VCG

Spring tea refers to first batches of tea harvested in early spring. After a recovery phase of nearly six months, spring-sprouted leaves are abundant in nutrients such as vitamins and amino acids. /VCG

People wearing traditional clothes take to the fields for spring ploughing in Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, south China's Guizhou Province. /VCG

Farmers in south China's Hainan Province are also busy ploughing in fleshy, greenish fields. /VCG