As the old Chinese saying goes, "A sudden breeze of warm air as Minor Heat arrives."

The quickly rising temperature and signature sound of cicadas mark the advent of "Minor Heat," or "Xiaoshu" in Chinese, the 11th solar term of the traditional Chinese lunar calendar, followed by Major Heat.

Minor Heat, which begins on July 6 this year, will end on July 22. As the glowing heat grips most parts of China, the fifth solar term in summer signifies the beginning of the Sanfu days – the hottest period of the year.