Jingzhe, or the Awakening of Insects, the third solar term of the Chinese lunar calendar, falls on March 5 this year. In traditional Chinese folklore, during Jingzhe, the spring thunderstorms will startle the hibernating insects. Hence the arrival of Jingzhe marks an increase in insect activity.

This solar term signals a rise in temperature and increase of rainfall, which brings the farmers into a busy plowing season. It is also a beginning of a series of animal activities. Check this video provided by Weather China, online weather service of the China Meteorological Administration, to find out more!

(Cover image is a screenshot.)

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