Hanlu, or Cold Dew, the 17th solar term in the traditional Chinese calendar, falls on October 8 this year. 

During this term, days stay mild, but the nights turn cool and the air takes on a dry bite that belongs to this season alone.

The ancients associated this 15-day term with three signs: wild geese arrive like guests, sparrows disappear and clams appear, and chrysanthemums bloom against the fading green. It also marks a time when hares build up their reserves for winter. 

"Cold Dew deepens autumn," wrote Tang Dynasty poet Yuan Zhen. "The chrysanthemums turn yellow."