Beginning of Winter (Lidong), the 19th solar term of the traditional Chinese calendar, falls on November 7 this year. Across China, the cold deepens as nature enters a season of rest and conservation. Ancient tradition identified three signs during this period: water begins to freeze, the earth starts to harden and pheasants disappear as large clams emerge in the waters. Magpies perch on branches. Autumn draws to a close, and winter quietly unfolds.