Thursday marks the start of Xiao Han, or "Minor Cold," the penultimate solar term of the traditional Chinese lunar calendar. This year, Xiao Han coincides with the Laba Festival, which is celebrated on the eighth day of the 12th month (Layue) of the lunar calendar. The coldest days of winter have come, so why not take a sip of hot and traditional Laba congee, accompanied with some pickled Laba garlic? With the arrival of Laba, excitement for the fast-approaching Spring Festival is growing.