Friday marks the Beginning of Autumn (Liqiu) in the traditional Chinese calendar. Despite its name, Liqiu rarely brings immediate cool weather. It often arrives during the final stretch of summer heat. The ancient saying "one leaf falls, and the world knows autumn has arrived" comes from this solar term, symbolizing how small signs can reveal major changes ahead. As the season shifts, many Chinese celebrate "sticking on autumn fat," enjoying richer foods after summer's lighter meals to restore energy for the colder months to come.■
