Major Heat, or Da Shu in Chinese, is the 12th of the 24 solar terms in the Chinese Lunar Calendar, illustrating half a year have passed. It starts on July 22 this year. During Major Heat, most parts of China enter the hottest season of the year.
Knowing ways to cool down yourself is very important!
1. Food to eat
Grass jelly, or "Xiancao" in Chinese, is a jelly-like dessert in south part of China. Grass jelly comes from Mint plant family. It tastes a little bit bitter, so it is typically served chilled with other toppings, such as fruits, or in drinks. (Photo source: Xinhua)
In southeast China's Fujian Province, a custom of eating litchi is a celebration of Major Heat. Litchi is a very nutritious fruit with high water content and high level of vitamin. (Photo source: Xinhua)
In east China's Shandong Province, having mutton soup on Major Heat is a famous custom. Why people eat such a hot dish on Major Heat? In fact, traditional Chinese medicine believes that eating mutton soup in hot weather can help toxin discharging of human body by sweating. (Photo source: Xinhua)
