Start of Autumn (立秋) — Chinese Solar Term Meaning & Traditions

Chinese Solar Terms Usually falls on August 7 each year · Updated for 2026

Start of Autumn (立秋, pronounced "liqiu") is one of the 24 solar terms of the traditional Chinese calendar. Yang yields to yin; the year turns toward harvest, refinement and gentle consolidation.

Start of Autumn Energy & How to Use It

Autumn terms are harvesting and refining: completion, gratitude and release. Align with them by finishing, editing and keeping only what serves you.

Ways to Honor Start of Autumn (立秋)

• Step outside at the exact midpoint of the day and notice the light; naming the change anchors it in your body.
• Call someone you associate with this season's feeling — gratitude is strongest at turning points.
• Step outside at the exact midpoint of the day and notice the light; naming the change anchors it in your body.

When Start of Autumn Falls

Start of Autumn arrives around August 7 each Gregorian year (08-07). In 2026 it falls in early-to-mid August, marking the shift from the previous term (Major Heat) toward End of Heat.