Lichun (Beginning of Spring)
Lichun is the first of the 24 solar terms. It usually falls between February 3 and 5 every year and symbolizes the beginning of spring. The arrival of Lichun is marked by the melting of ice and snow, and followed shortly after by dormant insects awakening from their winter slumber.
Bean Sprouts in Spring RollWorld Federation of Chinese Catering Industry
Spring Rolls with Bean Sprouts
Having spring rolls during Lichun is a Chinese tradition done to bring in the new year.
盐煎肉 (2020) by Jiao SongtaoWorld Federation of Chinese Catering Industry
Salty Fried Pork Slices
Eating pork, which is rich in vitamin A, is said to keep the skin well moisturized even in dry spring weather.
Yushui (Rain Water)
Yushui is the second solar term. It usually falls between February 18 and 20. The name Yushui suggests heavier rainfall. During this time period, swan geese take flight, while grass and trees begin to sprout.
Wanton Stuffed with Shepperd’s PurseWorld Federation of Chinese Catering Industry
Shepherd's Purse Wonton
Yushui is when shepherd's purse returns to local marketplaces. When taking a bite of a wonton filled with pork and shepherd's purse, you can almost feel spring itself dancing on the tip of your tongue.
油焖春笋青豆沙拉 (2020) by Jiao SongtaoWorld Federation of Chinese Catering Industry
Stir-fried Spring Bamboo Shoots and Green Beans
The bamboo shoots sprout after Lichun are plump, tender, white as jade, and have a light and refreshing taste, so it is being praised as the "King of Vegetables." The same tender texture and refreshing fragrance are always retained, whether made into a salad, stir-fried, or stewed. It is a favorite amongst Chinese people.
Jingzhe (Insects Awakening)
Jingzhe is the third solar term. It usually falls between March 5 and 7. By this time, the weather is beginning to warm up, and with the rumblings of spring thunder, all of the remaining animals awaken from their hibernation. With peach blossoms in full bloom and golden orioles chirping, spring plowing begins in most parts of China.
Kaluga Caviar and Vegetable with Mushroom SaladWorld Federation of Chinese Catering Industry
Spring Caviar Salad
The world comes back to life after Jingzhe. During this time, all kinds of insects wake up from hibernation, which is the main inspiration behind this dish.
香椿龙利鱼 (2020) by Zhang XinxinWorld Federation of Chinese Catering Industry
Braised Sole with Chinese Mahogany
This nutrient-packed dish features a combination of delicious sole paired with tender Chinese mahogany leaves that become available in early spring.
Chunfen (Spring Equinox)
Chunfen usually falls between March 19 and 22 every year. By this time, the climate is mild. There is both heavy rainfall and abundant sunshine. Swallows return, and winter crops begin to grow.
Shangri-La Trifoil MorelWorld Federation of Chinese Catering Industry
March Morels from Shangri-La
Morels can often be found around Chunfen. They give off a marvelous aroma when fried with butter.
鲜藤椒牛肉粒 (2020) by Jiao SongtaoWorld Federation of Chinese Catering Industry
Beef Cubes with Fresh Sichuan Pepper
Spring is the time to focus on health and diet, particularly on generating Yang (a vital energy in Chinese philosophy primarily associated with the sun and masculinity) and nourishing the liver and spleen. Rich in protein and amino acids, beef meets many nutritional needs and has other beneficial effects, such as warming the stomach and strengthening the immune system.
Qingming (Fresh Green)
Qingming is both a solar term and an important traditional festival in China. It usually arrives between April 4 and 6 every year. There's no better time of the year for a nice stroll through nature than when all is pristine and abounds with life.
Geoduck Clam Fillets with Green Sichuan PeppercornWorld Federation of Chinese Catering Industry
Fried Pacific Geoduck with Fresh Sichuan Pepper
Around Qingming, Sichuan pepper plants grow sprouts with new peppers, which are tender but tongue-numbingly hot. Frying them in hot oil unleashes the scent of spring.
龙井虾仁 (2020) by Wang ZhitaoWorld Federation of Chinese Catering Industry
Longjing Shrimp
Shrimp meat is at its most palatable around Qingming. Cooking the shrimp with freshly picked Longjing tea (a famous green tea produced in Hangzhou) gives it a light sheen and refreshing flavor. There's no other dish more suited to this season.
Guyu (Grain Rain)
Guyu is the sixth solar term, also the last in spring. It usually falls between April 19 and 21. The arrival of Guyu marks the season when the wet and cold weather subsides, and grain crops begin growing. The first heavy rain of the year usually falls during this period.
Crispy Pan Cake with Cheese and Chinese ToonWorld Federation of Chinese Catering Industry
Chinese Mahogany Cheese Wafer
Chinese mahogany, a deciduous tree whose young leaves are consumed as a vegetable, flourishes around Guyu. This dish has a unique mixture of Eastern and Western flavors.
Leek and Saxidomus Purpuratus (2020/2020) by Jiao SongtaoWorld Federation of Chinese Catering Industry
Stir-fried Chives and Goose Egg
Spring, when weather can turn on a dime, is a great time to enjoy chives. Spring chives benefit the spleen, stomach, and liver.
