Traditional culture in plain words
End of Heat (處暑)
End of Heat marks the stopping point of the summer heat. The hot days slowly fade, and autumn draws near.
At a glance
What the solar terms mean
End of Heat is one of the 24 solar terms (節氣), the days in the traditional Chinese calendar that mark the change of the seasons. It falls on 23 August in 2026 and 2027, and on 22 August in 2028. The word 'chu' means 'to stop': the summer heat is coming to its end.
Mornings and evenings turn cooler, while midday stays warm, so the gap between day and night grows wider. The air slowly becomes dry and crisp. Step by step, the harvest season draws near.
Traditional customs in different places
Eating duck is a folk custom at End of Heat. In many Chinese communities — for example in southern China, Hong Kong and Taiwan — families often simmer a pot of duck soup and share it together. In coastal areas, people hold a fishing festival (開漁節) around this time to mark the start of the fishing season. They give thanks to the sea and wish for calm waters and safe returns. It is also a tradition to keep early hours now — early to bed and early to rise — and to gently welcome the quieter days of autumn.
Solar terms belong to the traditional calendar and are shared for cultural reference. For weather, please follow the forecast from your local weather service.