The 24 solar stations in the Chinese calendar not only serve as a guide for agricultural activities, but also have a strong influence on traditional eating habits.
Each solar station reflects the seasonal changes and helps people choose suitable ingredients and cooking methods. For example, during 立春 "Lichun" (the beginning of spring), people eat spring pancakes and buns to celebrate renewal. During 冬至 "Dongzhi" (winter solstice), the longest night of the year, families enjoy dumplings and tangyuan, which symbolise warmth and unity. Chinese culture integrates nature and tradition through this mix of food and seasonal rhythms.
