The traditional Chinese lunar calendar divides the year into  , the 22nd solar term of the year, begins this year on Dec 22 and ends on Jan 5.

On the first day of Winter Solstice, the Northern Hemisphere experiences the shortest day and the longest night in the year, as the sun shines directly at the Tropic of Capricorn. From then on, the days become longer and the nights become shorter. The Winter Solstice also marks the arrival of the coldest season in the year.

Plant has frozen on the Winter Solstice day in Shangri-la City of Yunnan Province.(photo by Yu fuquan）

Plant has frozen on the Winter Solstice day in Shangri-la City of Yunnan Province.(photo by Yu fuquan）

Plant has frozen on the Winter Solstice day in Shangri-la City of Yunnan Province.(photo by Yu fuquan）

Plant has frozen on the Winter Solstice day in Shangri-la City of Yunnan Province.(photo by Yu fuquan）