Xiazhi, or the Summer Solstice, the 10th of the 24 solar terms on the Chinese lunar calendar, falls on June 21 this year. At this time, the Northern Hemisphere experiences its longest day of the year. After the summer solstice, the hottest days of summer arrive. Crops thrive during this period, but weeds and pests also grow actively. In ancient Chinese belief, this is when all things reach their prime. 

A Pavilion in the Mountain on a Summer Day 

By Gao Pian (Tang Dynasty) 

Tr. Xu Yuanchong 

The summer day's as long as the green shade's cool; 

The pavilion casts its shadow into the pool. 

The gentle breeze ripples the water crystal-clear; 

The trellis of roses spreads fragrance far and near. 

Source: enghunan.gov.cn; CGTN

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