Folk traditions make the Start of Autumn even more colorful and engaging. Drying the season's crops under the sun is known as "Shai Qiu" (Sun-Drying for Autumn). Eating hearty and nutritious foods to restore energy is called "Tie Qiu Biao" (Gaining Autumn Weight). Taking a bite of crisp watermelon or fragrant melon to cool off and savor lingering sweetness is the delight of "Yao Qiu" (Biting into Autumn). These practices embody hopes for a prosperous harvest and auspicious blessings.

At this time, the lingering heat persists in the south with frequent rains, while the north often experiences dry, scorching sunshine. Folk wisdom has long captured this subtle transition, as the saying goes, "If Autumn comes early, it turns cool; if Autumn arrives late, it's hot enough to kill an ox." This year's Start of Autumn falls just before the end of the "Dog Days of Summer", a phenomenon called "Autumn Wrapped in Heat". Another saying reminds us, "When Heat wraps Autumn, it's pleasantly cool; when Autumn wraps Heat, the swelter makes you weep." Clearly, it will take more time to wrestle with the lingering "Autumn Tiger" heat.

Though meteorologically autumn has not yet arrived, a trace of its gentleness is already woven into the breeze. Why not wave goodbye to summer—and to your passing worries—and calmly follow the rhythm of time, embracing the beauty and freedom unique to early autumn?

"Remember the year's finest scene—it is now, in the softly cool early autumn." At this time, health practices should also follow nature's rhythm. The ancient principle of "letting the qi be released" serves as a reminder: though the heat has not fully faded, do not indulge in excessive cooling by turning the air conditioner too low. Allow your body to sweat naturally so that trapped heat and impurities can be released—a key to maintaining health. Only then can the body harmonize with the shifting balance of heaven and earth.

Each season holds its scenery; each life its charm. Let us journey on and appreciate as we go. New stories begin with the Start of Autumn, and new landscapes await along the way. The 24 Solar Terms embody timeless Chinese wisdom: we sow and reap in step with them, and we grow and gain insight within their cycles. Why not follow nature's course and cherish the beauty of every season? Learn to dance with the natural world, gathering small joys amid ordinary days—where plants are affectionate, time is flavorful, life is delightful, and all things brim with meaning.

With a smile, time is already moving gracefully toward "What a fine, cool autumn!" One falling leaf foretells the season; as the days ripen toward harvest, we too should ready our bags to welcome the fruits of our own endeavors.

On this Start of Autumn, may you have love and hope, warmth and light, good company by your side, and sweet dreams to follow you.