When is Start of Spring?

Feb 4, 2026; Feb 4, 2027 (the moment the term begins, Beijing time).

What are the three pentads of Start of Spring?

Pentad 1: 東風解凍 (The east wind thaws the ice); Pentad 2: 蟄蟲始振 (Hibernating insects begin to stir); Pentad 3: 魚陟負冰 (Fish swim up under the ice).

The Sun reaches ecliptic longitude 315° (Aquarius 15°). Start of Spring is a sectional term (jie) in spring.

Solar term 1 of 24

立春 · Lichun

Sun's longitude 315° · Sectional term (jie) · Spring · Feb 4, 2026

Spring begins, and with it the first of the 24 solar terms. The Chinese zodiac year also changes at this moment.

Each solar term is split into three pentads of about five days, each marked by a sign in nature.

People “bite into spring” with spring pancakes and spring rolls to welcome the new year.

Dates are in Beijing time.

When is Start of Spring?: Feb 4, 2026; Feb 4, 2027 (the moment the term begins, Beijing time).
What are the three pentads of Start of Spring?: Pentad 1: 東風解凍 (The east wind thaws the ice); Pentad 2: 蟄蟲始振 (Hibernating insects begin to stir); Pentad 3: 魚陟負冰 (Fish swim up under the ice).
What customs are associated with Start of Spring?: People “bite into spring” with spring pancakes and spring rolls to welcome the new year.
Where is the Sun at Start of Spring?: The Sun reaches ecliptic longitude 315° (Aquarius 15°). Start of Spring is a sectional term (jie) in spring.

For culture and fun: personality and tradition only, no predictions.