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Solar term 16 of 24
Autumn Equinox
秋分 · Qiufen
The Sun is again over the equator and day and night are equal; the term also splits autumn in half. From now on, nights in the Northern Hemisphere are longer than days.
The three pentads
- 雷始收聲Thunder falls silent
- 蟄蟲坯戶Insects seal their burrows
- 水始涸Waters begin to dry up
Each solar term is split into three pentads of about five days, each marked by a sign in nature.
Customs
In ancient times emperors made offerings to the Moon on this day. Today it is also China's Farmers' Harvest Festival.
Sky file
- Sun's longitude
- 180°
- Type
- Principal term (zhongqi)
- Season
- Autumn
- Chinese month
- 酉 You month (White Dew to Cold Dew)
- Sun's position
- Enters Libra
- Dates
- Sep 23, 2026 · Sep 23, 2027
Dates are in Beijing time.
Frequently asked questions
- When is Autumn Equinox?
- Sep 23, 2026; Sep 23, 2027 (the moment the term begins, Beijing time).
- What are the three pentads of Autumn Equinox?
- Pentad 1: 雷始收聲 (Thunder falls silent); Pentad 2: 蟄蟲坯戶 (Insects seal their burrows); Pentad 3: 水始涸 (Waters begin to dry up).
- What customs are associated with Autumn Equinox?
- In ancient times emperors made offerings to the Moon on this day. Today it is also China's Farmers' Harvest Festival.
- Where is the Sun at Autumn Equinox?
- The Sun reaches ecliptic longitude 180° (entering Libra). Autumn Equinox is a principal term (zhongqi) in autumn.
For culture and fun: personality and tradition only, no predictions.