Solar Terms

Frost Descent Solar Term Meaning: Seasonal Signs, Customs, and Climate

2026年8月11日 · guan506237167

Frost Descent, Shuangjiang (霜降), marks the last solar term of traditional autumn, before Beginning of Winter. In 2026 it falls on October 23 in Hong Kong Time (UTC+8), at a solar longitude of 210°.

Harvested corn stalks and bare trees in late autumn farmland
Illustration of late-autumn agricultural conditions in northern China. AI-generated illustrative image; not a documentary photograph.

Calendar position and meaning

The name reflects a seasonal frost association. It does not identify the first frost date at every place; frost risk must be checked against local weather and the site conditions.

Chinese name Shuangjiang (霜降)
Solar longitude 210°
2026 date October 23, Hong Kong Time (UTC+8)
Adjacent terms Cold Dew → Frost Descent → Beginning of Winter

Seasonal context

A local account should identify the community, event year and calendar used. A lunar festival near Shuangjiang must not automatically be assigned to the astronomical term’s Gregorian date.

The seasonal word “autumn” here follows the traditional Northern Hemisphere calendar. The Hong Kong Observatory relates many term names to ancient central Chinese weather and agriculture. Local weather and plant development may differ; Southern Hemisphere seasonal timing is reversed.

White frost crystals on red leaves and grass
Illustration of surface frost in autumn. AI-generated illustrative image; not a documentary photograph.

Regional example and limits

Local customs vary between communities and are distinct from the astronomical definition. The calendar definition alone cannot establish a persimmon custom, a ritual date or the practices of every Zhuang community.

Calendar sources

Hong Kong Observatory: term names and solar longitudes; 2026 Gregorian–lunar conversion table; date and time notes (Hong Kong Time, UTC+8). The calendar sources establish astronomical timing and terminology; they do not verify regional customs.

Related reading

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Frost Descent in 2026?

October 23 in Hong Kong Time (UTC+8). The solar-term boundary is at 210° solar longitude; civil dates in other timezones can differ.

Does Frost Descent predict local weather?

No. The term is defined astronomically. Its seasonal name does not establish the temperature, rainfall or snowfall at a particular location.