Cold Dew (Hánlù)
Dew becomes cold and temperatures drop noticeably.
Cold Dew (Hánlù) — Dates by Year
| Year | Gregorian Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 10/8 | Tue |
| 2025 | 10/8 | Wed |
| 2026← this year | 10/8 | Thu |
| 2027 | 10/8 | Fri |
| 2028 | 10/8 | Sun |
| 2029 | 10/8 | Mon |
| 2030 | 10/8 | Tue |
Introduction
Cold Dew (Hánlù) is the seventeenth solar term, occurring around October 7–9 when the sun reaches 195°. "Cold Dew" describes dew turning cold as temperatures continue to drop. Classical texts say: "In the ninth month, dew turns cold and is about to freeze." Cold Dew signals the deepening of autumn and the approaching chill of winter.
Climate in Taiwan
Around Hánlù, northern Taiwan cools to 18–25°C — the first genuinely cool autumn weather of the year. Central-southern Taiwan remains 22–28°C, still relatively mild. The northeast monsoon strengthens steadily, bringing increasing autumn rain to the north. High-mountain areas including Hehuanshan and Qilaishan may experience early frosts. Cold Dew is peak season for autumn maple viewing and mountain hiking.
Double Ninth Connection
Cold Dew coincides with the Double Ninth Festival (9th day of the 9th lunar month), making it the perfect time for climbing heights and viewing autumn foliage. Taiwan's major maple sites — Aowanda in Nantou, Lalashan in Taoyuan, Mingchi in Yilan — are gradually turning red around Cold Dew. Chrysanthemums are in full bloom, and chrysanthemum tea is a traditional Cold Dew beverage valued for eye and liver health.
Wellness
Cold Dew wellness calls for warming yang energy and nourishing yin against the cold. As temperatures drop, dress warmly in layers — the folk wisdom "cold rises from the feet" is a reminder to keep feet particularly warm. Eat warming, tonic foods: beef, lamb, ginger, longan, and walnuts. Sesame, chestnuts, and walnuts are all excellent Cold Dew season nourishing foods. Avoid cold foods that might suppress yang energy.