Autumnal Equinox (Qiūfēn)
Day and night are of equal length — the midpoint of autumn. Afterward, nights grow progressively longer.
Autumnal Equinox (Qiūfēn) — Dates by Year
| Year | Gregorian Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 9/22 | Sun |
| 2025 | 9/23 | Tue |
| 2026← this year | 9/23 | Wed |
| 2027 | 9/23 | Thu |
| 2028 | 9/22 | Fri |
| 2029 | 9/23 | Sun |
| 2030 | 9/23 | Mon |
Introduction
The Autumnal Equinox is the sixteenth solar term, occurring around September 22–24 when the sun reaches 180° and shines directly on the equator. Day and night are again equal in length, after which nights grow longer than days in the Northern Hemisphere. The Autumnal Equinox is both the midpoint of autumn and, astronomically, the start of the autumn season. Since 2018, China has designated this day as "China Farmers' Harvest Festival."
Climate in Taiwan
Around Qiūfēn, northern Taiwan cools to 23–28°C and central-southern Taiwan to 25–30°C — one of the year's most comfortable seasons for travel and outdoor activities. Typhoons are rare. The northeast monsoon strengthens, bringing autumn rains to northern and eastern Taiwan. High-elevation areas like Hehuanshan begin to show early maple colors.
Autumnal Equinox Customs
Like the Spring Equinox, egg-balancing is a festive Autumnal Equinox challenge. Ancient China held autumn moon ceremonies on this day, a tradition later absorbed into the Mid-Autumn Festival. In Taiwan, autumn harvest festivals and agricultural fairs are held around the equinox. Mountain parks across the island begin their autumn foliage seasons, drawing leaf-peeping photographers and hikers.
Wellness
Autumnal Equinox wellness continues the principle of nourishing yin and preventing dryness, with emphasis on nourishing the lungs. The lung is the organ associated with autumn in Chinese medicine; eat white-colored foods (white wood ear, lily bulb, yam, almonds) to moisten and nourish the lungs. Nights are noticeably cooler — make sure to cover the abdomen when sleeping. Outdoor autumn walks with deep diaphragmatic breathing help the lungs detoxify and strengthen.