Frost's Descent (Shuāngjiàng)
Temperatures fall to freezing point. The last solar term of autumn.
Frost's Descent (Shuāngjiàng) — Dates by Year
| Year | Gregorian Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 10/23 | Wed |
| 2025 | 10/23 | Thu |
| 2026← this year | 10/23 | Fri |
| 2027 | 10/23 | Sat |
| 2028 | 10/23 | Mon |
| 2029 | 10/23 | Tue |
| 2030 | 10/23 | Wed |
Introduction
Frost's Descent (Shuāngjiàng) is the eighteenth solar term and the last of autumn, occurring around October 23–24 when the sun reaches 210°. "Shuāng jiàng" means frost descends — temperatures drop below 0°C and water vapor freezes on the ground and plants. After Frost's Descent comes Start of Winter, and autumn officially ends. Taiwan's plains rarely see frost, but high-altitude areas like Yushan and Hehuanshan may see their first frost of the season.
Climate in Taiwan
Around Shuāngjiàng, northern Taiwan cools significantly to 15–22°C with a decidedly autumnal feel; central-southern Taiwan remains 18–25°C, still relatively mild. The northeast monsoon grows stronger, bringing more rain to the north. Mountain maple leaves are at their most spectacular — Hehuanshan, Aowanda, and Qilaishan are ablaze with red and orange. Plains-level autumn-color trees also begin to turn at popular parks and resorts.
Persimmons & Seasonal Nourishment
Frost's Descent is persimmon harvest time — "pick persimmons at Frost's Descent" is traditional farming wisdom. Taiwan's sweet persimmons from Xinpu (Hsinchu) and Zhongliao (Nantou) hit their peak: crisp, sweet, and juicy. Soft astringent persimmons are air-dried into persimmon cakes, a beloved traditional delicacy. The saying "patching for Frost's Descent beats patching for winter" emphasizes the importance of this season's nourishing foods.
Wellness
Frost's Descent wellness focuses on warming the spleen-stomach and building the body's foundations ahead of winter. As cold deepens, shift to warming, tonic meals featuring red dates, chestnuts, yam, and lotus seeds. Pay special attention to keeping joints warm — knees and the lower back are particularly vulnerable in the cold. Soaking the feet in hot water before bed promotes circulation and improves sleep quality.