Welcoming the First Solar Term of Winter

When the first chill sweeps through the city, winter has truly arrived.
In the 24 solar terms, Lidong — the Beginning of Winter — marks the transition from autumn to winter, a time when all living things begin to store energy.
For modern life, it’s more than just the day temperatures drop; it’s a reminder to slow down and let our bodies prepare for the quiet season ahead.

Why Do We “Nourish” and “Stay Warm” at Lidong? — From Traditional Wisdom to Modern Wellness

The old saying “Nourish the body at Lidong” carries the wisdom of living in harmony with nature.
As the weather cools, blood circulation slows and metabolism follows.
This is the time not for heavy feasting, but for gently helping the body retain warmth and maintain balance.

Many plant-based ingredients provide natural warmth and energy stability, such as:
Ginger – promotes circulation and warms the stomach.
Sweet potatoes and pumpkins – rich in natural carbs and fiber to sustain energy.
Tofu and soy milk – gentle sources of plant protein that nourish and digest easily.
To “nourish” isn’t about consuming calories — it’s about syncing the body’s rhythm with the season.
Choosing seasonal, local, and simple foods is also a way of practicing an earth-friendly lifestyle.

Eat Warm, Dress Warm, Move Warm — Three Ways to Stay Cozy

1.Eat Warm | Retain Energy with a Bowl of Hot Soup
After Lidong, root vegetables reach their sweetest flavor — perfect for gentle winter nourishment.
Try this comforting, plant-based recipe:
Vegan Four-Treasure Soup
A nourishing combination of lotus seeds, gorgon fruit, Chinese yam, and poria — enriched with king oyster mushrooms and tofu instead of meat.
Seasoned with ginger and goji berries, this gentle, warming soup is rich in plant protein and fiber, keeping you cozy and light through the winter.

2.Dress Warm | A Smarter Way to Stay Cozy Than Turning on the Heater
Even in the coldest weather, heating isn’t always necessary.
The “onion layering method” — a cotton inner layer to absorb sweat, a thermal layer to retain heat, and a windproof outer layer — is the most efficient way to stay warm.
Choose natural or recycled fabrics that are comfortable, breathable, and kind to both your body and the planet.

3.Move Warm | Let Movement Be Your Natural Heater
The colder it gets, the easier it is to stay still.
Yet just ten minutes of daily walking or stretching can boost circulation and raise body temperature.
Instead of relying on external energy, let your body generate its own warmth — it’s the most sustainable way to stay cozy.

Following Nature Is the Best Sustainability

The wisdom of the solar terms lies in adapting.
Lidong teaches us not to fight the weather but to live in rhythm with nature.
By eating seasonally, adjusting our routines, and reducing energy waste, we nurture a lifestyle that’s kind to both ourselves and the earth.
Sustainability isn’t just an environmental concept — it’s a rhythm of living.
A bowl of soup, a cup of warm tea, or an early night’s rest — small acts that let body, earth, and mind settle together in peace.

Bringing Warmth Into Winter

Lidong is nature’s gentle invitation to slow down.
Instead of seeking instant warmth, we can move in tune with the season.
By embracing the rhythm of the earth, nourishing our bodies, and caring for ourselves, we quietly leave warmth for the planet too.
Start with a bowl of plant-based soup — let this winter warm both you and the world.