Thursday marks Lidong, or the Start of Winter, which is the 19th of the 24 solar terms on the traditional Chinese calendar. Although the temperatures aren’t yet cold, winter is on the horizon across China.
As a tradition for Lidong, people celebrate the arrival of winter with nourishing foods. Due to differences in climate and culinary customs, the food enjoyed at Lidong varies between southern and northern China.
In southern China, people favor soups during winter, especially hearty, slow-cooked broths. Common choices include chicken, duck and pork rib soup, often infused with Chinese herbs like goji berries and angelica root for added health benefits.
Sticky rice is another popular winter staple in the south. High in calories and nutrients, sticky rice is typically mixed with ingredients like meat and vegetables, making it both filling and flavorful.
In northern China, dumplings are the star of the Lidong table, symbolizing warmth and togetherness as families gather to welcome winter with this classic comfort food.
Mutton hot pot is also a widely loved dish. Traditional Chinese medicine holds that mutton’s nature is warm, which makes it a perfect food for winter. The bronze hot pot, a favorite serving dish of the royals in the Forbidden City for hundreds of years, remains popular with the public in today’s Beijing. It’s not hard to find a restaurant that specializes in hot pot where you can enjoy a hearty meal with friends.