The 24 solar terms, consisting of 12 major solar terms and 12 minor solar terms, were created thousands of years ago by the ancient Chinese to guide agricultural production.

Today, the culture behind the terms provides useful guidance to people's lives as each term features special food, cultural ceremonies and healthy living tips.

The Beginning of Summer, or Lixia in Chinese, is the seventh solar term on the Chinese lunar calendar that marks the beginning of summer.

This solar term marks the transition from spring to summer, characterized by rapidly increasing temperatures and more frequent rainfall. It is also the time for early rice planting in many parts of China.

Feel the vitality and passion of outdoor exercising together with Xinhua images!

Photos by: Chen Wenwu, Ding Lei, Du Zixuan, Hu Xingyu, Liao Zuping, Mao Siqian, Xu Yu, Zhai Yifan.