The 24 Seasonal Points or Solar Terms of TCM

As the landscape and climate shift with the seasons, so do our bodies and minds. Of course, we’ve all sensed these natural transformations that occur during seasonal transition. The lengthening or shortening of days and fluctuations in weather and climate alter and regulate patterns of plant and animal life at a fundamental level.

Many earth-based wisdom systems recognize we need to participate with, rather than work against, this natural flow. We foster greater well-being when we learn to live in harmony with natural seasonal changes.

24 Solar Terms or Seasonal Points

Through observation of the natural world, the ancient Chinese created a calendar system known as “lunisolar,” meaning it takes into account both the movements of the sun (solar) and the moon (lunar).

In this post, we will explore the solar points, which represent the entire circle of the sun. The solar terms divide the calendar into 24 total segments (12 pairs of major nodes and 12 minor nodes). These 24 unique segments of time are called Jie Qi, or “seasonal points / solar terms.”

When comparing this calendar with the Gregorian calendar, there may be minor differences of 1 or 2 days each year. So, remember that the solar term dates may differ slightly from the Gregorian dates.

Each seasonal point is approximately two weeks. You can think of these solar terms as mini-seasons.

Solar terms, or seasonal points, reflect the climatic changes as the sun moves through its annual circular motion. This calendar was used in ancient times to support farm and agricultural work. Today, it still holds an important place in guiding everyday rituals and routines in China and many other East Asian countries.

24 Solar Terms and Chinese Medicine (TCM)

Chinese Medicine (TCM) emphasizes the need to adapt our behaviour based on the external environment to maintain health and vitality and avoid disease. So we can use the solar terms as guideposts when harmonizing our diet and lifestyle choices to match the natural world.

Learn more about the solar terms and ways you can take care of yourself during each season below:

The First 4 Solar Terms or Seasonal Points

When dividing the calendar into solar terms, first we divide time into 4 periods (of three months each). These periods reflect the altitude of the sun:

The Spring/Vernal Equinox – Mar.20th – April 4th 2026

During this solar term, yin and yang are briefly balanced. From now on, yang will grow and yin will decline. In Chinese medicine, this time of renewal is symbolized by the wood element—think of green shoots or buds emerging after winter. This is when we can shed the old and outworn and embrace new growth.

The Summer Solstice – June 21st – July 6th 2026

We have the longest days and shortest nights in this period. Yang is now expanding and growing. The summer season is represented by the fire element, which relates to expansion. Think of the sun’s bright energy and how it fuels celebration and activity. It’s a great time to connect with others and play outside.

The Autumn Equinox – Sept.23rd – Oct.7th 2026

During this solar term, we begin our slow descent into darkness and decay. It is when energy moves from yang to yin. Represented as the metal element, this solar term is a time to release and simplify. As energy continues to cool, contract, and descend, you may feel a desire to pare down and slow down, too.

The Winter Solstice – Dec.22nd – Jan.4th 2026

This is the solar term with the darkest days of the year. The quiet hush of winter helps us cultivate wisdom through receptivity and reflection. As the water element, it can show us that real potency lies in darkness. This time of stillness and slowing down helps us protect and connect with the deep life forces within.

The Next 4 Solar Terms or Seasonal Points

Then, the calendar is further divided into eight periods, including the above solar terms and the four below. These terms consider natural phenomena like climate and changes in the land:

Start of Spring – Feb. 4th-Feb. 17th 2026

Start of Summer – May 5th- May 20th 2026

Start of Autumn – Aug.7th – Aug.22nd 2026

Start of Winter – Nov.7th – Nov.21st 2026

(Refer to the links at the bottom of this post to learn more about these solar terms.)

Complete List of 24 Solar Terms or Seasonal Points for 2026

Finally, the remaining solar terms (for a total of 24) are added. These terms refer to events such as crop harvests, insect activity, frost, snowfall, precipitation, and dew. Most of these solar terms were likely created and mapped during the Western Han Dynasty (206 BC–24 AD), so most references to weather refer to the climate of Xi’an, a city in northern China that was the capital of the Han Dynasty. Because of this, we need to alter recommendations depending on the actual climate where we live, but these solar terms still provide a very helpful outline.

Here is a complete list of the Solar Terms or Seasonal Points for 2026:

SPRING (Learn more about the spring seasonal points here.)