People across China on Monday marked "Lixia", or the beginning of summer, by preparing seasonal foods and embracing traditional customs.
"Lixia" is the seventh solar term in the traditional Chinese calendar, which marks the point when everything growing after the awakening of spring.
People in Honghu City in central China's Hubei Province have been harvesting lotus sprouts to a make them into seasonal recipes to mark "Lixia".
In east China's Zhejiang Province, many people uphold the ancient custom of eating black rice cooked with seasonal produce together with their families and friends to celebrate the special occasion.
In Xi'an City in northwest China's Shaanxi province, local people gathered to be weighed, as is the local custom.
"In ancient times, people believed that there was a summer disease called Zhuxia, which caused fatigue and loss of appetite. Summer's intense heat also made people vulnerable to other illnesses. Therefore, the custom of weighing people arose. People would be weighed at the Beginning of Summer and then again at the Beginning of Autumn. If their weight had increased, it indicated that they were healthy and safe," said Wang Zhi, deputy director of the Xi'an Intangible Cultural Heritage Protection Center.
This solar term of the beginning of summer marks the transition from spring to summer, characterized by rapidly increasing temperatures and more frequent rainfall.
In one traditional sign of summer, over 5,000 hectares of pomegranate flowers have started to bud in Lintong District of Xi'an, ushering in the warmer months.
People across China welcome beginning of summer
Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday China is willing to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and advance the China-Lesotho strategic partnership.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane in the capital of Lesotho.
During the meeting, Wang congratulated Lesotho on the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, and spoke highly of Lesotho government's efforts to prioritize economic development and steer the African country onto a path of sustainable growth. Since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, the two sides have advanced cooperation under the 10 partnership action plans unveiled at the summit, successfully implementing a number of key projects to effectively promote Lesotho's development and revitalization, Wang said.
China stands ready to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and push for greater development of the China-Lesotho strategic partnership, he added.
Calling on the two sides to firmly support each other, Wang said that China will accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho, expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, facilitate broader access of Lesotho's specialty products to the Chinese market, and continue to support Lesotho's national development.
China will continue to stand firmly with African countries, uphold justice for the Global South, including Lesotho, oppose unilateralism and acts of bullying, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said.
On his part, Matekane said during the meeting that Lesotho cherishes its friendship with China and the strategic partnership between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for China's valuable support for the development of African countries, including Lesotho.
Lesotho firmly adheres to the one-China principle and resolutely supports China in safeguarding its core interests, he said, noting that his country stands ready to strengthen strategic mutual trust with China, expand people-to-people exchanges, jointly implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing and energy.
Matekane stressed that China's zero-tariff policy for African products will inject new impetus into Lesotho's development. He also expressed Lesotho's willingness to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China on multilateral platforms such as BRICS to jointly address global challenges.
On the same day, Wang also held talks with Lejone Mpotjoana, minister of foreign affairs and international relations of Lesotho.
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
