The 24 solar terms divide the year by the sun’s position on the ecliptic: a new term begins every 15° of solar longitude. They grew out of farming life in the Yellow River valley, where they guided sowing, harvest and daily routines, and in 2016 UNESCO inscribed them on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Select a term to read about its meaning, three pentads, weather, farm work and customs.