For days on end, the weather alternates between blazing, glaring sunshine and sudden thunderstorms that catch people off guard. The air hangs heavy and muggy; even the wind feels like a wave of heat without a trace of coolness. Amid rolling rice waves and fragrant lotus blooms in ponds, Minor Heat arrives quietly.

Minor Heat is the 11th of the Twenty-Four Solar Terms. When the Dipper points to Xin and the Sun reaches the celestial longitude of 105°, the solar term falls between July 6 and 8 of the Gregorian calendar each year. From Minor Heat onward, many regions across China enter the season with the most thunderstorms. Rain and heat coincide, enabling crops to grow rapidly.

Recently, all branches jointly held an event for the solar term Minor Heat. Through PPT presentations and videos, family members learned about traditional customs including tasting newly harvested grain, sunning belongings, observing fasting, eating dumplings and cold noodles during the fu period.

“The hottest days lie within the Three Fu Period.” It is advisable to stay indoors more to avoid heat and eat refreshing foods. The branches specially prepared green tangerine passion fruit lemon tea. Sipping this fragrant, sweet-and-sour drink on a scorching day makes it an ideal summer cooler.

As the old saying goes: “Dumplings for the first fu, noodles for the second, and pancakes with eggs for the third.” At the Good‑Ark canteen, nutritious cold noodles and sweet, juicy watermelon bring heartfelt care from our big family to everyone.

A reminder: despite the sweltering heat, avoid icy drinks right after meals. They reduce gastric acid secretion, hinder digestion and may even trigger intestinal ailments such as enteritis.

Hot weather easily makes people irritable, drowsy and listless. At such times, it is especially important to keep a peaceful mind, for calmness brings natural coolness.

The custom of “sunning belongings” prevails across northern and southern China at Minor Heat. Taking advantage of high temperatures around this time, people lay out books and garments under strong sunlight to eliminate mites, remove musty odours and protect books from dampness and bookworms.

Look, family members from the branches are neatly spreading volunteer uniforms and books across tables. They let the strong sunlight drive away moisture. Their gentle handling fully embodies the fine virtue of Good‑Ark people: treating all things with kindness.

Minor Heat arrives, and midsummer begins. May all your wishes come true, and may you cherish every lovely moment of this summer.