As China marks the End of Heat (处暑), the solar term signalling summer's retreat, Guangdong Province remains under the grip of "autumn tigers"—persistent heatwaves with temperatures above 35°C and high humidity. While northern regions like Beijing embrace cooler weather, southern areas face at least six more weeks of summer-like conditions.
The term "End of Heat", meaning "heat stops," originates from a 13th-century agricultural text. It traditionally heralds cooler days nationwide, but Guangdong's subtropical climate delays autumn's arrival. Here, midday heat still reaches 35°C, with overnight lows barely dipping below 28°C—a pattern locals refer to as "autumn tigers."
Meteorologists attribute this to the lingering West Pacific subtropical high-pressure system, which shields southern China from the cold air sweeping through northern regions.
Despite the heat, farmers race to harvest mid-season rice under intense sunlight. Reservoirs are being stocked to prepare for the drier autumn months, critical for winter crops. In coastal Yangjiang, fishermen celebrate the Fishing Season, offering sacrifices to sea gods before autumn voyages.
Locals combat the heat with traditional remedies:
• Herbal duck soups: A Cantonese staple believed to "cool" the body, often served with lotus seeds and winter melon.
• Bitter tea rituals: Medicinal brews like Wong Lo Kat (王老吉) are consumed to purge "summer heat toxins".
• Thriving Night markets: Evening temperatures of 30°C keep streets bustling and bustle past midnight, with vendors selling Smilax Glabra Paste, a jelly made from wild yam to relieve dryness.
Author | Feng Huiting
Editor | Huang Qini, James Campion, Shen He
