Today is Little Snow
As the Little Snow solar term arrives on November 22, 2025, the air turns crisp, and snowflakes begin to dance. This traditional Chinese winter phase marks dropping temperatures and the transition to winter’s embrace, with snow phenology signaling nature’s shift. But can you wear hanfu in this chilly season and stay warm?
November 22, Little Snow.
Little Snow means the weather grows cold and snow is imminent, but the ground is not yet deeply chilled, so the snow is not yet heavy.
Little Snow signifies continuously dropping temperatures, where dew on the ground turns to frost, and rain in the sky becomes snowflakes.
The three phenological stages of Little Snow are: first, rainbows vanish from sight; second, heavenly qi rises while earthly qi descends; third, the world seals shut, forming winter. Rainbows disappear during Little Snow, indicating the dominance of yin over yang between heaven and earth. As the yang qi in the sky rises and the yin qi in the earth descends, heaven and earth become disconnected, yin and yang cease to interact, causing all things to lose vitality, and the world seals shut, transitioning into the harsh cold of winter.
When heaven and earth accumulate yin, warmth brings rain, and cold brings snow.
The term “Little Snow” reflects that snow is a product of cold weather; during this solar term, the climate is not yet deeply cold, and precipitation is not yet heavy, so “Little Snow” describes the climatic characteristics of this period. The arrival of Little Snow means colder weather and increased precipitation.
In the midst of cold, wrapped up tightly, one feels the warmth rising within, which aligns with the ancient saying that during Little Snow, one should “reduce toil,” meaning to avoid pungent or bitter flavors. We also cherish the winter sunlight more, learning to nurture ourselves in days with less light. Subtly, this suggests that from diet to daily activities, people should ease their burdens during this time.
Lu Xun once wrote an essay called Snow, describing southern snow:
“…It is exquisitely nourishing and beautiful; it carries the faint message of youth, the skin of a robust maiden. In the snowy fields, there are blood-red camellias, white plum blossoms with hints of green, deep yellow winter jasmine; beneath the snow, cold green weeds persist.”
He also described northern snow:
“Under a clear sky, a whirlwind suddenly arises, soaring vigorously, glinting brilliantly in the sunlight, like a mist harboring flames, swirling and rising, filling the sky, making the sky shimmer as it swirls and rises.”
Regardless of the difference between south and north, under winter’s grip, everyone faces the harsh reality and cold season in their own world, striving and hoping for their ideal spring.
Little Snow has three phenological stages.
First stage: Rainbows vanish from sight. As temperatures drop, the north sees more snow than rain, so rainbows are no longer visible.
Second stage: Heavenly qi rises, earthly qi descends. In ancient beliefs, during Little Snow, the qi from heaven ascends, and the qi from earth descends, growing distant and entering a “cold war” state.
Third stage: The world seals shut, forming winter. Little Snow seals the fields, Great Snow seals the rivers; Little Snow seals the farmland, Great Snow seals the boats, as heaven and earth close off, forming winter.
We hope and wait, and this winter’s first snow arrives as expected, with ample snowfall. This year’s snow came earlier than usual; during Beginning of Winter, an unexpected first snow brought seasonal romance and a delightful surprise.
At this time, though the sky occasionally scatters “flurrying snow,” the ground does not yet show “shattered jade.” Outside, light snow falls; inside, incense burns at the desk. In the north, every household pickles vegetables. Freshly bought cabbages are washed, prepared in a large pickling vat, laid out to dry in the sun, then air-dried. Layers of cabbage and salt are spread in the vat, sealed for thirty to forty days, creating edible winter vegetables. Fishermen by the sea begin drying fish and storing provisions. After a bountiful return, they clean the fish and dry them in the sun, making the dried fish tastier and fresher.
Winter always brings memories of childhood, of the copper tangpozi on my grandmother’s bed, filled with hot water, warming the entire quilt, staying cozy all night. It’s nearly time for the tangpozi stored at home to shine again; copper ones are rare now, but their memory evokes childhood. In ancient times, during winter, people used “beizhong xianglu” to burn incense and warm quilts.
Charcoal was placed in a copper container, set within the bedding, providing warmth and a pleasant fragrance.
The ingenuity lies in the container’s design: no matter how it rolls in the quilt, its circular frame ensures it stays level, preventing charcoal spillage. As winter deepens, the most fitting scene is: “Green ant new wine, red clay small stove. As evening comes and snow looms, care for a drink?” Snowflakes, a stove, fine wine—combined, they reflect the ancients’ care for life’s pleasures while keeping warm.
“Green ant new wine, red clay small stove. As evening comes and snow looms, care for a drink?” — Tang dynasty, Bai Juyi, Asking Liu Shijiu
Today, some areas are getting colder with stronger winds. We hope everyone stays well during Little Snow.
If you want to learn more about Hanfu culture.
5 Tips to Wear Hanfu in Winter
Embrace hanfu in winter during the Little Snow solar term with these five warm and stylish tips:
- Layer with Thermal Undergarments
Wear modern long johns or merino wool under your hanfu for discreet winter warmth. Pair with a padded ruqun for Song dynasty-inspired coziness. - Choose Padded Hanfu Styles
Opt for hanfu in winter like Ming-style jia yi with cotton or silk padding. Check Taobao’s hanfu collection for quilted options. - Add Fur or Faux-Fur Collars
Mimic ancient mao ling with detachable fur collars on daxiushan or ruqun, enhancing winter warmth and elegance. - Use Wool or Cashmere Shawls
Drape a wool shawl over your hanfu, inspired by Tang dynasty pibo, for a chic layer that boosts traditional Chinese winter style. - Wear Insulated Chinese-Style Boots
Swap delicate shoes for zhongguofeng nuan xue (warm boots) to keep feet toasty during snow phenology outings.
Embracing Winter’s Charm
The Little Snow solar term invites us to slow down, as ancients advised reducing toil and savoring winter sunlight. Northern households pickle cabbages, layering them with salt in vats, while coastal fishermen dry fish for winter provisions. These traditional Chinese winter rituals pair beautifully with hanfu in winter, creating a nostalgic yet modern aesthetic. For styling inspo, explore Pinterest’s hanfu winter boards.
Celebrate Little Snow in Hanfu
From tangpozi to fur collars, hanfu in winter blends winter warmth with timeless elegance. The Little Snow solar term in 2025 is your chance to embrace traditional Chinese winter traditions while staying cozy in hanfu. How will you style your hanfu in winter? Share in the comments and shop our 2025 hanfu collection to shine this season!
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