Lichun, or the beginning of spring, the first solar term of traditional Chinese lunar calendar, falls on Feb 3 this year. On this day, Chinese people have spring rolls, kick shuttlecocks, and paste spring couplets to welcome a fresh start. People will make a clay cattle stuffed with grains on this day. Through whipping the clay cattle, Chinese ancestors express their hopes for bumper harvest in the upcoming Chinese New Year. (Photos provided to People's Daily app)

Chinese people traditionally paste spring couplets on this day, which carry their sincere wishes to drive away misfortune and welcome happiness.

In regions south of the Yangtze River, shuttlecock kicking is a traditional folk custom for local residents. Though the day indicates a coming warmer period, people kick shuttlecocks to improve blood circulation and keep cold away as weather remains chilly.

Eating spring rolls is a tradition on the beginning of spring. People share fried thin pancakes and rolls wrapped around fresh vegetables and meat to celebrate the arrival of spring and pray for good health.