Today marks this year's winter solstice, when the sun appears at its most southerly position. The winter solstice has the shortest day of the year and the longest night. It is the exact opposite in the Southern Hemisphere.

Winter solstice: The shortest day & the longest night

China's winter solstice, known as Dongzhi, is based on the Chinese lunar calendar and its 24 solar terms. UNESCO recognized China's 24 solar terms as world cultural heritage earlier this year.

People in northern China often serve dumplings during winter solstice. In the south, people prefer to eat sweet glutinous soup balls. While people in central China believe eating mutton soup is the best way to ward off the cold this time of year.