The traditional Chinese solar calendar divides the year into 24 solar terms. Grain Rain (Chinese：谷雨)，as the last term in spring, starts on April 19 and ends on May 4.
中国传统二十四节气中，谷雨是春季的最后一个节气，从4月19日开始到5月4日结束。

Grain Rain originates from the old saying, "Rain brings up the growth of hundreds of grains," which shows that this period of rainfall is extremely important for the growth of crops. The Grain Rain signals the end of cold weather and a rapid rise in temperature. 
谷雨源于古语“雨养百谷”，可见这段时期的降雨对于农作物的生长极为重要。谷雨标志着寒冷天气结束和气温迅速上升。

Here are five things that you may not know about the Grain Rain.
关于谷雨，你可能不知道以下五件事。

1.Key time for agriculture
农业关键期
Grain Rain brings a marked increase in temperature and rainfall and the grains grow faster and stronger. It's a key time to protect the crops from insect pests.
谷雨期间，气温和降雨量明显增加，农作物长势喜人。这是保护农作物免受害虫侵害的关键时期。

2.Sandstorms occur
沙尘暴发生
Grain Rain falls between the end of spring and the beginning of summer, with infrequent cold air moving to the south and lingering cold air in the north. From the end of April to the beginning of May, the temperature rises much higher than it does in March. With dry soil, an unsteady atmosphere and heavy winds, gales and sandstorms become more frequent.
谷雨所在春末夏初之间，此时南方冷空气稀少，北方冷空气徘徊。4月底到5月初的气温比3月升高很多。由于土壤干燥，大气不稳定，大风和沙尘暴变得更加频繁。

3.Drinking tea
饮茶
There is an old custom in southern China that people drink tea on the day of Grain Rain. Spring tea during Grain Rain is rich in vitamins and amino acids, which can help to remove heat from the body and is good for the eyes. It is also said that drinking tea on this day would prevent bad luck.
中国南方有谷雨当天饮茶的古老习俗。谷雨春茶含有丰富的维生素和氨基酸，可以帮助排出体内的热量，对眼睛也有好处。而且据说谷雨这天饮茶可以辟邪。
 
4.Eating toona sinensis
吃香椿
People in northern China have the tradition to eat the vegetable toona sinensis during Grain Rain. An old Chinese saying goes "toona sinensis before the rain is as tender as silk". The vegetable is nutritious and can help to strengthen the immune system. It is also good for the stomach and skin.
我国北方地区有谷雨时吃蔬菜香椿的传统。中国有句古话：“雨前香椿嫩如丝”。香椿这种蔬菜营养丰富，有助于增强免疫系统，对胃和皮肤也有好处。

5.Grain Rain Festival
谷雨节
The Grain Rain festival is celebrated by fishing villages in the coastal areas of northern China. Grain Rain marks the start of the fishermen's first voyage of the year. The custom dates back more than 2,000 years ago, when people believed they owed a good harvest to the gods, who protected them from the stormy seas. People would worship the sea and stage sacrifice rites on the Grain Rain festival, praying for a bountiful harvest and a safe voyage for their loved ones.
中国北方沿海地区的渔村庆祝谷雨节。谷雨标志着渔民们今年第一次出海的开始。这一习俗可以追溯到 2000 多年前，当时人们相信因众神保护，他们才免受波涛汹涌大海的侵袭，从而获得丰收。人们便在谷雨节祭海、祭祀，祈求五谷丰登、亲人平安。