What is the Chinese Almanac (Huangli)?
For thousands of years, Chinese people have consulted the Huangli for everything they do, and they also consider the Five Elements. These influence many aspects of our lives, as we all value auspiciousness and hope for a bright future. So, what kind of book is the Huangli? What is the oldest solar calendar in ancient Chinese legends?
What kind of book is the Huangli (the oldest solar calendar in ancient Chinese legends)?
People say the Yellow Emperor made the Huangli (also called Tongshu) — that’s how it got its name. It tells farmers when to plant crops, so people also call it the Farmer's Calendar.
The Huangli follows the Chinese lunar calendar. It has many tips on what’s lucky or unlucky each day. Its main parts are: a list of the 24 solar terms, lucky and unlucky things to do each day, and zodiac fortune predictions.
As early as the Qin and Han dynasties, China already had relatively complete calendar books. Around the Song Dynasty, official printed Huangli started to spread among ordinary people. It mainly had content about "conflicts, bad luck and good luck." In 1328 (the 5th year of the Taiding period in the Yuan Dynasty), over 3 million official copies of the Huangli (Yellow Calendar) were printed.
Many people thought the fortune-telling parts in the Huangli were superstition. So during the Taiping Rebellion, the Huangli from the Christian Taiping Heavenly Kingdom took out all taboos. It only wrote the 24 solar terms and Sundays.
The Huangli from the Xuantong period of the Qing Dynasty also had a rule: no one could print things like lucky/unlucky days, conflicts, lucky directions, yearly fortunes, or Tai Sui (Grand Duke Jupiter).
The Huangli during the Japanese occupation of Taiwan only listed auspicious days without inauspicious ones. After Taiwan's retrocession, the authorities restored all taboos.
How to use the Chinese calendar（Huangli)
Using the Huangli is simple — here’s how to do it step by step, with easy words:
1. Find key information first
Look for the date (matched with the Chinese lunar calendar) and the 24 solar terms. These help you know the right time for farming or daily plans.
2. Check lucky and unlucky things
The Huangli lists activities that are good (like weddings, moving) or not good (like starting a project) on that day. Pick what fits your plan.
3. Note small tips (if any)
Some versions have hints about directions or zodiac-related advice. You can follow them if you want, but it’s totally up to you.
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