There was a saying that went in ancient China, "The Winter Solstice is as significant as the Spring Festival."

Chinese people regard the winter solstice as a golden opportunity for family reunions and a big meal.

Dumplings and tangyuan, small dumpling balls made of glutinous rice flour and sweet fillings, are must-have traditional food on the day in respective north and south China.

Foreign students make dumplings in Hefei, E China's Anhui

Foreign students make dumplings with residents at the Zhuxi Community of the Changqing Sub-district in Hefei, capital of east China's Anhui Province, Dec. 20, 2017. An activity on Wednesday was held in the Zhuxi Community to invite foreign students in the community to make dumplings and experience Chinese folk customs ahead of the winter solstice day, or the Dongzhi Festival. (Xinhua/Liu Junxi)