How to read (outer → inner): Ring 1 · 節氣 shows the 24 Solar Terms — each ~15 days, defined by the sun's ecliptic longitude in 15° steps. Ring 2 shows the Gregorian months — number (1–12) with the abbreviation (Jan, Feb…) for cross-reference. Ring 3 shows the Traditional Chinese lunar months — number (1–12) with the Chinese name (正月 through 臘月). Ring 4 shows the Wu Xing element for each season quadrant (東 Wood, 南 Fire, 西 Metal, 北 Water). The Four Lì's (立春 · 立夏 · 立秋 · 立冬) are highlighted as season markers at the quadrant boundaries. Toggle Sān Fú Tiān 三伏天 ✨ to see the Golden Period overlaid — the three periods of maximum yang expression when heavenly yang gilds the earth. Shown separately so it doesn't obscure the solar terms. The gold gnomon sweeps clockwise, one full rotation per year. Tap any term for a large detail card. Toggle Large Text for accessibility.

How the sundial works: This Twelve Shí 時 Sundial divides the day into 12 two-hour periods, each with its associated 生肖 animal, meridian, and organ per the Chinese Organ Clock 子午流注. The gnomon rotates once per day. Live mode tracks the current wall-clock time in the selected city's timezone. Scrubber mode lets you drag through any hour of the currently-selected date (set above) to see which shí, meridian, and organ are active. When a location is set, times are sun-anchored — computed from actual sunrise/sunset for accurate 十二時辰; otherwise textbook 2-hour blocks are shown.