This study aimed to investigate the thermal comfort requirements in residential buildings and establish an adaptive thermal comfort model. A two-year field study was conducted on residential buildings in Shaoxing, Zhejiang Province, China. A total of 172 apartments (187 people) were surveyed, and 2400 valid questionnaires on thermal sensation from residents were obtained in two years. The results showed that the thermal comfort requirements of residents change with the seasons: Different seasons lead to changes in the range of thermal comfort zones and the residents' thermal adaptation models, which are related to the climatic characteristics of each season. Compared with the traditional year-round adaptive thermal comfort model, seasonal models could reflect the status of the residents' thermal adaptation caused by the characteristics of dynamic climate change more comprehensively and accurately. In addition, this study determined the residents' psychological and behavioural adaptability to the seasons and found the characteristics of thermal sensation and requirements for thermal comfort in different seasons. In conclusion, this study provides people in the study area with basic knowledge of their thermal comfort requirements. The results could be used as a basis to improve energy effi-ciency and meet comfort needs in the future.