凌晨 (líng chén): In the small hours (Noun) — Meaning & Stroke Order

Are you sure the flight arrives in the small hours, not late at night?

He did not stay up until the small hours last night; instead, he rested at eleven.

The streets are very quiet in the early morning, with only occasional passing vehicles.

Although it was already the small hours, the laboratory was still brightly lit, with researchers working intensely.