Cold spells have swept through parts of China recently, bringing unexpected snowfall to various regions.
In Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Gansu Province, a section of National Highway 248, known as the "Locke Road," was hit by a sudden snow, with local authorities responding swiftly to ensure safety and smooth traffic on the road. The Locke Road, starting from Zhuoni County and ending at Zhagana scenic area in Diebu County, experienced continuous snowfall from Saturday night. Heavy snow accumulation and ice on the road disrupted traffic.
Most of the snow melted before Monday morning, but some road sections still had black ice. Traffic police issued warnings, reminding tourists and drivers of following weather forecasts and road information before heading to those sections.
In Shanxi Province, falling temperatures with a mix of rain and snow hit Taiyuan City. Experts say that it is the earliest first snowfall of a year recorded since 1951 in the region.
The wintry weather also affected expressways running through the city, prompting the deployment of police officers to ensure smooth traffic flow. Meanwhile, the first snow of the season blanketed Shanxi's Mount Wutai scenic area, one of four sacred Buddhist mountains in China, painting the landscape in a shimmering white coat.
To ensure the safety of visitors and motorists, local authorities also mobilized traffic police to guide vehicles and provide help at icy sections of the road.
Early snowfall hits China’s Gansu, Shanxi Provinces
CEO of Mastercard Michael Miebach, who was part of the U.S. business delegation that accompanied President Donald Trump during his just-concluded state visit to China, has hailed China's commitment to advancing global connectivity and delivering win-win results.
Trump on Friday wrapped up his three-day visit to China at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, marking the first visit by a U.S. president to China in almost nine years since President Xi hosted Trump in the Chinese capital in November 2017.
In an exclusive interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN), Miebach shared his views on how China’s continual push for global connectivity resonates positively with people in the United States and beyond.
Mastercard's Chinese joint venture announced the official commencement of its bank card clearing operations in May 2024, issuing Mastercard-branded cards with its member institutions for domestic and international use.
Over the past two years, Miebach said, the company has rolled out more than 200 products and programs tailored to the Chinese market, greatly enhancing convenience for users.
"Before our license was bifurcated, largely, that you either have a card that does something over here and have a local solution. So now you have ultimate choice, ultimate convenience and safety, security, predictable experience everywhere you go. If you're a person that travels a lot or a businessperson, for example, then some business trips really matter. So, it's a pretty unique proposition," the CEO said.
He also recognized China's unfaltering commitment to cooperation and willingness to work with others, saying that these principles make true mutual benefit possible.
"The priority of the Chinese government is strengthening the service sector. It is driving consumption. It is international connectivity. So that point, I just illustrated, it's very firmly on the last one. So, I think we're very well aligned with this joint venture coming together between our Chinese partners, ourselves, and our customers here to really drive what the government is trying to do. It makes a lot of sense for us. It's a true win-win," he said.
China's push for global connectivity delivers true win-win results: Mastercard CEO
