The Muzart Glacier's stunning ice lake in Baicheng County, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, has reached its prime viewing period, as it glows like a sapphire under the sun -- a breathtaking natural wonder and a rare gift of midsummer.
This high-altitude lake, formed by melting glacial waters, dazzles with a sapphire-like brilliance, nestled in the Tianshan Mountains' western region, surrounded by the majestic Khan Tengri peak.
The lake, with its serene surface resembling a mirror, reflects the towering snow-capped peaks, creating a breathtaking natural panorama. Melting water of the glacier, which has flowed for millennia, converges here, enhancing the lake's enchanting beauty.
Covering an area of approximately 1,500 square kilometers, the Muzart Glacier has carved this lake through glacial erosion. As glacial till accumulates, it creates natural barriers that trap water, forming the lake. Seasonal temperature fluctuations cause changes in the lake's surface area, making it a dynamic natural feature.
The best time to visit the stunning glacial lake is from July to October, when visitors can fully appreciate the splendid scenery and the unique beauty of this natural wonder.
Stunning glacial lake in Xinjiang attracts visitors during summer months
A former television host from Taiwan, Zhai Xuan, has made a pivotal decision to leave mainstream broadcasting in order to create content that provides a better understanding of the Chinese mainland and cross-strait relations.
Zhai, a seasoned television host with over a decade of experience in Taiwan's media landscape, recently addressed an audience at an event in Beijing, where she revealed her complete transition into independent online media.
In her remarks, she articulated her aspiration to bridge what she perceives as a significant information gap between audiences on both sides of the Strait, highlighting her commitment to fostering a deeper understanding and connection through her new endeavors.
"I was really surprised by all the fake news. There were stories saying people on the mainland can't afford tea eggs or that they live in mud houses and in Taiwan, this was the main information many people received," said Zhai.
Zhai said she initially began producing online videos to challenge such perceptions while continuing her work as a television host.
In April 2025, she travelled to the mainland with her father to fulfill her late grandfather's wish to return to his hometown. The trip, which reunited family members separated since 1949, was recorded in a video series titled "Journey to Find Our Roots", drawing attention from viewers in both Taiwan and the mainland.
"Many people in Taiwan told me that after watching, they wanted to apply for a mainland travel permit immediately and go looking for their relatives. Some had long forgotten these things, but after seeing my story, they began thinking about their hometowns and family members they had never met and decided to search for their roots," Zhai shared her story at the event.
By mid-2025, Zhai said she began to feel increasing pressure amid rising political tensions and a tightening atmosphere around cross-Strait exchanges in Taiwan.
After more than 12 years in the industry, Zhai resigned from her position, believing it was the right thing to do.
"At that moment, I felt this was a major issue，not just for me, but for Chinese people on both sides of the Strait. If I backed down then, I wouldn’t be standing on the right side," said Zhai.
Since leaving television, Zhai has broadened her online programming to encompass a range of daily-life topics, including practical guidance on applying for a mainland travel permit and using commonly employed mobile applications, in addition to content that delves into historical memory and cultural connections across the Strait.
As the debate over cross-Strait relations continues in Taiwan, Zhai said she remains committed to her current path.
Former Taiwan TV host bridges cross-Strait divide via online media
