Heavy snow in Xinjiang creates mesmerizing winter scenery

The recent heavy snow enveloping parts of northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region has turned Wenquan County into a winter wonderland.

Streets and river valleys blanketed in snow and trees draped in crystal-clear rime, the county has presented a stunning landscape.

Rime often forms when moisture in the air crystallizes directly onto trees and other surfaces in freezing temperatures.

Enduring friendships between giant pandas at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding in southwest China's Sichuan Province has been captured in recently released footage, showcasing the success of the base's science-backed animal welfare practices.

Captured at the base's Moonlight Delivery House, Star Giant Panda Nursery House and No. 1 Giant Panda Villa, the video clips feature various pairs of same-age pandas joyfully playing and wrestling together.

The practice of housing same-age pandas together is a form of social enrichment, designed to promote interaction and behavioral diversity among individuals.

Panda enrichment refers to scientific conservation methods employed in captivity to enhance the welfare of these national treasures, meet their physiological and psychological needs, and encourage them to display more natural behaviors.

The Chengdu base is a world-renowned facility for ex-situ conservation, scientific research and breeding, public education, and eco-tourism. It is globally recognized for protecting and breeding endangered Chinese wildlife species such as giant pandas and red pandas.