China's winter landscapes become spectacular natural ice-and-snow masterpieces

As early winter tightens its grip across China, spectacular natural phenomena are emerging from the snow-draped Tianshan and Qinba mountains in northwest China to the Arctic Village in the northeast, featuring towering snow-capped peaks, pristine forests and rare atmospheric light displays.

In Fukang City, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, the Tianshan Tianchi (Heavenly Lake) Scenic Area turned into a picturesque winter wonderland, after fresh snowfall gave way to clear skies.

Snow-capped Bogda Peak stood in stark contrast to the deep-green spruce forests below. Distant ridges faded like ink-wash strokes, while the Heavenly Lake mirrored the serene winter landscape, turning the entire scene into a vast traditional Chinese painting. Tourists boarded boats to admire reflections of snow-laden trees and a crisp blue sky, savoring the poetic tranquility of the season.

In northwest China's Shaanxi Province, a surge of strong cold air brought the season's first snowfall to Nangong Mountain in Ankang City on Nov 17, blanking the Qinba range in pristine white.

Peaks whitened overnight as crystalline rime encased trees and mist wreathed the ridges.

From a distance, the rolling contours resembled bold brush strokes; up close, the scene evoked the refined elegance of traditional ink-and-wash paintings.

Part of the Daba Mountains, Nangong Mountain is crowned by its iconic 2,267.4-meter Jinding Peak. The twin summits flanking the main peak resemble a traditional "bijia" or calligraphy brush rack, earning the range its alternate name, "Bijia Mountain."

Further north in Mohe city, Heilongjiang Province, China's northernmost point, the Arctic Village has been treated to a rare nighttime spectacle: brilliant and dazzling light pillars piercing the sky.

The vivid light beams appear when suspended ice crystals reflect powerful artificial lights under extremely cold, calm conditions.

With local temperatures plunging below minus 20 degrees Celsius, the mesmerizing display has captivated residents and visitors alike.

The legitimate rights of the Palestinian people must be respected and protected, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said at a press briefing in Beijing on Friday.

Mao made the remarks in response to a media query about the reports that the Israeli parliament recently adopted a new law introducing death penalty for Palestinians, and countries such as the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have expressed strong condemnation, saying such practice is "entrenching a system of apartheid."

"All legislation must conform to legal principles such as the principle of legality, fairness and justice, and must not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, nationality or political view. The legitimate rights of the Palestinian people must be respected and protected. Relevant party’s actions that escalate tensions and exacerbate confrontation must stop," said Mao.