The majestic Hukou Waterfall in Yichuan County, northwest China's Shaanxi, treated visitors to a spectacular sight on Saturday as a magnificent "rainbow bridge" formed over the roaring waters.
The phenomenon occurred as the turbulent Yellow River water, having been funneled through the narrow Hukou gorge, cascaded down and generated a tremendous amount of mist. This fine spray was then carried by the wind, slowly rising into the air where it catches the sunlight, creating a vibrant, seven-colored halo.
According to the staff at the scenic area, the "rainbow bridge" is a unique natural spectacle specific to the winter season. Its appearance is contingent upon a precise combination of environmental factors: sufficient water mist, an optimal angle of the sun, low air temperatures, and the absence of strong winds.
The most concentrated viewing period for the "rainbow bridge" is typically between 08:00 and 14:00. As the sun's angle shifts throughout this six-hour window, the colors of the rainbow gradually change, offering a dynamic and layered visual experience. Visitors are advised to plan their trip within this narrow timeframe to witness the full glory of this winter wonder.
Spectacular "rainbow bridge" graces Yellow River's Hukou Waterfall
China's Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao outlined the key priorities of the 32nd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Ministers Responsible for Trade Meeting, which opened on Friday in Suzhou, East China's Jiangsu province.
In an interview with CGTN ahead of the two-day meeting, Wang said free trade, digital cooperation and green economy are high on the agenda of the meeting.
"The key areas include advancing regional economic integration and the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific, supporting the World Trade Organization (WTO) in strengthening digital cooperation and developing green economy. At present, the international situation is marked by intertwined turbulence and chaos, with intensified geopolitical instability. The rise of unilateralism and protectionism poses serious challenges to the international economic and trade order, disrupting global and Asia-Pacific development. Against this backdrop, all parties have higher expectations for this trade ministers' meeting, hoping that it can build consensus and deliver outcomes," Wang said.
This year marks China's third time hosting the APEC meetings and the 35th anniversary of its membership.
By 2025, China had become the largest trading partner of 13 APEC economies. Trade between China and APEC economies reached 3.7 trillion U.S. dollars, accounting for 57.8 percent of China's total foreign trade.
China has signed 24 free trade agreements or economic and trade arrangements with 31 countries and regions, including 15 APEC economies. In recent years, China has also completed upgrades of free trade agreements with APEC economies such as Singapore and Peru.
The minister said that China has always been a firm supporter and an important contributor to APEC.
"We have actively shared our vast market and development opportunities with all parties. China's door to the world will only open wider and wider. Facing the common challenges, China will continue to fulfill its responsibilities as a major country, further deepen reform, expand high-standard opening-up, and continue to provide new opportunities for the Asia-Pacific region and the world with its new achievements in Chinese modernization," the minister said.
China's Commerce Minister outlines priorities for 32nd APEC trade ministers' meeting
