As the year 2026 begins, a sustained cold wave has brought snow and icy beauty to many parts of China, creating distinctive winter scenes.
In Tongren City, southwest China's Guizhou Province, the Mount Fanjing had its first snowfall of the new year, courtesy of a strong cold front.
The snow settled mainly at an elevation of around 2,200 meters above sea level, while higher-elevation attractions including the Mount Fanjing's two peaks -- Hongyun Golden Peak and Old Jinding -- as well as Mushroom Stone did not see snow this time, presenting a unique scene where snow only blankets the mid-slopes.
Clouds flowed like waterfalls over the ranges, complemented by the white snow, adding tranquility and poetic charm to the vista.
Due to freezing temperatures, some sections of the scenic area have become icy. Visitors have been advised to stay updated on road conditions before planning their trips.
At the Bosten Lake in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, ice pushed up by wind and waves took shapes of tall, continuous ridges stretching for kilometers along the shore.
The natural phenomenon, called ice shoves, is caused by temperature rise and strong winds. When the weather warms, ice in the ocean or a lake near the shore will first thaw. Strong winds then push the ice ashore, creating piles that could be over 10 meters high.
The landscapes occur every winter and spring at the Bosten Lake, with ice ridges reaching heights of one to two meters -- a truly impressive natural spectacle.
Spectacular frosty scenes in Guizhou, Xinjiang
Citizens of the Republic of Korea (ROK) have shared their views and expectations for future cooperation with China ahead of President Lee Jae Myung's state visit, which began in Beijing on Sunday.
Lee is making his first visit to China since assuming office in June 2025, with the state visit scheduled to run until Wednesday.
Street food vendor Jang Dong Il said he had high expectations for the visit, hoping it would lead to effective cooperation between the two countries and improvements in the economic environment for mutual benefit.
"More exchanges between the two countries would boost for the two economies. I am full of hope for a strong cooperation between President Lee Jae-myung and President Xi Jinping," he said.
"I have high hopes for this meeting between our countries' leaders. President Lee Jae Myung is visiting China between January 4 and January 7, to discuss economic, cultural and tourism exchanges.I understand about 200 to 300 South Korean corporate executives have traveled with him. I have high hopes for this. If this visit helps strengthen relations between two leaders,I believe it could lead to a win-win outcome and bring ROK and China closer together," Yang said.
"The leaders' meeting can spark dynamic exchanges in economy and culture. More exchanges between the two countries would boost the two economies. I am full of hope for a strong cooperation between President Lee Jae-myung and President Xi Jinping," said Noh Yun Ji, a teacher.
"The two can complement each other economically and continue to develop," said Kim Yoon Jung, a Seoul resident.
Dancer Yoon Ji Eun shared her experience of visiting Shanghai, saying that the delicious food suited her taste and that the city’s fashionable, clean urban environment left her with a positive impression of China.
"Last summer, I took a trip to Shanghai, and after seeing it for myself, I found the food was to my taste, and the city was modern and clean. So I came to see China as a captivating country," Yoon said.
"First of all, China is a very large country. And the food is delicious. I enjoy dishes like malatang and hot pot.I love Chinese food," Noh said.
The ROK citizens also expressed hope for strengthened people to people exchanges with China.
Recalling her time studying dance in China, Yoon said her experience highlighted the role of education in fostering cultural understanding.
"Although I don’t know much about this, as I mentioned, I went to Shanghai for dance lessons. It shows education can offer cultural experiences," she said.
South Koreans hope president’s first visit to China will enhance exchanges
