Cameramen have taken aerial footage of breathtaking views of snowy Tianshan Mountains in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in the past two days.
Dense rime was recorded glittering on trees across the deep valleys of the mountain range, transforming the mountains into a dreamlike, icy fairy-tale world.
On the ridges, families of Tianshan wapiti were caught moving gracefully among snow-covered spruce forests, foraging peacefully in the frost against the sea of clouds.
The harmonious blend of wildlife and winter scenery paints a beautiful picture of nature.
Aerial footage records snowy Tianshan Mountains of Xinjiang
The Bayannur section of the Yellow River in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region became fully frozen as of 07:00 Sunday, officially entering its stable winter ice period.
Freezing of the river commenced on December 4, 2025, but repeated thawing and refreezing driven by temperature fluctuations and higher water flow postponed a full, stable freeze-over. The entire process lasted 48 days, 29 days longer than the previous year, making it the longest freezing period for this section in recent years.
In response to the extended and volatile freezing process, local authorities in Bayannur City and districts along the river have intensified their ice-jam prevention efforts. Officials have been conducting thorough inspections to identify and manage any potential obstacles within the river channel that could contribute to dangerous ice dams.
To ensure safety and stability during the frozen season, a 24-hour monitoring and patrol system has been implemented along the riverbanks to watch for any signs of ice-related hazards.
Inner Mongolia section of Yellow River enters stable ice period after 48 days
