Winter rime adds sparkle to Chinese New Year festivities in northeast China city

The rime-covered trees along the Songhua River in Jilin City of northeast China's Jilin Province have virtually turned the city into a glittering wonderland on Wednesday -- the second day of the Chinese New Year, attracting crowds of local residents and tourists.

In particular, the Ashihada area in the city, known as a "little rime island," was graced with spectacle after days of low temperatures and river mist. Thin fog hovered over the river water while crystalline rime blossoms spread across willows and pines, creating a scene likened to a northern gallery of ice and snow.

Recognized as one of China's four major meteorological wonders, Jilin's rime is neither ice nor snow but a natural phenomenon that has become a signature attraction during the official Chinese New Year holiday, which runs from Feb 15 to 23 this year.

Winter rime adds sparkle to Chinese New Year festivities in northeast China city

The Chinese renminbi (RMB) climbed one spot to become the world's fifth-most active currency for international payments in January, capturing 3.13 percent of global transaction value, a report showed on Thursday.

According to the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial (SWIFT), the global payments network, yuan-denominated transaction value surged more than 11 percent compared to the previous month, while overall payment volumes declined by nearly three percent.

Over the past few years, RMB has steadily expanded its footprint in cross-border trade and finance amid China's efforts to internationalize its currency.

Despite the yuan's gains, the U.S. dollar has maintained its leading position as the dominant global payment currency, representing nearly half of all payment value. However, its share edged down from December 2025 levels.

RMB moves to 5th spot in global payments with 3.13 percent share in Jan