As 2026 begins, a lingering cold wave has transformed parts of China into striking winter landscapes, offering scenes of rare natural beauty.

In Tongren City in southwest China’s Guizhou Province, Mount Fanjing welcomed its first snowfall of the year under the influence of a strong cold front. Snow gently covered areas around 2,200 metres above sea level, while higher landmarks such as Hongyun Golden Peak, Old Jinding and the iconic Mushroom Stone remained untouched. The contrast created a distinctive mid slope snow scene, enhanced by clouds cascading over the mountains like flowing water, lending the scenery a calm and poetic atmosphere. 

Far to the northwest, Bosten Lake in Xinjiang presented another natural wonder. Driven by wind and waves, sheets of ice were pushed ashore to form long ridges stretching for kilometres. These seasonal ice shoves, rising one to two metres high, create a unique and memorable winter spectacle each year.

Source: China Central Television