From snow-covered Great Walls and ancient water towns to frosted coastlines, see how China transforms into a serene winter wonderland.
China experienced widespread snowfall in mid-January, transforming historic sites, waterside villages, and bustling cities into serene winter landscapes. From northern water towns to southern coastlines, the snow has captured both residents’ admiration and photographers’ lenses.
Anhui: Baili River and Hongcun
On January 20, the Baili River Scenic Area in Ying Shang County, Anhui Province, unveiled its snowy charm. Fresh snow blanketed the waterside landscape, turning it into a serene ink-wash painting.
That same day, Hongcun in Yi County, Anhui, was transformed into a traditional Huizhou-style village, its architecture gleaming under the snow, creating a picturesque scene reminiscent of a winter painting.
Hubei: Wuhan Plum Blossoms in Snow
In Wuhan’s Shouyi Square, citizens captured plum blossoms blooming amid the first snowfall of 2026 on January 19–20. The delicate flowers set against the snowy backdrop offered a striking contrast.
Henan: Luoyang Historic Sites
On January 19th, Luoyang, one of China’s ancient capitals, experienced snowfall covering sites such as the Yingtian Gate, Mingtang Hall, and Jiuzhou Pond. The snowfall highlighted the historic architecture, adding a tranquil charm to the city’s cultural landmarks.
Shaanxi: Snow Blankets Qinling Mountains in Xi’an
On January 20th, snowfall covered the Qinling Mountains in Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, draping the landscape in a thick layer of white. The scene resembled a slowly unfolding ink-wash painting, serene and captivating.
Jiangsu: Nanjing Snow Beautifies the Ancient City
On January 20th, snow fell over Nanjing, giving the historic city a winter makeover. Streets, traditional residences, and the iconic Ming City Wall were lightly dusted, creating a serene and picturesque scene.
Beijing: Iconic Sites and Winter Fun
On January 18th, visitors climbed the Badaling Great Wall to enjoy snow-covered scenery. Besides, Locals strolled through the Summer Palace, appreciating the palace’s serene winter gardens. Meanwhile, at Grand View Garden, children built snowmen, bringing playful life to the snowy landscape.
Shandong: Coastal Snow in Rongcheng
On January 12th, the coastline of Rongcheng, Shandong Province, was lightly dusted with snow. Thousands of fishing boats lay frosted in the harbour, while aquaculture rafts dotted the waterscape, forming a stunning winter tableau.
Shanxi: Ice Flow Blocks the Yellow River at Hukou Waterfall
On January 21st, ice flows formed along the Shili Longcao stretch downstream of Hukou Waterfall in Jixian County, Shanxi Province. Due to continuous cold weather, the density of ice in the Jinshan-Shanxi gorge section of the Yellow River has increased, accumulating and freezing downstream to create the first winter river blockage of the season.
Jiangxi: Lushan Mountain Transformed by Snow
From January 19th to 21st, Lushan Mountain in Jiangxi Province experienced its second snowfall of 2026. On January 21st, the mountain was blanketed in fresh snow, creating the poetic “Jade-Like Lushan” scenery once again.
If you like this article, why not read: New Year, New Views: China 2026
