China: Hunting for the first snowfall amidst the golden hues of autumn.

Many mountainous regions in northern China unexpectedly received early snowfall, creating a rare spectacle where golden and red leaves mingled with white snow in Harbin, Beijing, and Sichuan.

A rare sight of changing seasons.

In mid-October, a fascinating weather phenomenon occurred in many areas of northern China when the first snowflakes of the season unexpectedly fell, almost a month earlier than usual. The white snow covered the forests, which were still turning yellow and red, creating a spectacular scene of the changing seasons—a rare moment in nature that attracted travel and photography enthusiasts.

This phenomenon, explained by a strong cold front combined with high humidity, transformed many familiar destinations into wonderlands overnight, offering tourists a unique experience.

Impressive destinations for viewing autumn snow

From major cities to nature reserves, the first snowfall of the season has left its mark across a vast territory. Below are some of the best places to witness this special moment of seasonal transition.

Harbin: The "Ice City" Welcomes Early Snow

Famous for its International Ice and Snow Festival, Harbin (Heilongjiang Province) is usually covered in snow only during the winter. However, this year, locals and tourists witnessed snowfall starting on October 19th. The sight of people sheltering under umbrellas in the snow amidst the autumn weather created a feeling that was both unusual and poetic. This early snowfall was like a gentle welcome, heralding the arrival of winter and offering a different perspective on this icy city.

People use umbrellas to walk through the snow in Harbin, Heilongjiang province, on October 19th, during the autumn season. Photo: IC

Huanglong, Sichuan: A snow-covered fairyland.

Huanglong Scenic Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Sichuan, is already famous for its terraced, emerald-green lakes. When the first snowfall of the season on October 21st arrived, its beauty was amplified. The pristine white snow blanketed the wooden walkways, bordered the clear blue lakes, and enveloped the ancient temples, creating a surreal, otherworldly scene. This was the ideal time to admire the magical contrast between the white of the snow, the blue of the water, and the golden hues of the surrounding forests.

A drone photo taken on October 21st shows the Huanglong Scenic Area in Sichuan covered in the first snow of the season. Photo: Sun Jiapeng/Xinhua

Beijing's outskirts: Ancient charm in changing seasons.

Not only remote areas, but even the suburbs of Beijing experienced snowfall on October 22nd, earlier than usual. In mountainous regions like Yanqing, a thin layer of snow covered the slopes of Yudu Mountain and the ancient roofs of Jiangshuihe Village. The image of the gracefully curved tiled roofs, accented by the white snow against the backdrop of the autumn mountains, created a serene and nostalgic beauty.

Other destinations

Early snowfall has also been observed in many other places. In the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, the cities of Guyuan and Zhongwei are also covered in snow, with the snow layer at the Liupanshan weather station reaching 5 cm thick. In the far north, the city of Mohu, known as the "Arctic of China," has also experienced heavy snowfall since the beginning of October.

Tips for your first snow hunt of the season

Experiencing snowfall in the middle of autumn is a rare opportunity, but visitors need to be well-prepared due to the unpredictable nature of the weather.

• Monitor the weather forecast: Temperatures can drop sharply and suddenly, by 4-5 degrees Celsius compared to average. Regularly checking the forecast will help you be more proactive in planning your itinerary.
• Prepare appropriate clothing: Bring warm clothes, including a waterproof jacket, sweater, gloves, hat, and specialized snow boots. Layering is the best way to easily adjust to the temperature.
• Check transportation conditions: Bad weather could affect flights, trains, and long-distance bus routes. This cold front is also bringing strong winds to coastal areas, which could disrupt ferry and boat services.
• Be flexible with your plans: The first snow of the season usually melts quickly. Be prepared to adjust your schedule to capture the most beautiful moment.

According to the China Meteorological Administration (CMA), although snow has arrived early in some areas, the average temperature this winter across the country is not expected to be too harsh. However, travelers should still prepare for strong and unusual temperature fluctuations.

Source: https://baolamdong.vn/trung-quoc-san-tuyet-dau-mua-giua-sac-vang-mua-thu-398014.html