A strong cold air mass continues to affect China. Meteorological satellite monitoring shows this cold spell will persist until around the 21st. Temperature drops in Inner Mongolia, Beijing, Tianjin, Hebei, and Liaoning may reach 10°C to 14°C, with some areas experiencing drops exceeding 15°C. Significant snowfall has already occurred in Xinjiang, Inner Mongolia, Heilongjiang, and Jilin, with some areas receiving around 10 millimeters of snow. Various regions are actively responding to the weather impacts to ensure normal production and daily life.

With widespread precipitation and the cold wave sweeping in strongly since the 16th, temperatures in parts of Inner Mongolia dropped by more than 14°C on the 17th. The lowest temperature in Hulunbuir City was around -10°C. Due to snowfall, some national and provincial highways in areas like Ewenki Banner and Yakeshi City in Hulunbuir experienced varying degrees of snow accumulation and blowing snow. Snow removal and de-icing operations were quickly launched.

We ensure “immediate removal upon snowfall” for multiple national and provincial highway sections under our maintenance and set up safety warning signs to fully guarantee the safety and smooth flow of ordinary national and provincial highways.

Most areas of Heilongjiang Province are experiencing a period of rain, snow, and temperature drops. Affected by the rainy and snowy weather, some highways in Heilongjiang Province were closed or had speed and travel restrictions on the 17th. To ensure smooth travel, Harbin traffic management departments strengthened patrols and control on main urban roads and accident-prone sections like icy curves.

During this snowfall period, Harbin traffic police are expected to deploy 3,200 personnel and over 460 police vehicles. We combine fixed-point duty with police patrols, focusing on key roads such as bridges, tunnels, underpasses, main streets, and areas around schools to enhance on-site traffic control.

Hebei Province is experiencing precipitation and strong winds. In Gaocheng District, Shijiazhuang City, facing a surge in electricity demand for greenhouse insulation and supplemental lighting, the power department activated an agricultural electricity emergency support mechanism to ensure stable and reliable power supply for vegetable production.

We conducted comprehensive inspections of power lines inside greenhouses, leakage protection devices, and electrical equipment like curtain machines and supplemental lights, assisting farmers in replacing old switches, sockets, and other electrical equipment. Meanwhile, we used drone inspections to quickly identify hazards in agricultural power lines, ensuring safe greenhouse electricity use during the cold wave.

Inner Mongolia

Inner Mongolia is an autonomous region of northern China known for its vast grasslands, deserts, and nomadic culture. Historically, it was the homeland of the Mongol Empire under Genghis Khan in the 13th century. Today, it is a culturally distinct region where traditional practices like horse riding and the Naadam Festival are preserved alongside modern development.

Beijing

Beijing is the capital of China, with a history spanning over 3,000 years, and it served as the imperial capital for several dynasties, including the Ming and Qing. The city is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, exemplified by sites like the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven, and parts of the Great Wall of China located nearby. Today, it stands as a major global city, blending ancient traditions with modern development.

Tianjin

Tianjin is a major port city in northern China with a rich history as a treaty port, which led to the establishment of foreign concessions in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This legacy is visible today in its unique European-style architecture, particularly along the Hai River. The city is now a key economic hub known for its modern skyscrapers, vibrant food scene, and the Tianjin Eye ferris wheel.

Hebei

Hebei is a northern Chinese province that encircles the municipalities of Beijing and Tianjin. Historically, it was a crucial region containing parts of the Great Wall and served as a protective barrier for the ancient capital. Its name, which means “North of the River,” refers to its location north of the Yellow River.

Liaoning

Liaoning is a coastal province in Northeast China that served as the heartland of the Manchu-led Qing Dynasty, which ruled China from the 17th to the 20th century. Its capital, Shenyang, is home to the UNESCO-listed Shenyang Imperial Palace, a former royal residence. The province is also a major industrial base, historically known as a center for heavy industry and machinery.

Xinjiang

Xinjiang is an autonomous region in northwest China known for its diverse ethnic groups, including the Uyghur people, and its strategic location along the historic Silk Road. Historically, it has been a crossroads of cultures and trade for centuries, with periods of independence and rule by various empires before being incorporated into modern China. Today, it is recognized for its unique cultural heritage, striking landscapes, and ongoing socio-political significance.

Heilongjiang

Heilongjiang is a province in Northeast China, named after the Heilongjiang River which forms its border with Russia. Historically, it was the homeland of several Tungusic peoples, including the Manchus who later established the Qing Dynasty. The region developed significantly in the 20th century with the construction of the Chinese Eastern Railway and became an important industrial and agricultural base.

Jilin

Jilin is a province in northeastern China known for its stunning winter landscapes and the majestic Changbai Mountain range, which holds cultural significance as the mythical birthplace of the Manchu people. The region’s history is deeply tied to the ancient Korean kingdoms and later the Manchu-led Qing Dynasty. Today, it is famous for its rime ice phenomenon along the Songhua River and as a center for winter tourism and ethnic culture.