The long-expected first snow of this winter fell in the dry and grey city of Beijing just two days before the end of 2006.

 

From the early morning of December 30 and through the following day, most parts of north China, including Beijing, experienced light to moderate falls.

 

The snow caused the closure of some Beijing highways and flight delays from the city. But in the meanwhile it helped clear the city's grey skies, increase humidity and freshen up the atmosphere.

 

 

 All Photos by Guo Xiaoyong

 

The snow also helped alleviate drought conditions in north China and would benefit the growth of winter wheat in that area. Drought has affected large areas of north and northeast China this winter with warmer-than-normal weather being reported.

 

(China.org.cn by Wang Zhiyong January 10, 2007)