A fantastic scene of blue ice was unfolded recently at a lake in the Ili River valley in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

Viewed from above, the clusters of ice spreading across the blue surface resembled a map of the ocean. The ice floes on the frozen surface of the lake were as dazzling as gems and as clear as crystals. 

The alpine lake, spanning 58 square kilometers, was formed due to the construction of water conservancy facilities in the area.

The reservoir located 48 kilometers east of Tekes County is encompassed by magnificent natural landscapes of mountain and prairie. 

(Cover via screenshot)

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