Photos taken on Tuesday show ice pushed ashore or piling up in Bosten Lake in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

The natural phenomenon, called ice shoves, is caused by temperature rise and strong winds. When the weather warms, ice in the ocean or a lake near the shore will first thaw. Strong winds then push the ice ashore, creating piles that could be over ten meters high.

The natural phenomenon could cause damage to homes and plants nearby.

Amateur photographer Nian Lei, based in Xinjiang, has been photographing Bosten, the largest inland freshwater lake in China, for over three years.

More from the contributor:

Giant 'turquoise ribbon' zigzags through mountain valley in NW China

Swans stop at NW China lake in migration 

Kaidu River in NW China embraces autumn

Ruddy shelducks gather at Bosten Lake in NW China

Poplar trees brighten desert with golden leaves

Reed flowers bloom around Bosten Lake in NW China

Largest inland freshwater lake in China embraces autumn

(All photos taken by Nian Lei)

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