The odd phenomenon of Yellow River ice floes

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As temperatures in north China have continued to drop, massive ice floes have appeared over the Yellow River alongside the ancient town of Qikou in Shanxi Province. The icy waterway and the picturesque town have combined to create a view to treasure on the Loess Plateau.

Located in western Shanxi, Qikou is still dusted with snow after a dump last week.

An aerial view of the wintry Yellow River /CGTN Photo

The ice floes look like pieces of glass scattered over jade-like water. And you can hear the sound of them scraping against each other as the river flows.

Ice floating on the Yellow River /CGTN Photo

Li Shixi, 63, has lived in Qikou his whole life. He says the ice floes in the Yellow River now often come half a month later than in years past.

Li Shixi has lived alongside the Yellow River since he was born. /CGTN Photo

“Many years ago, I saw ice floes often came around the time of the Slight Snow solar term in the lunar calendar. But in recent years, we won’t see them until the time of Great Snow solar term. I guess it’s because we have warmer winters than before,” Li said.

Ice floes drifting in the Yellow River /CGTN Photo

The Yellow River runs alongside Qikou for 60 kilometers. Local officials say the river’s ice density has reached around 20 to 40 percent.

Experts say the density of the ice floes depends on local temperatures and water volume. When the density reaches around 60 percent, the river often freezes solid. But the Yellow River alongside Qikou rarely freezes solid.

The river bank and the shallow water are dangerous. /CGTN Photo

Hao Yang, director of Linxian Flood Control and Drought Relief Office, said, “It seldom freezes. We believe besides temperature and water volume, it also has something to do with the complex river bed here, which creates frequent turbulence, making the water less likely to freeze over.”

This year, Qikou saw its first ice floes in December, and they will probably remain until March. Local officials have warned people to keep away from the waterway for safety reasons.