Winter Scenery: Yellow River partially freezes over near ancient town in northern China

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Massive ice floes have appeared on China's Yellow River near the ancient town of Qikou, as temperatures in northern Shanxi Province continue to drop. Locals say the ice floes are appearing later in the year, compared with the past. Our reporter Hu Chao has the story.

Located in western Shanxi Province, the ancient town of Qikou is still covered in white after it snowed last week. The Yellow River alongside has also turned into an icy sight, with massive ice floes drifting along. An aerial view shows the river looks like a silver dragon flowing through the canyon.

Upon a closer look, the ice floes look like pieces of glass scattering over jade-like water. And you can hear the sound of them scraping against each other as the river flows. Local residents say the ice floes in the Yellow River now often come half a month later than in years past.

LI SHIXI, RESIDENT QIKOU, SHANXI PROVINCE "Many years ago, I saw ice floes often came around mid November. But in recent years, we won't see them until December. I guess it's because we have warmer winters than before."

HU CHAO QIKOU, SHANXI PROVINCE Around 60 kilometers of the Yellow River passes along the ancient town of Qikou. Experts say the density of the ice floes depend on local temperatures and water volume -- when ice density reaches around 60 percent, the river freezes solid.

Local officials say the river's ice density has reached around 20% to 40%.

HAO YANG, DIRECTOR LINXIAN FLOOD CONTROL & DROUGHT RELIEF OFFICE "It seldom freezes solid. 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 solid."

This year, the Yellow River along this ancient town first saw ice floes in December, and it will probably last till March. The river bank is still covered in thick snow, while the shallow water is frozen. Local officials also warn people to keep away from the shore, for their own safety. Hu Chao, CGTN, Linxian County, Shanxi Province.