At least two hikers were killed as blizzards hit Mount Taibai of northwest China's Qinling Mountains in Shaanxi Province on Tuesday.

It was reported that over 20 people remained unaccounted for on Friday, but by Friday night, it had been confirmed that 37 hikers were safe and 11 of them have been transferred down the mountain, leaving one female hiker still missing.

Local rescuers said two male bodies were found at an altitude of about 3,000 meters late on Thursday.

Rescue operations, conducted by police, firefighters and professional mountain expedition teams, are ongoing.

Mount Taibai is the highest peak in the Qinling Mountains, and also the dividing line of China’s north and south.

The trekking routes there are regarded as the most beautiful and challenging in China, and it has become a hot spot for travelers.

However, due to the extreme terrain and weather, deaths and injuries are frequent.