Rime ice forests dazzle in Burqin, NW China's Xinjiang

Burqin county, located in Altay prefecture, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, is a border city with picturesque scenery. When winter greets the town, a delicate rime ice forms on the area’s birchwood trees, turning the locality into a magical fairyland crowned with crystals.

Throngs of curious tourists come from afar to enjoy the magnificent view of rime-covered branches and icy twigs reflecting sunlight against the sky above. Abundant in natural beauty, Burqin has made the yearly “Rime Festival” a hallmark of its winter tourism industry.