Winter has painted a magical masterpiece in northwest China! A mesmerizing natural phenomenon dubbed 'ice woods' has emerged on the frozen surface of Karatohai Wetland's river in Xinjiang, captivating both locals and scientists this January.
The intricate ice formations – resembling delicate tree branches and feathery ferns – formed during a recent extreme cold spell where temperatures plunged below -25°C. Meteorologists explain that rapid freezing of river water interacting with unique air humidity levels created these fragile crystalline structures.
🌐 "It's like nature's own 3D printer at work!" remarked Uygur resident Aisajan Mamat, who first spotted the formations. The spectacle has drawn photographers and nature enthusiasts to the remote location, with social media buzzing under hashtags like #XinjiangIceMagic.
While similar phenomena occasionally appear in Arctic regions, this marks one of the most pronounced occurrences recorded in Xinjiang. Conservationists remind visitors to observe from designated platforms to protect the fragile ecosystem.
