On January 17-18, coinciding with the onset of "Si Jiu period" — the fourth nine-day period after the day of the Winter Solstice, traditionally considered the coldest stretch of winter — Beijing welcomed its first snowfall of 2026. Parks across the city center, including the Forbidden City, Jingshan, and Beihai, were draped in a blanket of white. Undeterred by the chill, many visitors braved the cold to stroll through the snow-covered scenery, capturing memorable moments with their cameras. Photos: Chen Tao/GT