Snow-cleared Forbidden City in Beijing

Photo taken on January 18, 2026, shows the Forbidden City after a snowfall in Beijing, capital of China. The palace complex appears like a historical scroll draped in white, with fluffy snow resting on glazed tiles and ridge beasts standing crowned with snow, while the red walls look even more warm and solemn against the winter backdrop. A single snowfall turns the Palace Museum back into the “Purple Forbidden City,” offering a glimpse across 600 years of history. (Liu Xianguo/Guangming Picture)

Photo taken on January 18, 2026, shows crowds of visitors enjoying the snowy scenery at the Forbidden City after a snowfall in Beijing, capital of China. (Liu Xianguo/Guangming Picture)

Photo taken on January 18, 2026, shows the Corner Tower of the Forbidden City bathed in morning light amid a snowy scene in Beijing, capital of China. (Liu Xianguo/Guangming Picture)