Recently on social media such as Weixin, the most popular topic appeared to be the snowfall across northern China, particularly last Sunday. So many images and comments were being posted. Yes, I was one of the posters. Regularly I would update about my walks and photography of what I called ‘Beijing at its best!’

I really love and appreciate such days when we have snow in Beijing, it helps creates a real feel of tradition and even magnificence. This is particularly true within the older hutong areas or amidst the grand architectural wonders such as the Forbidden City. Many people were photographing the Palace from the hill at Jingshan Park.

Beijing does not have much snow, usually very dry during midwinter.  However snow can fall at both the start and end of winter. A sure sign that change is coming. Although cold air has returned presently to Beijing, the trend does show that spring is approaching. The city will often go through a  a mixture of warmish days followed by a brief periods of snow, until temperatures steadily rise. When there are such falls, as happened on  Sunday, it is a time to be out enjoying and appreciating the beauty of Beijing. A chance to capture images of Beijing under a blanket of snow.

I took advantage of the recently opened extension of Metro Line 8 to spend some time around downtown Wangfujing Street before continuing south to Qianmen. Many people had also headed there. The Olympic mascot figures at north end of that street were certainly attracting considerable attention.

Nearby is the recently restored Sanlihe River area, a chance to photograph some precious moments within a traditional, historic part of the city.