A motorcyclist braves the chilly air in Kaiyang County, Guiyang, capital of Southwest China's Guizhou province, Jan 6,2011.

As icy weather and freezing rain continue to pound China's southwest regions, cold rain is turning to icy snow in part of the regions, weather forecasts say the cold snap will continue and expand to other regions.

Roads are covered in a layer of slippery ice, causing transportation difficulties in many parts. The emergency response alarm level has been raised to second grade in Guizhou by Jan 5, 2011. [Photo/CFP]