Picture of the Week: A Xinjiang Blizzard

 

 Last weekend northern Xinjiang was hit with an incredible blizzard which dumped a reported 1.5 meters (almost 5 feet!) of snow in the Tacheng and Altay regions. My friends in the area say they’re fine but the Shanghai Daily reported that the heavy snow was responsible for four deaths.

This picture just speaks volumes to me about northern Xinjiang winters. It’s sunny outside my window right now, but I know that the moment I step outside my skin is going to freeze. Snow falls often (although not usually this much) and everyday a squadron of human street sweepers cleans it off the road so life can continue on as usual.

Needless to say, I can't wait to escape to warmer climates for the Spring Festival.