On January 17 and 18, 2026, the Narat Grassland in Xinyuan County, Ili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, received a blanket of snow, transforming the open plains into a seemingly endless white expanse reminiscent of a serene ink-wash painting. Mist drifted through the mountains, merging with the snow-covered landscape. Trees such as spruce and poplar stood tall across the grassland, their branches coated in snow, which accentuated their sturdy forms. Cattle and horses roamed leisurely across the snowy terrain, bringing life to the quiet scene. The herders' "winter shelters" rested peacefully in the snow, their usual hustle subdued, emphasizing the wide-open stillness and calm of the grassland in winter.

Photo taken on January 18, 2026 shows a herder's "winter shelter" rests quietly on the Narat Grassland after a snowfall, highlighting the peace and tranquility of the winter grassland in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

Photo taken on January 18, 2026 shows the Narat Grassland turns into a vast white snowfield, with mist drifting through the mountains and blending with the silver-clad scenery like a serene ink-wash painting in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

Photo taken on January 18, 2026 shows the snow-covered Narat Grassland in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

Photo taken on January 18, 2026 shows tree branches laden with snow on the Narat Grassland, standing tall and vigorous against the white backdrop in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

Photo taken on January 18, 2026 shows tree branches laden with snow on the Narat Grassland, stand tall and vigorous against the white backdrop in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

Photo taken on January 18, 2026 shows tree branches laden with snow on the Narat Grassland, stand tall and vigorous against the white backdrop in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

Photo taken on January 18, 2026 shows a herd of horses roams leisurely across the snow-covered Narat Grassland, adding life to the quiet snowfield in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

Photo taken on January 18, 2026 shows a herd of horses roams leisurely across the snow-covered Narat Grassland, adding life to the quiet snowfield in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

Photo taken on January 18, 2026 shows a herder's "winter shelter" rests quietly on the snow-covered Narat Grassland, showcasing the peace and tranquility of the winter grassland in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

Photo taken on January 18, 2026 shows a herder's "winter shelter" rests quietly on the snow-covered Narat Grassland, showcasing the peace and tranquility of the winter grassland in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

Photo taken on January 18, 2026 shows tourists capture the winter scenery of the Narat Grassland in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.