The morning mist hangs mysteriously over vast snow-covered forests in North China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region. [Photo by Xiao Hongsheng/provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

As the sun rises, the rich hues are revealed of the snow-laden forests in Inner Mongolia autonomous region. [Photo by Xiao Hongsheng/provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

A stream babbles as it flows by woodland, somewhere in the region. [Photo by Xiao Hongsheng/provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Water gently flows in an ice-free river in the region. [Photo by Xiao Hongsheng/provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Water meanders by in an icy corner of Inner Mongolia autonomous region. [Photo by Xiao Hongsheng/provided to chinadaily.com.cn]