The Helan Mountain in Alshaa League, located in North China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region, is now covered with a fine coat of pure white snow. [Photo/Wechat account of Wenlyu Alshaa]

The Heicheng Ruins, located in the desert in Alshaa League, offer a forlorn and enchanting window into the past. [Photo/Wechat account of Wenlyu Alshaa]

Camels make their way through the magical Badain Jaran Desert as dusk arrives in Alshaa League. [Photo/Wechat account of Wenlyu Alshaa]

The spellbinding Badain Jaran Desert awaits visitors, in Alshaa League. Endowed with richly colored terrain, the Badain Jaran desert has cragged peaks, beautiful lakes, springs and temples. It has been rated as the first of the five most beautiful deserts in China by the Chinese National Geography Magazine. [Photo/Wechat account of Wenlyu Alshaa]

Winter brings stunning hues to the desert poplars in Ejine Banner, in Alshaa League. The region has one of the three remaining Populus euphratica forest reserves in the world. The scenic area integrates a variety of enthralling landscapes including the Gobi Desert, grasslands, lakes and forests. [Photo/Wechat account of Wenlyu Alshaa]

Fire worship rites are performed in Alshaa League. Fire is thought to represent purity and to symbolize the gods. It is one of the oldest and most important sacrificial rites of the Mongolian people. [Photo/Wechat account of Wenlyu Alshaa]