Dahong Mountain in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region has unveiled an otherworldly spectacle this week, as freshly fallen snow drapes its iconic Danxia landform. The striking contrast between crimson rock formations and crystalline snow creates a scene likened by geologists to "a Martian winter," drawing global attention to this remote natural wonder.
Formed over 1.5 billion years through tectonic shifts and erosion, the iron-rich strata glow vibrantly beneath their temporary white mantle. Park rangers report a 40% increase in visitors compared to last February, with photographers and scientists alike braving -15°C temperatures to witness the phenomenon.
"This seasonal transformation reminds us how geological processes shape Earth's beauty," said Dr. Li Wei, a Beijing University geomorphologist. "The snow accentuates the mineral striations in ways that satellite imagery can't capture."
Travel authorities note improved access via the newly expanded Hohhot-Bayan Nur highway, making this frozen marvel more accessible to winter adventurers. The spectacle is expected to last through mid-February, weather permitting.
