A tour of snow and ice

(chinadaily.com.cn)

Updated: 2015-12-24

Hexigten: a place where the photographers flock.

Hexigten Banner is hailed as an epitome of Inner Mongolia. It is an ideal choice for photography, and attracts many photographers for its unique scenery, especially in winter. Hexigten has colorful activities in winter, such as the well-known steam-locomotive photography competition, winter fishing, and nadam.

A steam-locomotive runs on the snow-covered land in Hexigten, Inner Mongolia. [Photo/Xinhua]

Attraction 1: Dalinouer Lake

Dalinouer Lake is the second largest lake in Inner Mongolia. There are only two species of fish in the lake for its brackish water,, but they have high populations. The temperature may drop to -20℃ in the middle or late December and it may freeze up to 50 centimeters deep, when winter fishing begins.

The winter fishing on Dalinouer Lake uses the traditional fishing method, which assembles nearly one hundred people to work together. The spectacular scene is a favorite topic for many photographers.

Winter fishing on the Dalinouer Lake in Inner Mongolia. [Photo/Xinhua]

Where is it?

Hexigten Banner, Inner Mongolia

Attraction 2: Asihatu Stone Forest

"Asihatu" means steepy stones in Mongolian. The Asihatu Stone Forest is a rare granite forest. It is the relic site of quaternary glaciation and is recognized as a world geological wonder by the experts.

In winter the stone forest makes a fascinating picture of white snow, blue sky, grotesque stones and crystal-like rime. In order to capture the beautiful scenery, many photographers insist on working even though the weather is cold and the temperature is as low as -30℃. It is the filming location of the snowy scenery in The Promise, an epic fantasy film directed by Chen Kaige.

Asihatu Stone Forest is located in Hexigten Banner, Inner Mongolia. [Photo/Xinhua]

Where is it?

105 kilometers away from Jingpeng town，Hexigten Banner, Chifeng city, Inner Mongolia