The first autumn snow gently fell atop the Helan Mountains in the Ningxia Hui autonomous region on Tuesday, a poetic prelude to the winter season.

As the first snowflake appeared on the ridges of the mountains, the rugged northwest suddenly softened with tenderness. The autumn wind, carrying the snowflakes, blended seamlessly with the majestic Helan Mountains, creating a scene reminiscent of an ink-wash painting.

The snowflakes sparkled like silver dust in the sunlight, while the mountain ranges, now covered in fresh snow, appeared as if draped in a soft veil — a breathtakingly beautiful sight. It perfectly captured the essence of one of Ningxia's eight signature scenes: the Helan crystal snow.