The first snow in Yunnan province's Dechen Tibet autonomous prefecture covers the highway linking Shangri-La with Yading of Daocheng county, Sichuan province. The road, which is under construction, averages more than 3,200 meters above sea level. Expected to open by the end of this year, it will shorten the drive from more than seven hours to about four and a half hours. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Shangri-La in Yunnan province's Diqing or Dechen Tibet autonomous prefecture welcomed its first snow of the year after days of rain last week. White snow and yellow leaves formed a highland picture that mixed the beauty of autumn and winter.

Potatso National Park in Shangri-La was blanketed in snow. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Shika Snow Mountain resort in Shangri-La welcomed its first snowfall. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]