A strong cold front has hit northern China, bringing snowstorms to vast areas and dragging the temperature down by an average of ten degrees.

Strong cold front hits northern China.

The heavy snowstorm swept across northern China, bringing down visibility and temperature.

The worst-hit areas are the northeast provinces and the inner-Mongolia autonomous region, with many highways closed and aircraft stranded. In some areas, heavy snow is up to 15 centimeters high and the temperature has dropped to minus 34 degrees.

The capital Beijing has not escaped the chill. Although there is no sign of snow, people have been wrapping up to cope with the strong gales.

Off the coast of eastern Shandong province, the weather at sea reached gale force eight, forcing vessels to retreat to harbor for two days. Authorities are seeking measures to assist stranded passengers on their journeys.

Experts say the cold weather will last for at least two days in the northern part of China, before it hits southern part of he country. Frost has already arrived in Fujian province, and salt has been put on the roads to prevent icy conditions. Authorities are warning drivers to stay alert, particularly during the spring festival travel rush.