The National Meteorological Center on Thursday continued its blue alert, warning of cold temperatures throughout much of China. Heavy snow and strong winds hit the city of Dalian on Wednesday as temperatures plunged. At noon on Wednesday, Dalian issued a yellow alert for heavy snow. A team of workers used heavy snow removal machines to clear the northeast city’s main roads. (Photo: Chinanews.com)

A deliveryman rides in heavy snow in Northeast China's Dalian on Wednesday. (Photo: Chinanews.com)

People on the street wear hats and put their hands into their pockets to keep warm as the temperature dropped sharply in Xi'an, on Wednesday. (Photo: Chinanews.com)

An artificial lake in front of an office building froze in Qujiang, Xi'an, on Wednesday. (Photo: Chinanews.com)