Story By: John Feng, Sub-Editor:  Joseph Golder, Agency: Asia Wire Report

AsiaWire / Weibo

These stunning images show a glacial lake turning a shade of bright blue as warmer spring temperatures slowly melt a layer of ice on its surface.

Yuhu Lake – also called Jade Lake – is now drawing small crowds to its banks in Zhaosu County, which is in Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region in China’s north-west.

Images released yesterday (27th April) show the glass-like surface of Yuhu Lake becoming a hue of bright blue and turquoise as the seasonal melting begins.

The high-altitude lake 2,200 metres (7,200 feet) above sea level measures over 10 kilometres in length and has an average depth of 90 metres (295 feet).

AsiaWire / Xiaojie

The body of water is fed by the Muzha’erte Glacier on the southern slopes of the Tian Shan mountain range on the border between China and Kyrgyzstan.

Due to the mineral composition in the lake, it often changes colour depending on the season, but the bright blue hue can only be seen occasionally in spring when the surface ice begins to melt.

Experts cited by Chinese state media say the rare sight is the result of a slow and even melting of ice, as well as the stillness of the water’s surface.

This happens as temperatures rise moderately heading into spring.

After the ice fully melts in the summer, the lake will become transparent and clear.

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