Editor's note: Most parts of China will experience a rapid drop in temperatures along with snow and rain in the coming days as a strong cold front is on the way. The National Meteorological Center said temperatures had dropped sharply in northwestern, northern and northeastern China, with temperatures in some areas down by up to 14 degrees Celsius.

How cold is China these days? The following pictures may give you some clues.

Harbin, Heilongjiang

The hot water spilt out by a citizen in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang province freezes into icicles immediately on Jan. 21, 2016. (Xinhua/Zhang Qingyun)

Photo taken on Jan. 21, 2016 shows ice on the browns of a citizen in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang province. (Xinhua/Zhang Qingyun)