Japanese hikers killed as early snowfalls hit northern China (2)

Some 23 flights had been called off and five were delayed by Sunday due to the snow, according to the Beijing Capital International Airport (BCIA), and Erdos Airport was temporarily closed as the biggest snowstorm in more than a decade hit the region's Xilin Gol area.

"We have 500 people at the airport ready to remove snow, and have added 22 more airport buses in case commuters have trouble getting taxis," a BCIA media officer told the Global Times.

The snow also led to higher prices for food, especially vegetables, according to data from the Xinfadi agricultural product trading center in Beijing. In Henan Province, which was hit by frost, agricultural authorities have been promoting counter-frost technologies among farmers in a bid to ensure vegetable output despite the cold weather.

A NMC weather forecaster told the Global Times that although snow continued in Hebei and Beijing, it has become lighter or become rain in some places. The snow is expected to end on Monday afternoon, according to an NMC announcement.