The winter sun illuminates the red walls of Deshou Palace on Jan 9, radiating a warm ambiance that prompts many locals to snap photos. [Photo/CFP]

Breaking the tradition of chilly temperatures during Sanjiu, the third nine-day period after the winter solstice, Hangzhou recently experienced an unexpected warm spell, treating locals and tourists to spring-like weather with temperatures reaching 16 degrees Celsius.

According to forecasts, during the Sanjiu period from Jan 9 to 17, temperatures in many parts of China are expected to be higher than usual, with some southern regions feeling as mild as March.

While the first day saw unusually high temperatures, a new cold air mass is expected to follow, causing a slump in temperatures on Jan 10 and 11. However, post Jan 14, the highest temperature in the province is predicted to hit 20 degrees Celsius, making for some wild temperature shifts.