Snow fell on the Forbidden City on Thursday as the temperature in the capital dropped sharply in Beijing’s most unpredictable season. Photo: Li Congxun, intern reporter/Caixin

Snowflakes float over the Forbidden City. Photo: Li Congxun, intern reporter/Caixin

Visitors walk inside the Forbidden City in the snow. Photo: Li Congxun, intern reporter/Caixin

A resident sitting on stone steps watches the flakes fall. Photo: Li Congxun, intern reporter/Caixin

A visitor takes photos as the snow falls on the Forbidden City. Photo: Li Congxun, intern reporter/Caixin

A visitor in a raincoat and mask strolls through the Forbidden City. Photo: Li Congxun, intern reporter/Caixin

Visitors huddle under an umbrella. Photo: Li Congxun, intern reporter/Caixin

A woman wearing clothing reminiscent of the Qing Dynasty (1644–1912) poses for photos in the snow. Photo: Li Congxun, intern reporter/Caixin

The snow is expected to continue in parts of North China, according to a forecast released by the China Meteorological Administration at 8 a.m. Friday. Photo: Li Congxun, intern reporter/Caixin