Tourists pose for a photo on the sea ice in Qidong, Nantong. [Photo/ntfabu.com] 

Sea ice recently formed in the coastal area of Qidong, Nantong, due to the cold weather, attracting groups of tourists, local media outlets reported.

Experts said that the freezing point of sea water is lower than that of fresh water because of its high salt content.

However, the temperature off the Qidong coast hit minus 7 to 8 degrees Celsius this winter, leading to a layer of sea ice forming in large areas of the Yellow Sea.

The ice was washed up the beaches by sea waves, forming a glistening landscape under the sunshine.

According to local fishermen, such a scene has not been seen for years.

Fishing boats trapped in sea ice in Qidong, Nantong. [Photo/ntfabu.com]