For the last two days, heavy snow has hit north China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region and Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. Expressways have been closed leaving thousands of passengers stranded.

A blizzard battered Hulunbuir city in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region on Tuesday.

Up to 13 centimeters fell overnight, as the temperature plummeted to minus 20 degrees Celsius.

The heavy snow crippled local transport. 39 bus services from Hailaer to other regions were cancelled, leaving 5-thousand passengers stranded at the Hulunbuir station.

However, relief efforts are underway to ensure daily necessities can continue reaching the city. More than 40 trucks arrived on Wednesday carrying fresh fruits and vegetables.

Zhang Guoqiang, police officer of Hulunbuir, Inner Mongolia Aut. Reg., said, "As long as the driver tells us they have fruits and vegetables in the truck, we will let them go first."

Forecasters predict strong winds will hit the northern parts of China from Friday, with authorities warning people to brace for the upcoming gales.