Ice and snow forced the Chinese capital to close several expressways Tuesday and raised the number of traffic accidents in the city.

However, local people still played happily in the snow-covered parks.(left photo)

The Capital International Airport expressway remained open, while the roads linking Beijing with the city of Tianjin, Hebei Province, and the Great Wall tourist sites were all closed.

The weather also delayed some flights, according to sources who added that workers are now using heavy equipment to remove snow and ice on the runways and aircraft.

The local government has dispatched extra police to maintain order and help drivers in trouble, while street sweepers are sprinkling salt water along the roads.

The meteorological department said the snow which began last night was a result of a combined cold front from the north and a humid warm front from the south. The weather is expected to improve Wednesday.