The streets of Darhan Muminggan Joint Banner – administered by Baotou city, in North China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region – appear bright and cheerful, photographed under the piercing blue sky. [Photo/Baotou Evening News]

The more muted colors of the streetscapes in Baotou contrast vividly against the deep blue of the autumn sky. [Photo/Baotou Evening News]

A huge plume of radiant white cloud threatens to obscure the sapphire blue sky in Baotou. [Photo/Baotou Evening News]

High-rise buildings rise into the tranquil sky in Baotou. [Photo/Baotou Evening News]