Xi'an, capital of Shaanxi province, receives its first snowfall on Monday. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Mild rainfall is expected to reach the south of Shaanxi province on Friday and Saturday after provincial capital Xi'an saw its first snowfall on Monday, provoking excitement from residents.

The rainfall is expected to drop on Friday and Saturday in the south of Shaanxi, bringing a cold snap to the southern region of the province, the Shaanxi Provincial Meteorological Center said on Sunday.

Xi'an, capital of Shaanxi province, receives its first snowfall on Monday. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

"The first snow came earlier this year on Monday, but that doesn't mean this winter will be much colder than previous years," said Liu Yong, a chief forecaster at the provincial meteorological center. "The snowfall was the result of the cold air mixing with water vapor, as influenced by low trough. How cold this year could be depends on the activity of the cold air later."

Residents of Xi'an, the ancient city renowned as the capital of 13 dynasties, awoke to snow falling on Monday, and enjoyed the beautiful scenery throughout the day.

Xi'an, capital of Shaanxi province, receives its first snowfall on Monday. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Xi'an, capital of Shaanxi province, receives its first snowfall on Monday. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Xi'an, capital of Shaanxi province, receives its first snowfall on Monday. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]