China is facing transport chaos and power shortages after heavy snowfalls - in some places the worst for 50 years.

Roads have been blocked and airports closed, while power rationing has been introduced in 17 provinces as soaring demand depletes coal stockpiles.

The cold snap has come as hundreds of millions of people are trying to travel to their home provinces to celebrate the Chinese New Year.

Many trains are stationary because of power cuts and blocked tracks...

...leaving more than 100,000 people stranded at railway stations.

This car showroom is among 100,000 buildings that have collapsed. Another 400,000 have been damaged, state media reports.

More than 20 people have died in the cold spell since 10 January, and many more are thought to have died in accidents on the icy roads.

Economic losses from the severe weather are estimated at some 18.2 billion yuan (US$2.5 billion, �1.7 billion), officials say.

Fourteen of China's 31 provinces have been hit, with nearly 80 million people directly affected.

With more snow forecast, the misery looks set to continue.