Harbin Winter Swimmers Brave Bone-Chilling Temperatures

Residents in winter clothing watch Yu Xiaofeng pose as she prepares to swim in a pool carved from ice on the frozen Songhua river in Harbin in northeastern China's Heilongjiang province, Tuesday, Jan.

Every year in the ice city of Harbin, northeast China, a group of dedicated swimmers gather to partake in the challenging ritual of winter swimming. Despite temperatures dropping below freezing, the swimmers, who had trained rigorously throughout the year, showed great enthusiasm for the event.

The swimmers began by carving out a pool in the Songhua River, breaking through the 10-centimeter thick ice that had formed overnight. Undeterred by the bone-chilling conditions, they stripped down and took turns plunging into the frigid waters of the 10-meter long pool. Some participants mentioned that their limbs were already numb as the air temperature plummeted to minus 13 degrees Celsius.

One swimmer, Chen Xia, hailing from Zhejiang province, braved the icy waters despite battling a cold. She compared the temperature of the river in Harbin to that of her hometown, noting the significant difference. Chen, who has been dedicated to winter swimming for over two decades, expressed the blissful feeling she experienced despite the prickling sensation all over her body.

Winter swimming has a long history in Harbin, dating back to the 1970s when locals were inspired by Russian Orthodox faithful being baptized in the river. The city established its winter swimming association in 1983, solidifying its reputation as a 'holy land' for the sport in China.

Swimmers carve pool in Songhua River, endure subzero temperatures.

Annual winter swimming event in Harbin, China.

Chen Xia swims despite cold, compares Harbin river to hometown.

Harbin's winter swimming tradition inspired by Russian Orthodox baptism.

Establishment of winter swimming association in Harbin in 1983.

Participants find community and joy in winter swimming.

Swimmers emphasize health benefits and sense of well-being.

You Decang, 76, credits winter swimming for his health.

Winter swimmers in Harbin prioritize health over hospital visits during pandemic.

Enthusiasts in Harbin embrace challenges, gain strength from the sport.

Participants like Yu Xiaofeng, who has been winter swimming for 30 years, emphasized the sense of community and joy they find in the activity. Amid the pandemic, winter swimmers in Harbin adopted a motto: 'Rather suffer through winter swimming than line up at the hospital,' highlighting the perceived health benefits of the sport.

You Decang, a 76-year-old swimmer, attested to the positive impact of winter swimming on his health, noting that he had never caught a cold due to his regular swims. He expressed discomfort on days when he skipped his swimming routine, underscoring the importance of the activity in maintaining his well-being.

Winter swimming enthusiasts in Harbin continue to embrace the challenges of the sport, finding both physical and mental strength in braving the freezing waters year after year.