HARBIN, China – Despite temperatures plunging well below the freezing mark, the excitement among a group of dedicated swimmers in Harbin, northeastern China, remains high as they engage in their daily swimming ritual. This group of approximately a dozen enthusiasts continues to train year-round for this invigorating cold water activity.

Each morning, they take to the Songhua River, where they meticulously clear a space for their makeshift swimming pool. Using tools to chip away at the thick ice that blankets the river—around 10 centimeters (4 inches) thick—these swimmers create a roughly 10-meter (30 feet) long area of open water. With temperatures dropping to -13°C (8°F), the swimmers bravely shed their outer layers and dive into the frigid waters one at a time, relishing the bracing experience.

Among them is Chen Xia, who journeyed from her hometown in Zhejiang Province, located about 1,700 kilometers (1,000 miles) south. Despite battling a cold, Chen refused to miss out on the opportunity, noting that the winter waters back home felt significantly warmer compared to the near-freezing temperatures in Harbin. With nearly 20 years of commitment to winter swimming, she feels more assured with each plunge into the ice cold. “I felt prickling all over my body,” Chen described, “but it still made me feel blissful.”

Yu Xiaofeng, a local resident, shared that Harbin’s tradition of winter swimming dates back to the 1970s when residents observed Russian Orthodox individuals being baptized in the icy waters. Situated close to the Russian border, this trend led to the formation of Harbin’s winter swimming association in 1983. Yu emphasizes that Harbin has become a “holy land” for winter swimming, as it gained traction earlier compared to other regions in China. The city is also known for its vibrant winter festival, showcasing impressive ice and snow sculptures alongside more intricate designs.

Having swum for over three decades, Yu expressed a sense of belonging and joy found within this community. “Since the pandemic, we adopted a saying: It’s better to brave the cold in the river than to wait in line at a hospital,” she remarked. She has observed that winter swimmers tend to maintain better health than others.

You Decang, at 76 years old, attests to the health benefits of his swimming routine, claiming he has never suffered from a cold. “If I skip winter swimming for even a day, I start to feel quite unwell,” he shared, indicating the integral role this activity plays in his life.