” River Rebels: How China’s Daring Swimmers Beat the Bitter Cold for Thrill and Therapy”

**Annual Winter Swimming Ceremony Takes Place in Harbin, China**

In the frozen city of Harbin in northeastern China, a group of hardy swimmers gathered for their annual winter swimming ceremony. Despite temperatures dropping below freezing, the swimmers’ enthusiasm was palpable as they prepared to take the plunge into the icy waters of the Songhua River.

The swimmers, who train year-round, carved out a makeshift pool in the river and melted the 10-centimeter layer of ice that had frozen overnight. Then, one by one, they stripped off their clothes and jumped into the freezing cold water, about 10 meters long.

For many of the swimmers, the experience was exhilarating and invigorating. Some reported feeling numbness in their limbs as temperatures dropped to -13 degrees Celsius (8 degrees Fahrenheit), while others felt the thrill of pushing their bodies to the limits.

Chen Xia, a 56-year-old from the eastern coastal province of Zhejiang, jumped into the river despite catching a cold. She has been practicing winter swimming for about two decades and attributed the experience to boosting her confidence in the sport.

“I feel tingling all over my body,” she said, “but it still makes me feel happy.”

Winter swimming has a long history in Harbin, dating back to the 1970s when locals observed Russian Orthodox believers being baptized in the river. In 1983, the Municipal Winter Swimming Association was established, making Harbin a “holy place” for winter swimming enthusiasts.

For many of the swimmers, the sport is not just about pushing physical limits but also about finding a sense of community and camaraderie. Harbin resident Yu Xiaofeng, 61, has been swimming for 30 years and attributes the sense of belonging to the winter swimming community to the feeling of being part of a big family.

“We have put forward a slogan: I would rather go for winter swimming than wait in line at the hospital,” she said, noting that winter swimmers seem to be in better health than others.

The swimmers’ dedication and enthusiasm are impressive, with 76-year-old Youdecang stating that swimming keeps him healthy and has never caught a cold.

“If I don’t go swimming for a day, I feel really bad,” he said.

**FAQ:**

1. Where is Harbin located?
Harbin is a city in northeastern China.
2. How long has winter swimming been practiced in Harbin?
Winter swimming has been a tradition in Harbin since the 1970s.
3. What is the temperature of the water in the Songhua River?
The temperature of the water in the Songhua River is around 0 degrees Celsius (32 degrees Fahrenheit).
4. How many people attend the annual winter swimming ceremony?
Approximately a dozen swimmers participate in the annual winter swimming ceremony.
5. What is the longest time Youdecang has gone without swimming?
According to Youdecang, he feels really bad if he doesn’t swim for a day.

**Json-LD FAQ PAGE:**
“`
{
“@context”: “https://schema.org”,
“@type”: “FAQPage”,
“mainEntity”: [
{
“@type”: ” QUESTION”,
“name”: “Where is Harbin located?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “Harbin is a city in northeastern China.”
}
},
{
“@type”: “QUESTION”,
“name”: “How long has winter swimming been practiced in Harbin?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “Winter swimming has been a tradition in Harbin since the 1970s.”
}
},
{
“@type”: “QUESTION”,
“name”: “What is the temperature of the water in the Songhua River?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “The temperature of the water in the Songhua River is around 0 degrees Celsius (32 degrees Fahrenheit).”
}
},
{
“@type”: “QUESTION”,
“name”: “How many people attend the annual winter swimming ceremony?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “Approximately a dozen swimmers participate in the annual winter swimming ceremony.”
}
},
{
“@type”: “QUESTION”,
“name”: “What is the longest time Youdecang has gone without swimming?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “According to Youdecang, he feels really bad if he doesn’t swim for a day.”
}
}
] }
“`
**Conclusion:**

Winter swimming in Harbin, China is a unique and fascinating tradition that has been practiced for decades. The swimmers’ enthusiasm and dedication are impressive, and the experience is full of physical and mental challenges. Whether you’re a seasoned swimmer or a curious observer, the annual winter swimming ceremony in Harbin is an event not to be missed.