CHINA-ICE SWIMMING Swimmers in Harbin take the icy plunge in an annual competition

Record ID: 210675

  • Title: CHINA-ICE SWIMMING Swimmers in Harbin take the icy plunge in an annual competition
  • Date: 5th January 2015
  • Summary: PEOPLE LOOKING ON (SOUNDBITE) (Mandarin) 45-YEAR-OLD HARBIN RESIDENT CUI SHUXIAN SAYING: "I don't feel cold at all, people's enthusiasm affected me and brought me joy. I feel very happy that so many people support and like ice swimming."
  • Embargoed: 20th January 2015 12:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: China
  • Country: China
  • Topics: General
  • Reuters ID: LVABW5PR22EZB4I5XAMBPTWRCQRI
  • Story Text: The sub-zero temperatures and biting Siberian winds didn't seem to deter locals and adventurous tourists from taking dips into the freezing waters of the Songhua river which runs through Harbin city in northern China on Monday (January 5).
    Over 700 enthusiasts from 49 amateur groups nationwide braved icy waters to compete in a two-day ice swimming competition in Harbin, one of the coldest cities in China.
    Winter swimming, as it is known in China, is in fact enjoyed across the north of the country, mainly by middle-aged and elderly people who either believe it benefits their health or simply enjoy the way it feels.
    People break a hole in a frozen river surface and jump in, using sticks and brooms to sweep ice off the surface as it forms.
    Like any major swimming event, these contests were organised by age and gender.
    Contestants try to be the first to make it across the 25 metre pool in temperatures colder than minus 17 degree Celsius (one Fahrenheit).
    Most of the participants swam for around a minute before getting out.
    "I took part in the ice swimming contest to challenge myself. I feel very relaxed after going for a swim," said 35-year-old Yang Jie from eastern Anhui province, who took up the sport two years ago.
    "I don't feel cold at all, people's enthusiam affected me and brought me joy. I feel very happy that so many people support and like ice swimming," said 45-year-old Harbin resident Cui Shuxian.
    Many onlookers were amazed by what they saw.
    "Normally I can stand water temperatures that is above five degrees Celcius (32 Fahrenheit). The water temperature here must be below zero. I don't have the courage to go in there and swim, so I really admire them, admire their perseverance and their willpower to challenge themselves," said 50-year-old Gao Chiming from Anhui.
    The swimming competition is part of Harbin's annual ice and snow festival, which kicks off later on Monday.
    Harbin's ice festival, which will be in its 31st year and lasts until snow starts to melt in February, draws several million tourists from across the country and internationally each year, according to organisers.
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