Daredevils compete in China’s 34th ice swimming championship

HARBIN: In a pool that was carved out of ice, more than 200 swimmers from across China took a dip in ice cold water and in frigid temperature of -17 degrees during the country’s 34th annual winter festival.

The festival started on Jan 5, and is celebrated every year to mark the arrival of winter season in the country.

The competition required participants to swim for at least 25 meters at lightning-fast speed.

Most of the participants swam for about 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,” shared 35-year-old Yang Jie who competed in the race two years ago for the first time.

Harbin snow and ice festival lasts until snow starts to melt down in the month of February. The festival attracts thousands of tourists from around the world every year.