Swimmers plunge into subzero waters as part of Harbin's Ice and Snow World

Braving -15°C waters, swimmers kick off Harbin’s annual Ice and Snow World festival, drawing crowds to the city’s frosty winter attractions.

Reuters

A winter swimming event participant jumps off a platform into cold water during the annual ice and snow sculpture festival, in Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China, January 5, 2026. REUTERS/Go Nakamura

Go Nakamura

Swimmers plunged into subzero waters in Harbin's frozen Songhua River on Monday (January 5), as temperatures hovered around -15 degrees Celsius (5 degrees Fahrenheit).

"Winter swimming makes us happy, joyful, and healthy." 61-year-old swimmer Fan Shufang said, as onlookers watched on the sidelines wearing thick, puffer jackets. "Since I started winter swimming, I’ve never caught a cold, that’s why I really love it."

Fan said she makes the icy plunge regularly as part of the Heilongjiang Province Winter Swimming Association, which has over 300 members.

The winter swimming showcase is part of Harbin's Ice and Snow World, which officially opened on Monday.

Harbin's frosty winter has become a hotspot for domestic tourism. Last year, the city received a record 90.36 million visitors, generating 137.22 billion yuan ($19.62 billion), state media reported.

The festivities, which include ice slides and a night-time light show, will continue until mid-February "weather permitting," according to the official website.

-Production: Josh D. Arslan, Nicoco Chan/Reuters