A swimmer dives into the chilly waters of the Songhua River on November 7, 2023 in Harbin, Heilongjiang. /IC
A swimmer dives into the chilly waters of the Songhua River on November 7, 2023 in Harbin, Heilongjiang. /IC
A swimmer splashes into the chilly waters of the Songhua River on November 7, 2023 in Harbin, Heilongjiang. /IC
A swimmer splashes into the chilly waters of the Songhua River on November 7, 2023 in Harbin, Heilongjiang. /IC
A photo shows winter swimmers in the chilly waters of the Songhua River on November 7, 2023 in Harbin, Heilongjiang. /IC
A photo shows winter swimmers in the chilly waters of the Songhua River on November 7, 2023 in Harbin, Heilongjiang. /IC
A photo shows winter swimmers stepping into the chilly waters of the Songhua River on November 7, 2023 in Harbin, Heilongjiang. /IC
A photo shows winter swimmers stepping into the chilly waters of the Songhua River on November 7, 2023 in Harbin, Heilongjiang. /IC
Amid plummeting sub-zero temperatures, winter swimmers took a dip in the chilly waters of the Songhua River in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. Having one of the coldest climates in China, Harbin enjoys a snow and ice culture that includes winter swimming, as well as a multi-week ice and snow festival that annually draws visitors from across the country and abroad. As the members of the local winter swimming association dived into the cold river water for a short swim, residents stood by in warm clothes to observe the daring activity.