Braving cold water on New Year's Day in N China

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It's close to peak winter in many parts of northern China. However, this is but a minor inconvenience for many swimmers there, who love to celebrate the New Year by plunging into the freezing cold water.

On Tuesday afternoon, nearly 300 swimmers jumped into the icy waters of the Fenhe River in the capital city of Taiyuan in north China's Shanxi Province.

Over a hundred local well-wishers and photographers came to join the Polar Plunge event in Taiyuan on Jan. 1. /CGTN Photo

Crazy as it seems, it's their way to celebrate the New Year. And the local temperatures were around minus-five degrees Celsius at noon.

One brave swimmer told CGTN that she's 52 years old and has been doing the sport for many years. "It was quite cold when I was swimming in the water. But after I got ashore, I felt the chill has been pushed out of my body. Now I feel so refreshed,” she said.

Many enthusiasts talk about the adrenaline rush they receive, and how it does absolute wonders for their long-term health.

Twin brothers of 70 years have been doing this since before the turn of the century. They're convinced that it's adding years to their lives.

Twin brothers Zhao Shuangxi and Zhao Shuangcheng swim in the cold water. /CGTN Photo

“Winter swimming can spare you from illnesses,” said Zhao Shuangxi. “It lifts your spirits. You barely catch a cold, and you have a better appetite and also sleep better,” said his brother Zhao Shuangcheng.

While doctors agree with the twins' assessment of the health benefits of winter swimming, they also urge people to have a full medical check-up before trying it out. They say people with serious heart diseases, high blood pressure or stomach ulcers just cheer on from the side.