Facing the Cold: The Growing Popularity of Winter Swimming in Harbin.
Reading
In Harbin, China, a group of people swim in the icy Songhua River every day. They train all year for this and even cut a pool in the thick ice.
The swimmers jump into the freezing water, which is about -13 degrees Celsius. Some say their bodies feel numb from the cold, but they still enjoy it.
Chen Xia, a swimmer from southern China, said the water in Harbin is much colder than she is used to. Even though she had a cold, she felt happy after swimming in the icy river.
Winter swimming in Harbin started in the 1970s and has become very popular. The city is called a 'holy land' for winter swimming and is known for its ice sculptures and winter festival.
Many swimmers say that winter swimming is good for their health and makes them feel like part of a family. They believe it keeps them from getting sick and enjoy the feeling of swimming in the cold water.
Questions
Where do people swim in Harbin?
People swim in the icy Songhua River.
How cold is the water that the swimmers jump into?
The water is about -13 degrees Celsius.
When did winter swimming in Harbin start?
Winter swimming in Harbin started in the 1970s.
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