In icy Harbin, swimmers warm to the challenge

Temperatures dropped to as low as -20 C recently in Harbin, Heilongjiang province. But the extreme cold and strong winds sweeping the frozen Songhua River couldn't dampen the enthusiasm of winter swimming enthusiasts.

On Tuesday, more than 20 swimmers gathered at Sun Island Park. After sending blessings and good wishes to athletes who will compete in the upcoming Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic Games, they leaped into the Songhua River one by one, accompanied by rousing applause and cheers from the crowd.