Imagine racing a dragon-shaped boat across a frozen river at -20°C—welcome to Beitun’s ice dragon boat festival! 🚣♂️❄️ This weekend, teams in China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region gripped ice picks as paddles, steering glittering vessels with dragon heads and blade-like runners along the icy Jade Belt River. Cheers echoed as spectators bundled in thick coats watched the high-energy competition, now in its third year.
🔹 "It’s like rowing through a snow globe!" laughed one participant, breath visible in the frosty air. The event blends ancient dragon boat traditions with winter sports innovation, drawing locals and tourists alike to this frosty corner of Northwest China.
🔹 Beyond the races, the festival features Uygur folk performances and hot food stalls serving regional specialties—proving even subzero temps can’t cool Xinjiang’s vibrant spirit. ❄️🔥 With plans to expand winter tourism, Beitun’s icy spectacle is carving a niche as Asia’s answer to Arctic adventures!
