❄️ A fearless squad of winter swimmers in China's northeastern Heilongjiang Province is turning \"cold therapy\" into an extreme sport! Meet the women breaking ice – and stereotypes – as they plunge into waters chilled to -22°C (-7.6°F) at Daqing's winter swimming training base.
🌬️ While most of us would rather binge Netflix under blankets, these athletes chop through frozen lakes like it's a TikTok challenge. Their secret? \"It's about mental strength, not just physical endurance,\" says 58-year-old retiree Liu Mei, who joined the group to combat arthritis.
🧊 The tradition has gained Gen Z appeal through social media posts showing swimmers in colorful swim caps laughing through steamy exhalations. Medical experts note controlled cold exposure boosts circulation and releases endorphins – though they advise beginners to start slow!
🔥 With over 200 members aged 20-70, the club embodies China's growing wellness culture. As night temperatures dip further this week, one thing's clear: These ice mermaids aren't just surviving winter – they're reinventing cold-weather grit.
