Imagine dragon boats slicing through water… but on ice! 🧊 Over 700 participants from across the Chinese mainland gathered in Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, this weekend for a frosty twist on the ancient tradition. Teams wielded metal paddles to stab through the ice and propel their boats forward in a thrilling display of teamwork and cultural innovation.
The event blended the 2,000-year-old tradition of dragon boat racing with winter sports flair, drawing cheers from spectators bundled in colorful coats. Organizers called it a \"celebration of resilience and creativity,\" highlighting how regional festivals are adapting to colder climates while preserving heritage.
This icy spectacle also reflects China’s growing embrace of winter sports following the 2022 Beijing Olympics. Local officials hinted at more frosty festivals to come – could ice dragon boating become the next viral challenge? 🚣❄️
