Braving bone-chilling temperatures of -40°C, adventure enthusiasts are flocking to northern China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region for a revolutionary winter experience: ice floating 🧊. This activity—where participants drift on unfrozen river sections wearing Arctic-grade suits—has become 2025’s most unexpected viral trend.
First introduced to China just a few years ago, ice floating combines the adrenaline of extreme sports with the serenity of nature. Tour operators in Hulunbuir and Hailar report triple-digit booking increases this December, as Gen-Z travelers swap ski slopes for this frosty new thrill.
"It’s like meditation meets survival mode," says local guide Bayar, who notes participants must undergo safety training. The activity’s rise aligns with China’s push to boost winter tourism, with Inner Mongolia positioning itself as a global hub for cold-weather adventures ❄️🌏.
While still niche compared to ice festivals in Harbin, ice floating is gaining traction on platforms like Douyin, where clips tagged #FreezeChallenge have amassed 180M+ views. Environmental scientists caution about sustainable practices as popularity grows.
Travel blogger Emma Chen (@WanderlustWarrior) calls it "TikTok’s coolest trend—literally!" Ready to test your cold tolerance? 🥶 This might be 2025’s ultimate bucket-list experience.
