The 24th Dalian International Winter Swimming Festival kicks off with a vibrant celebration, igniting winter passion at Fujiazhuang Seaside Beach.

On October 18, 2025, the 24th Dalian International Winter Swimming Festival and the Dalian Marine Sports Event Season, hosted by the Dalian Municipal Sports Bureau and organized by the Dalian Winter Swimming Association, were successfully held at the picturesque Fuzhuang Beach. As Dalian's "golden hallmark" in sports, this event has continuously drawn winter swimming enthusiasts from around the globe since its inception in 2002, establishing itself as a premier international gathering that combines national and global appeal.An annual sports event that is both global and professional.

At 8:30 a.m. that day, Han Junlong, President of the Dalian Winter Swimming Association, convened a on-site meeting with all winter swimming team leaders and relevant officials to meticulously finalize every aspect of the event, laying a solid foundation for the smooth execution of the competition.At 8:50, the scene was alive with fluttering red flags and an energetic atmosphere. Twenty teams, including the Russian Winter Swimming Team, stood neatly in formation, while the Dalian City Winter Swimming Association’s Veteran Cultural Troupe performed a lively rendition of the song “Hymn to the FlagThe opening dance ignited the entire audience's enthusiasm.

Following this, the "Water Show: Freestyle Swim" segment took center stage, featuring teams of athletes showcasing their skills in 200-meter butterfly, backstroke, freestyle, and breaststroke. As they glided gracefully through the shimmering waters, the swimmers highlighted the unique allure of winter swimming.

At 10:30, the swimming competition officially kicked off, with the highlight of the event being the 6-person 100-meter freestyle mixed relay—featuring a team whose combined age totaled over 300 years. The athletes showcased their determination and passion, perfectly embodying the spirited essence of winter swimmers and earning enthusiastic applause from the crowd.

On the sea off Fujiazhuang, Chinese and Russian winter-swimming enthusiasts joined forces for a special 100-meter relay race! Amidst the splashing waves, it wasn’t just bodies in motion—but a heartfelt passion for sports that truly shone through. How could anyone look away from such a vibrant, unforgettable scene?

Overnight, the temperature plummeted, and the city seemed to hit fast-forward, instantly stepping into winter. Yet, amid the biting cold wind, the winter swimmers remained as passionate as ever. The Winter Swimming Festival organizing committee had thoughtfully prepared everything in advance: from energy-boosting snacks and warming ginger tea to keep athletes cozy, they even arranged for a water truck to provide tepid rinses after the swimmers stepped ashore. Such meticulous and considerate arrangements not only chased away the winter chill but also earned universal praise.

The event has concluded, and this year’s International Winter Swimming Festival was a resounding success. As a flagship event showcasing the seamless integration of winter tourism and sports in Dalian, the festival not only provided a professional platform for domestic and international winter swimming enthusiasts to exchange ideas and hone their skills but also remained firmly rooted in the principle of "national fitness," actively promoting the sport of winter swimming across the region. By doing so, it has injected vibrant energy into Dalian’s winter tourism scene, making the city’s chilly winters even more exhilarating through the power of sport.