Swimming in winter for 18 years—feeling as joyful as a celestial being!
When winter swimming is mentioned, some people immediately shudder—especially when the idea involves an elderly person in their late eighties or nineties. But actually, winter swimming isn’t as daunting as it seems, provided you have the courage to "bravely face the tiger even when you know it’s there," the spirit to "stand firm against fierce winds and snow, with an iron will that never bends," the determination to "use your remaining warmth to boil the waters of the West Sea—and let your fiery passion melt even the icy North Pole," and the unwavering perseverance to "wear away stone drop by drop." With these qualities, you can conquer the biting cold, embrace the joy of winter swimming, and relish the exhilarating thrill of challenging nature itself.
I retired in 2006 and have been consistently practicing winter swimming for the past eighteen years. Before retirement, I often struggled with high work-related stress, leading to frequent late nights, excessive alcohol consumption, and a severe lack of exercise—conditions that steadily worsened my health. My blood pressure was consistently elevated, and I frequently experienced dizziness and headaches. To top it off, I suffered from a gastric ulcer in the stomach area, causing persistent, dull pain along with occasional acid reflux. Most troublingly, I had developed lumbar disc herniation that compressed my sciatic nerve, resulting in excruciating pain radiating down my lower back and legs. This condition became especially unbearable during winter and spring, often confining me to bed and making it impossible to walk. Each year, I’d end up spending 10 to 15 days hospitalized as a result.
On top of these issues, I also battled shoulder periarthritis, which left my arm so painful that I couldn’t even lift it properly.
After retiring, a friend introduced me to winter swimming—a full-body, heart-pumping aerobic activity he claimed could help alleviate many of my ailments. He shared how his own health had dramatically improved over time, despite starting out in worse shape than I was at the time. He emphasized that regular winter swimming not only strengthened his cardiovascular system but also boosted his kidney and digestive functions, enhanced lung capacity, and even invigorated his overall circulation. Best of all, he explained, it significantly boosted his immune system, leaving him feeling stronger and more resilient than ever before. Listening to him speak passionately about the countless benefits of winter swimming, I found myself completely captivated—and determined to give it a try myself!
Seeing how amazing his physique looked—so different from the sickly, frail version I’d known before—it stirred something in me, and I decided to give it a try. And so, starting in the summer and fall of 2006, I embarked on my winter swimming journey.
Although I’m passionate about swimming, I’ve never tried winter swimming before. The winter of 2006 was a real test for me—when I first plunged into water as cold as ice, my skin felt like it was being pricked by needles. Facing the bone-chilling depths of the "three nines" cold, with ice and snow biting straight through to my bones, I almost gave up. But driven by my desire for better health, I clenched my teeth and pushed through. Day after day, year after year—I gradually built up my resilience, eventually conquering the bitter cold, overcoming my own limits, and finally welcoming the bright arrival of spring. Who would have guessed that this commitment would last for an incredible eighteen years?
After 18 years of winter swimming, I’ve strengthened my willpower, dared to face extreme cold, and ultimately conquered myself. What once seemed daunting—watching others bundled up in fur coats yet still shivering—now feels empowering as I plunge into icy waters, unbothered by the biting chill. My motto has become: "Let the snow and ice rage on; my iron spirit remains unyielding."
Over these 18 years, winter swimming has not only kept me healthy but also transformed my overall well-being. Today, I feel stronger than ever—eating with a hearty appetite, moving swiftly, sleeping soundly, and even having regular bowel movements. Even my colleagues joke that I’ve turned into a bull—strong and robust!
Most importantly, I’ve noticed a remarkable improvement in my energy levels, vitality, and mental clarity. Best of all, chronic health issues like high blood pressure, gastric ulcers, frozen shoulder, and even lingering lower back pain caused by lumbar disc herniation have completely faded away since I started winter swimming. In fact, annual check-ups now show nearly perfect health indicators across the board.
In a way, my health was restored thanks to water. For the past 18 years, I’ve never even caught a cold, and I’ve never worn cotton clothing during winter—leaving my colleagues looking at me with envy.
After 18 years of winter swimming, I’ve not only gained health but also found happiness. That invigorating, post-swim glow—and the sheer joy of conquering the biting cold—are experiences that only true winter-swimming enthusiasts can truly understand.
“Confidently navigating life for two hundred years, I’ll boldly plunge through waters stretching three thousand li.” Winter swimming hasn’t just brought me joy and good health—it’s also boosted my physical strength. Every summer and autumn, I join young swimmers to cross the 2,000-meter-wide Lushan West Sea, swimming back and forth over 4,000 meters in a journey that takes more than two hours, yet feels “as effortless as strolling leisurely through a garden.” Many younger swimmers praise me for staying strong and vibrant well into old age, while members of the winter-swimming team affectionately call me the “Evergreen Tree” or the “Timeless Pine,” which fills me with immense pride and happiness.
“Since ancient times, the deep winter has been marked by sorrow and solitude—but I say winter days surpass even the vibrant spring. Though my hair may turn white, it’ll never outlast the sun and moon; let the waters churn beneath me as I swim freely and joyfully through three thousand leagues.”
Winter swimming has brought me health and happiness, and I’ll continue doing it with unending enthusiasm.
Shenyang: Winter swimmers brave the frigid weather for their chilly dip.
Breaking the ice before winter swimming
Winter swimming enthusiasts in Zhengzhou capture photos during the Xiaohan season in 2018
The 2024 National Winter Swimming Championships were held at Jingpo Lake, a nationally renowned scenic area.
A scene from the World Winter Swimming Championships arena
On January 1, 2025, locals in Geneva, Switzerland, welcomed the New Year with winter swimming in Lake Geneva.
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