Chilly weather in Shenyang didn’t cool the enthusiasm of winter swimming enthusiasts on Dec 6; on the contrary, it gave them the chance to test their will power and physical fitness.

When the temperature in Shenyang dropped to -15 Celsius, icy Beiling Lake attracted crowds of swimming enthusiasts to take the plunge. Swimming in freezing-cold water surrounded by blocks of ice has become a popular exercise activity in winter.

One by one, swimmers jumped into the lake, drawing applause from the crowd.

An aerial view of ice-covered Beiling Lake in Shenyang, Northeast China’s Liaoning province.[Photo/Chinanews.com]

A winter swimming enthusiast braves the waters of Beiling Lake in Shenyang on Dec 6.[Photo/Chinanews.com]

A winter swimming enthusiast swims among blocks of ice, Dec 6.[Photo/Chinanews.com]