HEIHE, North China, Nov. 7 (Xinhua) -- Winter swimming lovers dived and swam to celebrate the traditional solar term of the Beginning of Winter on Sunday in the North China province of Heilongjiang.

The fans, like a group of penguins, dived into the water in the Sina-Russian bordering Heilongjiang River, playing ice and snow in a pleasant mood despite of a sharp temperature drop to minus 11 degrees celsuis (12.2 degress fahrenheit).

People usually gather their family to eat dumplings, or Jiaozi, on the traditional day.

Wu Huamin, leader of a local winter swimming association, said, "The winter swimming not only benefits our physical healthness, but also strengthens our wills to resolve difficulties. More and more people are enjoying the sport."

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