On January 11, the 2024 Jilin Province Mass Winter Swimming Challenge and the Dunhua Seventh International Winter Swimming Invitational Competition kicked off in Bohai Lake. This competition attracted participants from all over the world. 65 teams from 35 countries and regions around the world, including 700 athletes from Russia, Belgium, Germany, the United Kingdom and other places, and more than 10,000 spectators participated in the competition. This event not only provides athletes with a platform to showcase their sports talents, but also provides participants with an all-round cultural and tourism experience.
This grand event not only attracted top players from all over the world, but also attracted many foreign friends. The locals affectionately called them "foreign little golden beans".
They come from all over the world and share a common love for the extremely challenging winter swimming sport, so they gathered in this beautiful northeastern city - Dunhua. After the competition, this group of young people who love adventure visited Dunhua’s scenic spots and historic sites. The first place they went to was the Liuding Mountain Cultural Tourism Area.
The little golden beans hiked to the top of Liuding Mountain in the snow and were shocked by the majestic scenery in front of them.
The little golden beans also put on ethnic costumes and took part in travel photography.
Afterwards, they went to Laobai Mountain Primitive Ecological Scenic Area and experienced life in a snow village in Northeast China.
Taste authentic specialties such as long pancakes and chicken stewed with mushrooms, dance around the bonfire with friends on the snow, and stay overnight in a cabin. This trip not only deepened their understanding of Chinese culture, but also allowed them to experience the enthusiasm and heroic spirit of Northeastern people, which became an unforgettable memory for them in China.
On the snow, countless colored lights hang on the pine branches, like stars falling from the sky to the earth. The little golden beans stayed in a unique log cabin, where they experienced the Northeast big Kang, and at the same time experienced the huge contrast between the water dripping outside turning into ice and the warmth like spring inside. It was so refreshing!
Shahzad, an international student from Pakistan, said: "Dunhua amazes me! I have never heard of this place after staying in China for 7 years. I have traveled to many Chinese cities, such as Changbai Mountain, Linjiang, and Tonghua . But the beautiful scenery and unique experience in Dunhua are really unprecedented. Here, we dance and sing around the bonfire, and friends laugh and laugh. This warm atmosphere is my new experience in China and makes me unforgettable. In Dunhua, I understand China’s Multiculturalism, admiring the magnificent scenery, and meeting new friends are all valuable experiences. The people here are warm and hospitable, making me feel like I am at a second home."
Nazha is a little beauty with a lively personality. From Turkmenistan. Speaking of her trip to Dunhua, she gushed: "Dunhua is a beautiful place, with snowy scenery, covered mountains, frozen rivers, and charming ice lanterns, which turn it into a picturesque wonderland. This is It was my first winter trip in my life and I was excited to explore the local culture. I was impressed by the hospitality of the people in the Northeast, they were so kind and friendly. The music and food were great and I savored every bite of the authentic delicacies Delicious food."
Finally, Nazha shared her unforgettable experience in the Laobai Mountain Snow Village: "My friends and I had a wonderful time in this village. The huts and snow-covered streets were very romantic, as if we were in a Fairy tale world. At night, we danced around the bonfire and watched the bright fireworks. These beautiful moments will always be engraved in my heart. The Laobai Mountain Snow Village taught me that beauty and magic can be found in the simplest places."
Through this event In the winter swimming event, Dunhua not only demonstrated the charm of a sports event, but also showed the world its unique charm and cultural diversity as a tourist destination. All participants of the competition experienced China's rich culture, authentic food and winter wonderland-like scenery here, which will undoubtedly be treasured forever along with this competition.
Welcome more Xiaojindou to Dunhua, you will be given a big surprise here!
Text: Wei Congcong, Li Bing, Wang Heda
Picture: Li Chaoqun, Wang Heda