This December, in the northern Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region on the Chinese mainland, adventurous travelers have been drifting along an unfrozen stretch of river despite temperatures plunging to -40°C. This activity, known as ice floating, offers a unique winter thrill.
Participants don professional cold-protection suits designed for extreme temperatures before reclining to float on the icy waters, surrounded by snow-coated banks that glisten in the pale winter sun. The contrast between the frigid air and the water's steady surface creates a surreal sense of weightlessness.
Ice floating remains a niche attraction that arrived on the Chinese mainland only in the past few years. While still under the radar compared with skiing or snowmobiling, it's quickly gaining traction among young global citizens seeking offbeat challenges and shareable moments.
As the season draws on, more travelers and digital nomads are swapping slopes for rivers, eager to explore new frontiers in winter adventure tourism. For anyone chasing immersive, data-defying experiences, ice floating in Inner Mongolia is a cold plunge worth the hype.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
