Thousands of Winter Swimming Enthusiasts Compete at Daming Lake – 13th China Jinan International Open Winter Swimming Competition Kicks Off
On January 17, the 2026 International Winter Swimming World Challenge (Jinan Stop), together with the 13th China Jinan International Open Winter Swimming Competition, officially kicked off at Daming Lake in Jinan. Nearly 1,000 winter swimming athletes and enthusiasts from home and abroad gathered in the City of Springs, plunging into the crystal-clear spring water amid the cold of winter for a test of endurance, courage, and passion.
As the world's only winter swimming competition held in natural spring water, the Jinan International Open Winter Swimming Competition marks its 13th anniversary this year . Integrated into the International Winter Swimming World Challenge series, this edition features two main categories: a 300m open water race and pool events, attracting participants from 20 countries including China, Finland, Argentina, Spain, and Germany . Strong teams from 16 domestic provinces and autonomous regions also joined the fray, competing in this uniquely charming winter sports gala .
At the opening ceremony, Matias Ola, Vice President of the International Winter Swimming Association, stated in his speech: "We cherish every opportunity to return to Jinan and swim in its clear, vibrant spring waters. Each visit not only immerses us in the magnificent natural scenery but also makes us feel the city's deep respect for its cultural heritage, healthy living, and traditions. It is this spirit of hospitality and shared pursuit that brings us back year after year."
As the world's largest spring-fed lake, Daming Lake not only boasts stunning scenery but also carries profound cultural significance . Leveraging Jinan's unique natural and cultural landscape where "mountains, springs, lakes, rivers, and the city blend harmoniously," this event has become a vital platform for promoting sports and cultural exchange while enhancing the city's international influence. Over the past 13 years, the annual winter swimming event in spring water has remained an unbroken appointment between Jinan and winter swimming enthusiasts worldwide, continuously drawing numerous "warriors of the waves" to take on the challenge . Beyond showcasing individual courage and physical fitness, participants also convey the philosophy of harmonious coexistence between humans and nature .
This year's competition is also part of Jinan's first Ice and Snow Consumption Season series, embodying the innovative concept of integrated development of "sports + culture and tourism." It not only boosts winter tourism and consumption vitality but also allows participants from home and abroad to experience Jinan's profound historical culture and the open atmosphere of a modern city through sports.
In 2025, Jinan's sports sector achieved remarkable successes and highlights. At the 15th National Games, 177 athletes from Jinan competed valiantly, contributing 16 gold, 16 silver, and 10 bronze medals to the Shandong delegation, achieving breakthroughs in both the number of participants and competition results, and setting a new historical record. The event economy flourished, with 12,000 competitions of various levels and types held throughout the year, including 52 international and national-level events, generating a direct economic benefit of 2.238 billion yuan. Today, Jinan has joined the ranks of national pilot cities for promoting sports consumption and the event economy, with a steadily improving national fitness service system, rising competitive sports strength, surging vitality from the integrated development of the "sports +" model, and solid progress in building a strong sports city.
With winter swimming as a bond, enthusiasts from around the world gather annually in the City of Springs. This sports gala unfolding in the brisk spring waters pays tribute to perseverance and passion, while serving as a vivid window for Jinan to showcase its natural beauty, cultural charm, and joy of sports to the world .
