Holly(middle) and Laurence(right) at the Genshan Winter Swimming Base Photo provided to Hangzhoufeel
Places
By Daria Fominykh
Hangzhou's Genshan Winter Swimming Base is not any average pool -- it's a rare five-star gem tucked beside the historical Genshan Men and the Grand Canal.
Imagine an urban escape, where an outdoor swimming pool becomes a refreshing haven for both summer cooldowns and winter swims. And yes, it's free and it's appealing to cold-water enthusiasts from across the nation.
This aquatic wonderland, connected to both the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal and the Tiesha River, boasts natural, albeit chilly, water. With three meters the deepest and two meters average depths, it dwarfs the usual 50-meter standard pools. As the only outdoor swimming spot in Hangzhou, Genshan has become a must-go place for the locals who seek a thrilling winter swimming experience.
Here are the comments of swimmers. Holly, a leader at CrazyFit fitness group, an international community organizing sports activities like hiking, cycling, jogging, and so on, swears by the immunity-boosting benefits of winter swimming. In the season of viruses and seasonal flu, a dip in the chilly waters is her secret to stay well and sound. And there's more -- her skin has never looked better, thanks to the natural setting devoid of the chemicals found in indoor heated pools. She also encourages more moms that "it's never too late to challenge yourself."
Across the pond, or in this case, the lake, we have Laurence Baker, a British expatriate who, during his time in Hangzhou, transitioned from wild swims in the UK to embracing Genshan. For Laurence, it's about breaking free from the confines of traditional pools and embracing the raw beauty of nature, right in the heart of the city.
But, as they say, every adventure has its warnings! Safety is a concern at the base. Lifeguards? Not really. Volunteers and purported association members are around, but safety equipment is somewhat limited. As the weather cools down, they recommend afternoon swims for a relatively warmer experience. And don't forget to warm up -- winter swimming is no joke!