The 7th China Grand Canal (Taierzhuang) Winter Swimming Festival was held in Taierzhuang ancient town, a popular scenic spot in Zaozhuang, Shandong province, on Jan 9.

Winter swimming is an activity conducive to physical health. Long-term adherence to winter swimming can enhance the body's ability to resist cold and disease.

More than 240 athletes, belonging to 18 teams from cities in Shandong, took part in the competition in an outdoor temperature of minus 14 degrees Celsius.

Luo Jing and Yao Jianhua from the Zaozhuang team won the championship of the women's A and B groups respectively. Xiao Wei from the Zibo team and Song Dong from the Zaozhuang team won the championship of the men's A and B groups respectively.

The festival has become an important brand event held along the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, said local officials, adding that it will also facilitate the construction of the Grand Canal National Cultural Park in Zaozhuang, as well as local culture and tourism development.

Supported by the Shandong Swimming Association, the competition was held by the Zaozhuang Sports Bureau and the Zaozhuang Municipal People's Government.

The Grand Canal, or Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, is the longest artificial waterway in the world and was listed as a world heritage site in 2014.

The Zaozhuang government has launched a series of measures to preserve its Grand Canal culture, as well as to foster related cultural and tourism brand activities.

People take part in the winter swimming event in Taierzhuang ancient town on Jan 9. [Photo/WeChat account: tezgc2008]

Swimming enthusiasts brave the cold at the Grand Canal Zaozhuang section. [Photo/WeChat account: tezgc2008]

An aerial photo of Taierzhuang ancient town in winter [Photo/WeChat account: tezgc2008]