Unfrozen River

Unfrozen River

Introduction The Unfrozen River is a section of the middle reaches of the Halaha River, located 74 kilometers from the Hot Spring Street in Arxan City. In the midst of severe winter, this part of the river never freezes, remaining unfrozen for many years—an astonishing natural phenomenon. Stretching approximately 20 kilometers from Santan Gorge to near the Jinjianggou Forest Farm, the Unfrozen River flows freely throughout the winter without freezing. Even when temperatures plummet to minus 30°C during the peak of winter, when everything else turns to ice, all other rivers and streams in the area freeze solid—yet this particular stretch remains steaming with warm water flowing vigorously. In the bitter cold of deep winter, green aquatic plants can still be found growing in the river, while mist rises above the water’s surface. Bathed in the glow of the setting sun, the shimmering water sparkles brilliantly, resembling a riot of colorful clouds—a truly spectacular sight. The river remains unfrozen due to the heat exchange between the river water and geothermal energy beneath the surface.

Xing'an League, Inner Mongolia