On the ninth day of the Lunar New Year, at 9 a.m., when the sun had yet to peek out from behind the clouds, a hiking team of 10 members set off from downtown Huludao. They traveled along the coastal highway toward a pre-selected ice entry point on Juehua Island in Xingcheng to engage in ice trekking.
The temperature that day dropped as low as -20°C, with north winds of force 5 to 6, presenting quite a challenge for the team.
Speaking of ice trekking, some might wonder—if the weather up in Northeast China is cold enough, isn’t walking on ice still somewhat risky?
Well, here’s what most people don’t know: due to the unique location of Juehua Island in Xingcheng, the island’s over 3,000 residents typically travel to and from the island by boat in spring, summer, and autumn, but in winter, they go back and forth either by vehicle or on foot across the ice.
It is precisely because of this uniqueness that the islanders have gained considerable experience living in such an environment. In winter, they only cross the ice when they are certain the sea has frozen solid enough.
“Yesterday, we sent someone to conduct an on-site inspection and walk the route. We also asked the local islanders, and they said it’s now deep in the cold season, and this year’s ice is even more solid than usual, making it safer to walk on,” said Liu Yan, the team leader.
This hiking team of 10 members was all experiencing ice trekking for the first time, including four female participants.
Two experienced hikers led the way at the front of the group to scout the path and guide the others. The team leader reminded everyone to keep warm and wear sunglasses, and to follow the route set by the guides.
“Look, aren’t those ice flowers on the surface so beautiful?” team member Nuan Nuan exclaimed in amazement.
“Turn around and look how blue the sky is!” The team members were captivated by the stunning scenery, almost forgetting about the cold.
The mineral water in their backpacks had frozen solid.
After walking on the ice for an hour, team members gradually discovered that the water they had brought had turned to ice.
Team member Da Hai said, “Look how cold it is today, but I don’t really feel that freezing?”
“You stop feeling cold once you’re moving,” replied team member Tian Kong.
Throughout the journey, the team members were full of energy and in high spirits, laughing and chatting along the way. “We’re at the shore!” one member shouted and waved to the group.
Looking out, winter Juehua Island had shed its usual liveliness and bustle. From afar, faint wisps of smoke rose from the cottages, and occasional barks of dogs could be heard.
Finally, after four hours of trekking across the ice, the team successfully completed the 18-kilometer round-trip ice trekking activity to and from Juehua Island.