"An unfrozen stretch of the river in Yichun, in northeast China’s Heilongjiang province, is drawing tourists seeking an unusual winter thrill: ice floating in temperatures plunging to minus 40 degrees Celsius. Footage filmed on Tuesday shows visitors drifting along the river in bright red, high-tech cold-protection suits. Their rounded appearance has inspired the playful nickname of ‘crayfish ice floating', as participants dabble and bob along the shallow riverbed. 
 "I saw this experience on Xiaohongshu and thought it was incredibly strange yet adventurous,” said Wang, a tourist from Shanxi province. "I was worried it would be far too cold, but once I put on the suit, I didn’t feel cold at all. It’s high-tech, and there are professionals keeping us safe, so I felt completely at ease."
 Wang explained how the deep silence was one of the most striking aspects of the experience. 

"Lying in the water, it was so incredibly quiet - all you could hear was the gentle rush of the water. Then you can still hear that cracking sound of ice shattering. I find this experience incredibly fascinating—being in such bitter cold yet feeling this contrast of constant warmth. It's truly remarkable," she added. 
 Some local residents expressed their surprise at the activity's sudden surge in popularity. 

"As a local, I never imagined our hometown would have such a popular winter activity - floating ‘crayfish’ on this freezing cold day. I was really hesitant to get on the river because I worried it might not be safe. Later, I saw our staff carefully selecting a river section that's exceptionally safe," said Lin, a Yichun resident.

Project manager Lin Xin said safety is the top priority. Participants wear safety harnesses attached to ropes, while professional staff monitor conditions from the riverbank and accompany floaters throughout the route.
 "The river experience is like being a leaf, requiring a sense of weightlessness. Even our ‘crayfish’ outfits bear some resemblance to spacesuits. From a personal perspective, once you slip into this rafting gear, all you can hear is your own breathing and the river's flowing water, making for an exceptionally immersive experience," he explained. 
 Although still a niche activity in China, ice floating is attracting a growing number of thrill-seekers, with local authorities hoping to turn the extreme conditions into a catalyst for winter tourism. "