The 8th Winter Springs Swimming (Daming Lake) International Invitational of 2020 is held on Jan 11 and 12 in Jinan, capital of East China's Shandong province. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]

The 8th Winter Springs Swimming (Daming Lake) International Invitational of 2020 took place on Jan 11 and 12 in Jinan, capital of East China's Shandong province.

A total of 1195 swimmers in 102 teams from 30 countries and regions braved the icy water on the opening day, with temperatures dipping to nearly zero degrees Celsius.

This year has seen an uptick in the number of participants and participating countries. Jointly hosted by the Shandong Sports Bureau and Jinan municipal government, the event, now in its eighth year, has gained a strong international reputation.

Winners pose for a photo at the 8th Winter Springs Swimming (Daming Lake) International Invitational of 2020. [Photo/dzwww.com]

This year's event was also included in the International Winter Swimming World Cup by the International Winter Swimming Association (IWSA).

As the world's only winter swimming event held in spring water, the Jinan winter spring swimming competition provides swimming enthusiasts with a chance to get close to the spring water and enjoy the beauty of Jinan city.

Foreign swimmers breathe a sigh of relief after finishing the competition in Jinan, East China's Shandong province. [Photo/dzwww.com]