A thrilling ice sailing regatta has taken place on the frozen expanse of Bosten Lake in northwest China’s Xinjiang’s Bayingolin Mongol Autonomous Prefecture, turning the winter landscape into a stage for high-speed competition and seasonal tourism.

More than 20 top athletes from eight provinces and cities across China competed as powerful winds propelled their iceboats across the glassy surface, leaving sharp trails etched into the ice. The races showcased both technical skill and courage, with competitors weaving and accelerating in a dramatic test of control and speed.

“The defining feature of ice sailing is its high speed,” said Ji Xueyou, an athlete from Hebei Province, noting that Bosten Lake’s vast, smooth ice makes it “particularly suitable for competitive racing”.

Blending traditional sailing techniques with a frozen setting, the sport has become a standout attraction during the Bosten Lake Ice and Snow Season, helping transform winter conditions into a vibrant driver of local tourism.

Source: China Central Television