As the heat wave hits China, thousands of swimmers gather in a pool known as the Dead Sea of China, in Daying County, Sichuan province. To escape from the sweltering heat and terrible temperatures during summers, thousands of visitors come here to spend time in the pool and cool off.

The pool is famous for being the largest indoor pool in China, covering over 30,000 square meters and for being the most crowded pool in the world. It can accommodate as many as 10,000 people at once and over a million people visit the place every summer.

It is called the Dead Sea of China because the salinity of water is so high, almost 22%, that the swimmers float freely on the surface of the water, just like they would in the Dead Sea in the Middle East.

The pool is so crowded it is virtually impossible to swim anywhere in it. The swimmers almost just have enough standing space.

When everyone is in the pool becomes a stunning visual of a densely packed vibrant colors. Everyone wears a brightly colorful inflatable.

The pool is a man-made salt water lake with almost 9 times the salinity of ocean water and is the largest indoor water park in all of China.

Large amounts of rich salts are mixed in the water to increase its salinity. It is said that the water contains almost 43 different minerals and micro-elements.

The pool also has artificial wave generating facility and makes huge waves that sweep the swimmers along.

For those who want other entertainments, there are spa facilities and a golf course as well.

There is also entertainment in the form of foreign cheerleaders dancing with pompoms.

Despite the massive crowds and lack of enough space to actually swim, the pool keeps attracting millions of visitors each year.

The pool can be the source of a nightmare and ultimate challenge for lifeguards who have to always be on the lookout for trouble and keep everyone safe.

The large crowds enjoy their time socializing with others, taking pictures of themselves, family and friends, and have a lot of fun splashing about in the salt water.

[source: www.dailymail.co.uk, wikipedia]