Welcome to Chagan Lake! ❄️ This week, the 24th Chagan Lake Ice and Snow Fishing and Hunting Cultural Tourism Festival opened on the frozen waters of Chagan Lake in Songyuan, Jilin Province, in the Chinese mainland, drawing tens of thousands of visitors eager to witness this centuries-old winter ritual. 🎣
At the heart of the festival is the auction of the season's 'first fish'. This year, a massive 19-kilogram catch fetched a stunning 1,699,999 yuan (about $238,000). All proceeds will fuel ecological protection funds to keep Chagan Lake's waters pristine and its fish population thriving. 🌊🐟
Braving temperatures near -20°C (-4°F), tourists cheered as fishermen drilled through thick ice and hauled in nets with traditional horse-drawn winches. The sight of huge catches emerging from the icy depths was pure festival magic—an homage to local heritage and teamwork. 🐴💪
But ice fishing is just the beginning! Festival-goers can also dive into winter sports like snow football leagues and ice hockey invitational tournaments. Whether you're cheering from the sidelines or joining the action, Chagan Lake offers a full line-up of chilly thrills and cultural celebrations. ⚽🏒
So bundle up and join the fun at one of Asia's coolest winter festivals—where tradition, sport, and eco-consciousness come together in the heart of Jilin's frozen wonderland. ✨
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
