Fish jumping on the ground during Chagan Lake Fishing and Hunting Cultural Tourism Festival. [Photo provided to gojilin.gov.cn]

Songyuan city in Northeast China's Jilin province is gearing up for a vibrant new snow season, with the iconic Chagan Lake winter fishing festival taking center stage.

At a provincial news conference on Nov 18, Vice-Mayor Sun Ping'an announced that the city will elevate its signature celebrations with richer cultural offerings, upgraded facilities and more immersive experiences.

As the heart of Songyuan's ice and snow industry, the Chagan Lake Fishing and Hunting Cultural Tourism Festival – now entering its 24th edition – continues to draw nationwide attention. The centuries-old winter fishing ritual, designated as a national intangible cultural heritage, remains the festival's highlight.

This year, Songyuan is weaving elements of fishing culture, Manchu and Mongolian traditions, and local folk customs into five themed city scenes and three cultural districts, complemented by nine winter amusement parks. More than 100 interactive "ice-and-snow+" activities will take place throughout the season.

An upgraded fishing-themed park in Songyuan. [Photo provided to gojilin.gov.cn]

This winter season, Songyuan will highlight traditional fishing and hunting, Manchu-Mongolian heritage, Liao and Jin history, and local folk customs. The city plans to create five immersive urban scenes in its main districts and develop nine themed winter parks. Over 100 experiential and emotionally engaging winter activities will be introduced and updated throughout the season.

A major new attraction is the 230,000-square-meter Tengyu Ice and Snow Park, featuring 36 entertainment projects and accommodating up to 3,000 visitors. A 500-sq-m air-dome ice-fishing camp with 100 fishing spots will offer an immersive winter angling experience.