Jilin winter fishing festival fetches record auction, visitors

The 24th Chagan Lake Ice and Snow Fishing and Hunting Cultural Tourism Festival kicked off in Songyuan, Jilin province, on Thursday, attracting tens of thousands of visitors to the frozen Chagan Lake to watch fishermen hauling nets from beneath the ice.

The first catch of the fishing season—a 19-kilogram fish—was auctioned for 1,699,999 yuan ($243,453) at the opening ceremony, with proceeds donated to the Chagan Lake Ecological Environment Protection Charity Fund to help preserve the lake's water quality and fish populations.

The event also featured a traditional Buddhist dance performed by lamas, while the head fisherman performed chants to honor the heavens, land and the lake, seeking a fruitful harvest and safe fishing season.

"Through this traditional ceremony with a long history, I can deeply feel humanity's reverence and faith toward nature," said local resident Hao Yingjia. "I feel so lucky to witness such a visual feast and sincerely welcome tourists from all over the world to experience this distinctive folk activity."

Over the coming weeks until early March, the festival will host 57 national and provincial events, including snow football leagues and ice hockey invitational tournaments on Chagan Lake.

The city has launched free direct bus services connecting the central city to Chagan Lake for tourists and residents.