Chagan Lake’s Magical Winter Fishing Festival Kicks Off! 🎣❄️
Hey there! Have you ever wondered what it’s like to catch fish through a frozen lake? At Chagan Lake in China, something amazing happens every winter! The lake turns into a giant playground for fishermen and visitors during the Winter Fishing Festival.
A Tradition Hundreds of Years Old 🕰️
Chagan Lake is one of China’s biggest freshwater lakes, located in Songyuan City, Jilin Province. For centuries, dating back to the Liao and Jin dynasties, people have been fishing here in winter. That’s over 1,000 years of history!
The Exciting Opening Ceremony 🎉
The festival starts with a special ceremony to thank nature for its gifts and to wish for a big catch. People gather on the ice-covered lake on December 28, 2024, and perform traditional rituals. It’s like stepping back in time!
How Do They Fish Through Ice? 🐟❄️
Imagine drilling holes through thick ice, setting up huge nets, and using horses to pull in tons of fish! That’s exactly what happens. Fishermen drill holes in the ice, place their nets, and then use horse-drawn winches to pull the nets out filled with fish. It’s an incredible sight!
The “First Fish” Auction 💰🐟
One of the coolest parts is the auction of the season’s “First Fish.” This fish is considered very special and is believed to bring good luck. Guess what? This year, it was sold for a whopping 1,199,999 yuan (about $164,000)! Wow!
So Much to Explore 🌟
Besides fishing, there’s so much more to enjoy. There are cultural activities, performances, and lots of tasty food. It’s a great way to experience the unique traditions and charm of Chagan Lake’s fishing culture.
A Treasure Recognized by All 🏆
In 2008, the winter fishing at Chagan Lake was added to China’s national intangible cultural heritage list. That means it’s a special part of China’s culture that needs to be preserved and celebrated.
Why Is This Festival Important? 🤔
The festival isn’t just about catching fish. It’s about respecting nature, celebrating traditions, and bringing people together. It’s a reminder of how people can live in harmony with the environment.
Would You Like to Visit? 🌍
Would you like to stand on a frozen lake and see hundreds of fish being pulled out of icy waters? Maybe one day you can visit Chagan Lake and be part of this magical festival!
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
