In the frost-kissed expanse of northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Ulungur Lake — affectionately called 'Fuhai' or the Lake of Blessings — transforms into a stage for cultural resilience each winter. The 2025 Fuhai Winter Fishing Festival, now in its 18th year, drew crowds on January 18 as fishermen hauled the season's first catch through meter-thick ice, their cheers echoing across the stark beauty of Altay Prefecture.
For Zhang Haijiang, a second-generation Yubatou (lead fisherman), the ritual is deeply personal. 'My father taught me to read the lake's whispers,' he says, recalling decades of ice-bound dawns spent mastering sustainable fishing practices. The festival symbolizes more than livelihood; it embodies a generational pact to protect Ulungur's delicate ecosystem while sharing its wonders with the world.
Local authorities report growing international interest in the event, with visitors from over 20 countries and regions attending this year. As temperatures hovered at -25°C, tourists marveled at traditional Uygur ice-dancing performances and sampled freshly grilled fish — a culinary tradition dating back centuries.
Environmental scientists highlight the festival's evolving role in promoting ecological awareness. 'Ulungur's crystal-clear waters prove that economic activity and conservation can coexist,' notes Dr. Aynur Memet of Xinjiang University. Recent investments in solar-powered ice drills and biodegradable nets demonstrate this balance, ensuring the lake remains a 'mother' to both its people and biodiversity.
