Chagan Lake Celebrates 24th Annual Winter Tradition
Songyuan City in Jilin Province has transformed its frozen landscapes into a cultural stage with the launch of its 2026 "Ice and Snow Plus" tourism program. The initiative, centered around the 24th Chagan Lake Fishing and Hunting Cultural Tourism Festival, offers visitors an unprecedented blend of ancient traditions and modern winter adventures.
Dawn-to-Dusk Cultural Immersion
Since its January 8 opening, the festival has captivated travelers with round-the-clock programming. Morning visitors witness the dramatic spectacle of traditional ice fishing on Chagan Lake's thick ice, while evenings come alive with folk performances at the Longyu Tribe resort. The festival's culinary highlight remains the legendary whole-fish banquet, prepared using centuries-old recipes.
Winter Adventures Expand
This year's expansion of Chagan Lake Ski Resort to 30,000 square meters introduces alpine thrills to the region's winter portfolio. Daytime activities now range from snowmobile racing to ice sliding, while new boutique homestays enable overnight cultural immersion. An intangible heritage market showcases northeast China's traditional crafts, from intricate ice carvings to hand-woven fishing nets.
Sustaining Ancient Practices
As the winter fishing season continues through March, Songyuan authorities emphasize sustainable tourism development. "We're preserving 1,000-year-old fishing methods while creating new economic opportunities," noted a local tourism official. The festival has already attracted significant interest from overseas investors eyeing northeast China's growing winter tourism market.
