Winter fishing in Heilongjiang

Wudalianchi, Heihe, Heilongjiang province

The Wudalianchi Scenic Area, located in Heihe, Heilongjiang province, sits in the extended zone from Lesser Khingan Mountains to the Songnen Plain, covering an area of 1,060 square kilometers.

 The barrier lake beside the volcano [Photo/VCG]

Centuries ago, volcanoes erupted and the lava blocked the ancient channel, forming five barrier lakes to connect the volcanos, hence the name. Scientists have likened this place to a "museum of natural volcanoes".

A worship ritual performed at the winter fishing festival [Photo/VCG]

Regarded as the most representative of inland volcanic groups in northern China, Wudalianchi boasts a series of peculiar and well-preserved volcanic landforms. The mineral water contains more than 40 kinds of trace elements necessary for the human body and is rich with resources. Its excellent quality also fosters the fish, of which there are nine families and 36 species.

Fishermen draw their fishing net with catches. [Photo/VCG]

Fish caught from the barrier lake beside the volcano are the most valuable freshwater fish in China. The custom of winter fishing before the Spring Festival has been passed down for thousands of years among the local fishermen, becoming a "harvest scene" with regional characteristics.

Address: Wudalianchi, Heihe, Heilongjiang province

Ideal sightseeing season: Winter (for fishing)

Opening hours: 6:00 -- 18:30 (June 1 to Oct 31); 8:00 -- 17:00 (Nov 1 to May 31)

Ticket price: 60 yuan ($8.64) for adults; 30 yuan for children

Website: http://chinawdlc.org.cn/pages/5a9f7e12f6e9fa20585a7a1c (Chinese)