Changling Lake Winter Festival welcomes tourists

The fifth Changling Lake Winter Fishing Festival opened in Daoli district of Harbin on Dec 30. The annual festival is aimed at promoting local tourism.

After a year-long moratorium on fishing at the lake, it was finally able to open its annual fishing season. The first batch of fish were caught on the morning of Dec 20, following an ancient ceremony to pray for a big harvest.

The biggest of the fish caught, representing good luck for the new year in local traditional culture, was sold at an auction for a price of 88,800 yuan ($13,129).

During the festival, tourists will not only have the chance to watch fishermen catch fish from the frozen lake, but also to admire light shows integrating VR technology along the Changling Lake.

In addition, various ice and snow activities are available for tourists who have no interest in fishing and light shows. Tourists can choose from snow slides, motorbikes, soccer, bowling and circus performances.

The festival will last 25 days until Jan 23.

An opening ceremony for the fifth Changling Lake Winter Fishing Festival takes place in Daoli district of Harbin on Dec 30. [Photo/China.com.cn]

A lion dance performance is staged at the opening ceremony for the fifth Changling Lake Winter Fishing Festival in Daoli district of Harbin on Dec 30. [Photo/China.com.cn]

Snow sculptures along Changling Lake illuminated by colorful lights. [Photo/China.com.cn]

A fisherman shows off the biggest fish caught in Changling Lake on Dec 30. [Photo/China.com.cn]