Harbin: Since the first ice holes of the season were carved into Lianhuan Lake in Heilongjiang, the northernmost Chinese province has been buzzing with action. Waves of tourists eager to experience the region's winter tradition of ice fishing have arrived, reeling in bumper catches and contributing significantly to the local economy.
According to Namibia Press Agency, during the 50-day winter fishing season, Heilongjiang held 210 fishing-themed activities across 17 counties and urban areas. This resulted in the harvest of 6.4 million kg of fish and generated a revenue of 213 million yuan (about 29.7 million U.S. dollars). Han Peng, director of the provincial department of agriculture and rural affairs' fisheries administration, mentioned that 15 fishery investment project contracts, worth 1.43 billion yuan, were signed during the events. The activities attracted nearly 1.5 million visitors to Heilongjiang, adding to the overall tourism revenue of 895 million yuan for the province.
Han highlighted that Heilongjiang has more than 433,333 hectares of aquaculture waters with over 100 fish species. The total winter harvest of aquatic products is expected to exceed 900 million kg by 2025. Meanwhile, in neighboring Jilin province, ice fishing has also boosted winter agritourism, with Chagan Lake's tradition recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage in 2008.
The Chagan Lake Ice and Snow Fishing and Hunting Cultural Tourism Festival recently concluded its 60-day event, attracting 1.79 million visitors and generating 1.62 billion yuan in revenue, marking a 23.29 percent increase from the previous year. The local fishery administration maintains an annual haul of approximately 5,000 tonnes of fish from Chagan Lake to sustain natural resources, implementing replenishment measures through the release of fish fry.
Three townships and over 30 natural villages surround Chagan Lake. Local authorities estimate that revenue from the ice-lake fishing festival brought an average income of 16,000 yuan per person for residents this winter. Tourists enjoyed a variety of activities, including ice skating and ice kart racing. An American tourist, Brianna Karioki, expressed her excitement about trying "Ice Monkey," a Chinese game involving a spinning top on the icy surface.
Xu Dongfang, who owns a lakeside fish restaurant, noted that reservations were made more than half a month before the start of the winter fishing season. Xu's restaurant has expanded from a small courtyard to over 300 square meters, with an annual income between 400,000 and 500,000 yuan in recent years.
The booming ice-and-snow travel trend has transformed the once-hibernating northeastern region's winters. Tourism has been promoted through various sectors, including fishing, culture promotion, and sports, with Heilongjiang's capital of Harbin set to host the 9th Asian Winter Games in February.