As winter grips northeast China, Chagan Lake in northeast China’s Jilin Province has come alive with its annual ice fishing tradition. Fishermen celebrated the season's first “red net”, a haul exceeding 50,000 kilograms in a single cast, with the lake’s record standing at an astonishing 260,000 kilograms. The use of scientific fishing methods has boosted fish density, making these remarkable catches increasingly frequent.

On December 19, the very first day of net casting, “we caught over 50,000 kilograms of fish,” said fishing master Bing Hailong. The ancient practice, dating back to the Liao Dynasty (907–1125) and recognised as a national intangible cultural heritage in 2008, relies on teamwork. Hundreds of holes are drilled around a chosen spot, giant nets are lowered, and horses operate turnstiles to reel in the ropes.

Tourists are captivated by the spectacle. One visitor from Guizhou said, “It is really a spectacular sight, something I've never seen before.” In just one day, four teams netted nearly 250,000 kilograms, marking a truly bountiful harvest.

Source: China Central Television