Home / Environment / China's Frozen Lake Yields $243K Fish, Ancient Ritual
China's Frozen Lake Yields $243K Fish, Ancient Ritual
9 Jan
Summary
- The season's first fish auctioned for nearly $243,434.
- Traditional winter fishing follows strict ecological rules.
- Cultural festival blends ancient practices with modern tourism.
A bone-chilling temperature of nearly minus 20 C did not deter tens of thousands from witnessing the opening of the 24th Chagan Lake Ice and Snow Fishing and Hunting Cultural Tourism Festival in Jilin province. This ancient winter ritual, deeply ingrained in local life, saw the season's first fish, weighing 19 kilograms, auctioned for 1,699,999 yuan ($243,434).
The auction's winning bid was placed by e-commerce giant JD Group, with funds pledged to the Chagan Lake Ecological Environment Protection Charity Fund. For generations, fishermen have practiced sustainable methods, drilling ice only after careful observation and using nets designed to let younger fish escape, ensuring resource preservation.
This tradition, listed as a national intangible cultural heritage in 2008, continues to thrive, attracting tourists with events like ice hockey and snow sports. Ecological protection measures, including larger mesh sizes, have improved the environment while preserving this unique cultural heritage.
