Frozen Nets and Century-Old Traditions
When the first light of dawn cuts through the pre-dawn mist over Ulungur Lake in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region of the Chinese mainland, local ice fisher Zhang Haijiang raises his pick. The crisp crack of ice echoes across the frozen surface—a sound that has resonated here for generations.
At 17, Zhang learned this ancient art from his father. Today, he leads a team of fishermen in Fuhai County’s celebrated winter fishing festival. With painstaking skill, they carve thousand-meter nets through solid ice. As the horn of sacrifice pierces the cold air, onlookers watch in awe as silver fish leap towards the morning sun.
Celebration of Community and Culture
Each year, tens of thousands journey to witness this remarkable spectacle. Alongside the ice holes, visitors gather around steaming bowls of fish and lamb stew, sharing stories and warmth. The festival has transformed a seasonal catch into a vibrant cultural showcase, drawing travelers and digital nomads alike.
From Ancestral Wisdom to Modern Prosperity
Behind the festival’s pageantry lies deep-rooted wisdom. Local fishermen use sustainable practices passed down over centuries—breaking only the ice they need and releasing undersized fish back into the waters. In recent years, collaborations with entrepreneurs and tech enthusiasts have introduced data-driven tracking of fish populations, ensuring the tradition endures responsibly.
For young global citizens, this celebration is more than a spectacle. It’s a living narrative of human ingenuity, community resilience, and the magic that happens when ancient traditions meet modern minds.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
