In the heart of northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Ulungur Lake – affectionately known as Fuhai, the Lake of Blessings – transforms each winter into a frosty arena for one of the region's most enduring traditions: the Fuhai Winter Fishing Festival.
At its centre is Zhang Haijiang, a second-generation fisherman who grew up chasing his father across the ice. Now the Yubatou, or lead fisherman, Zhang combines age-old techniques with a deep respect for the lake's ecosystem, ensuring each catch honors both tradition and sustainability.
2025 marked the festival's 18th year, and on January 18, as the sun reached its zenith over the frozen expanse, a triumphant cry rang out when the first fish broke through the ice. For locals, that moment carries a collective wish: that Ulungur Lake continues to flourish and that happiness endures long after the ice melts.
Beyond the thrill of the catch, the festival underscores the power of community. As a key fishery in Xinjiang, Ulungur Lake lends its name to Fuhai County – truly its 'mother lake' – shaping local identity and livelihoods. For global citizens and adventurous travellers seeking immersive cultural experiences, this ice-bound celebration offers a captivating snapshot of how tradition, conservation, and winter wonder converge on the shores of the Lake of Blessings.
Reference(s):
Xinjiang Dawn to Dusk | Weishi: Ulungur's ice fishing spectacle
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