Every year, winter fishing on Chagan Lake has provided a feast for northern people and its traditional method has attracted many tourists to participate in the event from all parts of China.

A visitor borrows a hat from a local fisherman and takes a photo carrying a big fish. [Photo/people.com.cn]

Fishermen and visitors look at the fish lying on the ice. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Chagan Lake has been bustling with noise and excitement since the fishing season opened on Dec 22, with skillful fishermen standing on the ice, horses pulling the capstan, local farmers selling fishing tools and gadgets, and visitors from various places joining in the activity.

Several horses spin the capstan, drawing the huge net onto the ice. [Photo/people.com.cn]

This method is the traditional way to harvest fish and originated in the Liao (916--1125) and Jin dynasties (1115--1234). Even in contemporary times, the activity is still popular and sacred to local people. The custom has been listed as an intangible cultural heritage activity for Jilin province.

A tourist lifts a big fish over her head for a quick photo. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]