The opening ceremony of the Dunhua 2017 Shaman Fishing and Hunting Culture Tourism Festival was held on Jan 13 at Yanming Lake, Dunhua City of Jilin province, which included a sacred Shaman cultural ritual and fishing activities.

A sacred ritual is performed to open the fishing event. [Photo/Xinhua]

Local fishermen present sacrifices to the lake of fruit, steamed-bread, and the head of an ox. [Photo/Xinhua]

Yanming Lake has a long fishing history and all the activities, including the awakening lake ceremony and capturing the largest fish, reflect elements of traditional Shaman culture.

It is reported that more than 10,000 tourists and local people attended the event and captured about 13,000 fish.

Li Guangzhou, vice mayor of Dunhua City, said the event helps promote winter tourism resources in the city and allows more people know about traditional Shaman fishing and hunting culture.

Nets full of fish are pulled onto the frozen lake. [Photo/Xinhua]

Nets full of fish are pulled onto the frozen lake. [Photo/Xinhua]

"I've heard much about Chagan Lake Winter Fishing but never thought that I could participate in this splendid activity in Dunhua. I'll buy a large fish for Spring Festival!" said a tourist from Changchun, Jilin.

Shamanism, originating from North China, is worshipped by many nations including the Manchu and Mongolian people, and many religious customs have been passed down to recent times.