At the Winter Fishing Festival, Zhang Ruiyong, Deputy Director of the Comprehensive Service Center and Head of the Technical and Economic Center at Mudanjiang Hydropower Plant of State Grid Heilongjiang Electric Power Co., Ltd., who was honored as a "National Model Worker," was specially invited to attend. He was presented with the festival's symbolic "first fish," representing good fortune and a bountiful harvest, along with Xiangshui rice, as a tribute to the most admirable laborers.

Jingpohu Lake is the world's largest volcanic lava barrier lake, renowned for its excellent ecology, abundant aquatic resources, and a long history of fishing culture and winter fishing traditions. Winter fishing here dates back to the Bohai Kingdom during the Tang Dynasty, when fishermen cut ice to catch fish for tribute to Chang'an, and the spectacular scene of "fish leaping from the frozen lake" was recorded in history books. After millennia, this ancient custom has been revitalized in modern times. The Jingpohu Lake Winter Fishing Festival has evolved into a nationally recognized exemplary fishery cultural event, once setting a record of harvesting 860,000 jin (430 tons) in a single net haul, becoming a hallmark of Heilongjiang's winter tourism.

At 10 a.m. on January 15, the ice-covered Jingpohu Lake buzzed with excitement. As fishermen chanted work songs and slowly lowered the net beneath the ice—the "Lake Worship and Net Awakening" ceremony—this moment embodied both reverence for nature and the continuation of a millennium-old fishing tradition.

"Cast the net, heave-ho, catch the lake fish, heave-ho..." At the command of the lead fisherman, dozens of workers turned the winch together, pulling out a kilometer-long net from under the ice. Tens of thousands of jin of lively lake fish burst onto the icy surface, their silver scales glinting in the sunlight as tourists raised their phones to capture the breathtaking "fish leaping from the frozen river" moment. This year's festival also featured jubilant performances like the Drum of Prosperity, winter fishing folk songs, Northeast folk yangko dances, and lion dances, blending ancient fishing wisdom with modern artistic creativity on the frozen lake. These elements, alongside the fishermen's songs, yangko rhythms, and drumbeats, created an unforgettable "Winter Fishing Feast." It was reported that this year's "first fish" weighed over ten jin, with a total catch of 28,000 jin.

At the festival, Zhang Ruiyong, a "National Labor Model" and deputy director of the General Service Center at Mudanjiang Hydropower Plant of State Grid Heilongjiang Electric Power Company, was specially invited to attend. He was presented with the auspicious "first fish" of the winter catch and Xiangshui rice, symbols of good fortune and harvest, as a tribute to the most admirable workers.

Running concurrently with the traditional winter fishing is the 1st Jingpohu Lake Winter Fishing Challenge in Mudanjiang. Forty angling enthusiasts from across the country set up ice fishing tents on the frozen lake, patiently waiting for fish to bite with their ice fishing rods. The competition featured awards such as "Top Three by Total Weight" and "Participation Prizes," with contestants showcasing the sporting spirit of "making friends through fishing and challenging oneself" while focusing intently in the frigid -20°C conditions.

In addition to winter fishing, the scenic area offers over ten ice and snow recreational activities: visitors can ride snowmobiles across the ice for an exhilarating drift experience. Or snap photos in front of the 15-meter-high Diaoshuilou Ice Waterfall—its crystal-clear surface refracting rainbow hues under sunlight, making it a social media hotspot. Alternatively, explore the Ningguta Cultural Tourism Experience Village, where traditional magic shows, "Lucky Draw," "Scholar's Tales," NPC interactions, and the immersive historical drama "Storm Over Ningguta" bring to life the area’s transformation from a frontier stronghold to today’s "land of fish and rice." Nearby, the "Haidong Golden Age" snow sculpture complex at Jingpohu Lake Villa Wharf recreates Bohai Kingdom architecture, complemented by ice sculptures, photo spots, and ice performance zones—blending history with interactive winter fun.

Following the Winter Fishing Festival’s launch, to fully leverage its unique ice and snow resources and eco-fisheries, Jingpohu Lake plans daily winter fishing demonstrations and small-net harvests until mid-to-late February 2026.