As temperatures plummet in northeast China, Chagan Lake transforms into a frozen stage for one of humanity’s oldest winter rituals: ice fishing 🎣. Known as the 'last fishing tribe' in the country, local fishers—called 'fish heads'—are reviving a 1,000-year-old practice passed down through 20 generations. Think Netflix documentary meets real-life survival skills!
Using handwoven nets and sturdy Mongolian horses 🐎, teams carve grids into the thick ice, hauling out massive catches within minutes. It’s equal parts art and science, blending ancient wisdom with teamwork. \"Every winter feels like reconnecting with our ancestors,\" shares a fifth-generation fisher during an exclusive chat with CGTN’s Chen Mengfei ❄️.
Tourists flock to witness the spectacle, snapping frosty selfies and cheering as silver fish leap from icy depths. But beyond the viral moments, this tradition underscores a deeper story of cultural resilience 🌍. With climate shifts and modernization, the 'fish heads' face new challenges—yet their nets keep pulling history into the present.
Could this be the ultimate #WinterAdventure? For travelers and culture buffs, Chagan Lake is now a bucket-list blend of heritage and frosty fun. 🌊✨
Reference(s):
Live: Chat with inheritor of thousand-year-old fishing technique
cgtn.com