In the frost-kissed landscapes of northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Ulungur Lake—affectionately called Fuhai (Lake of Blessings)—transforms into a winter wonderland each year. Here, generations of fishermen brave sub-zero temperatures to keep alive a tradition as deep as the lake itself. 🌊❄️
Meet Zhang Haijiang, a second-generation fisherman who’s spent decades mastering the art of ice fishing. From tagging along with his father as a teen to now leading crews as Yubatou (lead fisherman), Zhang’s life pulses in rhythm with Ulungur’s icy waves. "This lake feeds our families and souls," he says, his breath visible in the crisp air.
This January, the Fuhai Winter Fishing Festival marked its 18th year with roaring crowds and a dramatic first catch bursting through the ice. 🐟✨ The event isn’t just about hauling fish—it’s a heartfelt ode to nature’s bounty and a community’s vow to protect their mother lake. Locals say the louder the cheers, the brighter the year ahead—a blend of hope, heritage, and icy resilience.
For travelers and culture buffs, this festival is a hidden gem: think K-drama-level drama but with real-life stakes (and way cooler backdrops). 📸❄️ As global interest in sustainable traditions grows, Ulungur’s story reminds us that some bonds—between people and nature—are unbreakable.
