The opening ceremony of the 24th Chagan Lake Fishing and Hunting Cultural Tourism Festival. [Photo provided to gojilin.gov.cn]

The 24th Chagan Lake Fishing and Hunting Cultural Tourism Festival opened on Jan 8 in Songyuan, Northeast China's Jilin province.

A highlight of the opening ceremony was the traditional lake-worship and net-awakening ritual. Through offerings, recitations, and the sharing of ceremonial wine, the ancient rite conveys deep respect for nature and heartfelt wishes for a bountiful harvest, bringing centuries-old traditions into the present.

The opening ceremony of the 24th Chagan Lake Fishing and Hunting Cultural Tourism Festival. [Photo provided to gojilin.gov.cn]

As a sub-venue of the 12th National Mass Winter Sports Season in Songyuan, the festival also featured a range of ice and snow sports. Snow soccer matches, creative snowball challenges, snow frisbee games, ice sledding, and family-friendly activities added energy and movement to the frozen lake, inviting everyone to join in.

Upgraded lakeside snow-play areas further enhanced the experience, with new beginner ski slopes, a dedicated ice-fishing camp, a 388-meter snow slide, and tranquil ice-fishing spots, offering something for every visitor.