Chagan Lake Winter Fishing Festival

查干湖冬捕节

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Nature & SeasonSongyuan/Chagan Lake
DatesDates TBA · Usually WinterCheck locally before booking
DurationWinterEstimate from available data
Crowd-Public scale varies
Best forSeasonal rites, water traditionsThe Guinness World Record net catch, over
Language["zh-Hans"]Currency: CNY
CategoryNature & SeasonFestival type
The story

Chagan Lake Winter Fishing Festival in Songyuan/Chagan Lake

On frozen Chagan Lake in Jilin, Mongolian fishermen drill hundreds of ice holes and haul a two-kilometre net by horse-turned capstan in a centuries-old winter fishing technique recognised as national intangible heritage, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors to watch a genuinely working harvest rather than a staged performance.

A single net hauled from Chagan Lake once yielded over 168,500 kilograms of fish in one pull, a Guinness World Record that this Jilin province festival still trades on, though the real spectacle each winter is the process rather than the record.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

The Guinness World Record net catch, over 168,500 kilograms hauled in a single pull, anchors the festival's reputation, but the technique itself is the real distinguishing feature: horses turning a capstan to drag a two-kilometre net through ice-drilled holes is a working method, not a demonstration staged for tourists, and the fish caught are sold and eaten rather than displayed

02

The mystery stays covered

Recognition as national intangible cultural heritage reflects a fishing method that predates any tourist festival built around it

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

Winter fishing on Chagan Lake using ice-hole netting and horse-drawn capstan hauling is documented as a Mongolian community practice recognised as national intangible cultural heritage

Water and renewal

Living ritual

distinct from tourist re-enactment

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

Dates TBA · Usually Winter

Getting around

For Chagan Lake Winter Fishing Festival, plan transport around the exact Songyuan/Chagan Lake venue, route or gathering point rather than the city name alone.

What to wear

Extreme cold-weather layering is essential: insulated boots rated for sub-zero temperatures, a full thermal base layer, windproof outerwear, and face protection, since the entire viewing...

Safety

Keep distance from unsafe water edges and follow local crowd or weather warnings.

Where to stay

For Chagan Lake Winter Fishing Festival, stay near the part of Songyuan/Chagan Lake you will actually use, with reliable return transport.

Tickets/cost

Public water rituals are often open, but boat, viewing, or activity access may be paid.

Language/currency

["zh-Hans"] · CNY

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map31.22 N, 121.46 EOpen in Google Maps

Songyuan/Chagan Lake, Jilin, China

Nearest airportHRB — Harbin Taiping
TransportFor Chagan Lake Winter Fishing Festival, plan transport around the exact Songyuan/Chagan Lake venue, route or gathering point rather than the city name alone.
Stay areaFor Chagan Lake Winter Fishing Festival, stay near the part of Songyuan/Chagan Lake you will actually use, with reliable return transport.

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to Songyuan/Chagan Lake via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near Songyuan/Chagan Lake, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for festival season.Compare faresFestival gearExtreme cold-weather layering is essential: insulated boots rated for sub-zero temperatures, a full thermal base layer, windproof outerwear, and face protection, since the entire viewing experience takes place standing on open, exposed ice with wind chill significantly lower than the air temperature alone.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for China and apply online.Check entry rulesTravel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

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FAQ

Quick answers.

When is Chagan Lake Winter Fishing Festival?

Chagan Lake Winter Fishing Festival is listed for Multiple months · Winter. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does Chagan Lake Winter Fishing Festival take place?

The festival is listed in Songyuan/Chagan Lake, China. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

Winter is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Official source linked. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

Songyuan/Chagan Lake, Jilin, China

Is it family friendly?

unknown

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLjl.gov.cn
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
SourceSource link available
Listed datesDates TBA · Usually Winter
Source statusOfficial source linked
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