A fish catching game is held during the Qinhu Lake winter fishing festival. [Photo/Jiangsu International Online]

The annual winter fishing festival at Qinhu Lake, Jiangyan district, Taizhou, Jiangsu, commenced with great fanfare on Jan 11. The event attracted many residents, visitors from across the country, and international guests eager to witness the festivities. 

Participants enjoy the festivities. [Photo/Jiangsu International Online]

This year's festival emphasized active participation and immersive experiences. Activities included savoring freshly made fish soup, fishing demonstrations, and interactive games such as estimating the weight of fish, which children particularly enjoyed. Selected participants were even invited to try catching fish in the water, creating an atmosphere of joy and camaraderie.

A highlight of the festival was the auction of the "King Fish", a 44-kilogram giant. A local entrepreneur from Jiangyan won the bid, announcing plans to process the fish into products such as fish balls and patties, which will be donated to local elder care homes as part of a charitable initiative.

Qinhu Lake, spanning approximately 333 hectares, has gained recognition for its high-quality fish, renowned for their fresh taste and superior texture. Thanks to years of ecological management and preservation efforts, the lake yields highly sought-after fish in the market.

Fishermen harvest the lake's bounty as the winter fishing festival opens. [Photo/Jiangsu International Online]

On the festival's opening day, the first winter harvest brought in about 100,000 kg of fish, which is set to soon be distributed to enhance customers' dining options during the Spring Festival holiday.