Despite the teeth-chattering coldness in northeastern China, many consider winter as one of the best seasons to visit Jilin Province. With New Year's Day right around the corner, Jilin is hoping to wow winter vacationers with its traditional winter fishing festival, natural hot springs and amazing snow scenery in rural areas.

Winter fishing

The 18th Chagan Lake Winter Fishing Festival will get underway on December 28, running through to February 28. A total of 19 activities, including a marathon and a dragon boat competition around and on the ice-covered Chagan Lake, will enable visitors to learn about the local folk culture and experience winter sports. 

Each winter, the fishermen brave temperatures of minus 20 to 30 degrees Celsius, and use a centuries-old technique to catch fish. The largest fish in the first catch will be auctioned because it symbolizes luck and happiness for the whole year in local culture. 

Last year, the event attracted a total of over 1.7 million visitors, generating the tourism revenue of 1.5 million yuan (214 million U.S. dollars). In 2018, the biggest fish from the first catch was sold for 999,999 yuan (142,735 U.S. dollars). Money from the auction was used to protect the environment of Chagan Lake.

Hot springs

Changbai Mountain, one of the most-visited tourist destinations in Jilin, boasts breathtaking scenery all year round, and particularly so in winter season. With the outdoor temperatures dropping as low as minus 30 degrees Celsius, one simply can't resist the temptation of hot springs. 

Most of the hot springs there have temperatures of over 60 degrees Celsius with the highest reaching 82 degrees Celsius. The water is said to be rich in minerals as well. Once you are inside, you might not feel like getting out.

Erhe Village

Erhe Village has quickly gained popularity in the past few years. Tourists say its snow-capped farm houses, red lanterns, and a 10-meter-high giant cob of corn made out of 15,000 cobs of corn are all major reasons to visit. 

Erhe Village sees frequent snowfalls in winter. With a ski resort that comes with steep slopes and long ski courses, the outdoor activities bring tourists a lot of fun. Apart from that, visitors are also able to make their own tofu and pancakes with the locals.

(With inputs from China Daily)