Echoes of ancestral nets: Fishing on frozen time

In the misty morning of Xinjiang's Ulungur Lake, ice fisher Zhang Haijiang strikes the ice with his pick, the crisp sound echoing a century-old fishing tradition. Since he was 17, Zhang has followed his father, mastering this ancient art. Now, he leads a team of fishermen in breaking the ice and casting their nets during the annual winter fishing festival in the region's Fuhai County.

The horn of sacrifice pierces the cold air as the thousand-meter net slowly emerges, silver fish leaping in the morning sun. Each year, tens of thousands gather to witness this incredible spectacle. Visitors warm up with steaming fish and lamb stew, experiencing the enduring spirit of this ancient tradition. This cultural heritage has turned Fuhai's winter catch into a thriving celebration, blending ancient wisdom with modern prosperity.