Each year, Fuhai county in Altay prefecture, Xinjiang, hosts the Winter Fishing Festival. Ulungur Lake freezes in November, and an official fishing moratorium begins in December; nonetheless, from mid‑ to late‑December through March the lake becomes the prime season for regulated winter fishing. The festival, held in mid‑January just before theSpring Festival, draws people onto the ice to watch folk performances, savor fish-and-lamb stew, bid on the"first fish" and return home with plentiful catches to welcome the new year.

Beyond local residents, many tourists join in, enjoying activities such as snow tubing and sled rides and sharing in the festival's lively atmosphere.

（Photograph Courtesy of Ulungur Lake "Sea Devil City" Scenic Area）

A highlight of the Winter Fishing Festival is the ice speed races. Competitors thrust off with ice poles as iceboats smash through the surface at high speed—a spectacular sight. Other fun events include ice banana-boat rides, snow zorb balls, and spinning ice tops.

Lively, festive folk performances take center stage at the Winter Fishing Festival. Young Kazakh men demonstrate the traditional snow sheep‑snatching, followed by impressive horse and camel team displays.

The grand finale is the "fish‑and‑lamb stew." Fishing and cooking happen simultaneously on the ice, steaming pots filling the air with an irresistible aroma; attendees can taste the freshly made stew on the spot.

After eating their fill, spectators enjoy the thrill of bidding for the prized "first fish." When the auction ends, the festival reaches its peak as locals and visitors eagerly buy Ulungur Lake's fresh catch, taking home specialties that symbolize good luck and abundance.

"Magnificent Xinjiang · Northern Snow Valley" Premium Ice & Snow Tourism Route

Key stops: Urumqi City → Fukang City → Fuyun County → Qinghe County → Altay City → Burqin County

Highlights along the route: Koktokay International Ski Resort, Jiangjun Mountain Ski Resort, Kanas Scenic Area, and more.

Featured ice-and-snow activities: Fuhai Ulungur Lake Winter Fishing Festival; JikePulin Pink Snow Carnival; White Cloud Hot Pot Festival.