Winter fishing on Bosten Lake in NW China's Xinjiang

Photo taken on Jan. 18, 2026, shows fishermen carrying out winter fishing operations on the frozen surface of Bosten Lake in Bohu County, Bayingolin Mongol Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

As the high-pitched net-hauling chants rang out, fishermen worked together to pull in the massive nets, which slowly emerged from holes cut through the ice. In moments, carp, silver carp and grass carp burst through the ice and leapt across the frozen lake, creating a spectacular scene known as "fish dancing on the ice." The first haul of this year's winter fishing season yielded a bountiful catch of over six tons of fresh fish. Winter fishing at Bosten Lake is not only a long-standing seasonal tradition, but also a new calling card for the region's "ice and snow + tourism" integrated development. This year's ice and snow season will run through March, featuring 68 themed activities designed to turn "cold resources" into a lasting "hot economy." (Nian Lei/Guangming Pictures)

Photo taken on Jan. 18, 2026, shows visitors displaying freshly caught fish at the winter fishing site on Bosten Lake in Bohu County, Bayingolin Mongol Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (Nian Lei/Guangming Pictures)

Photo taken on Jan. 18, 2026, shows fishermen carrying out winter fishing operations on the frozen surface of Bosten Lake in Bohu County, Bayingolin Mongol Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (Nian Lei/Guangming Pictures)