Winter fishing season starts at Ulungur Lake, NW China's Xinjiang

A large net full of fish is hauled across the frozen surface of Ulungur Lake in Fuhai county, Altay, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (People's Daily Online/Li Long)

During a recent winter fishing festival at Ulungur Lake in Fuhai county, Altay, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, fish leapt from the frozen lake surface, delighting tourists.

The first fish caught was a wild common carp, said Zhang Haijiang, a veteran fisherman.

"I'm taking this first fish to the display area, decorating it with a big red ribbon, and wishing for a bountiful winter fishing season," he said.

Unlike in previous years, the first fish caught this season wasn't auctioned. Instead, it was gifted to a nursing home, symbolizing good luck, health and shared warmth.

Vendor Yang Tingzhong was in high spirits. "We can sell nearly 100 grilled fish a day," he said. "Tourists can't get enough of the fresh taste!"

The annual winter fishing festival at the lake has become a major boost to local incomes.

Ulungur Lake, one of China's 10 largest inland freshwater lakes, supports abundant fish stocks, producing over 8,000 tonnes of fish annually.

Veteran fisherman Zhang Haijiang holds a wild common carp at Ulungur Lake in Fuhai county, Altay, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (People's Daily Online/Li Long)

Fishermen haul in nets at Ulungur Lake in Fuhai county, Altay, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (People's Daily Online/Li Long)

Fishermen gather their catch at Ulungur Lake in Fuhai county, Altay, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (People's Daily Online/Li Long)

Fishermen hold freshly caught fish at Ulungur Lake in Fuhai county, Altay, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (People's Daily Online/Li Long)