Thunderous Shanties Echo Over the Frozen Barrier Lake; A Winding Dragon of Climbers Scales the Volcano Summit; The Top Fish Fetches a Staggering 388,000 Yuan, Sparking Waves of Cheers; The Aroma of Steaming Mineral Spring Fish Soup Lingers in the Air at 30 Degrees Below Zero.
In the early morning of January 6, 2026, Wudalianchi Global Geopark was blanketed in snow, with ice-clad streams gurgling like jade ornaments. The "Ice Super" · "China Sports Lottery" 2026 National New Year Mountain Climbing Fitness Conference, themed "All People Climb High to Write a New Chapter, Gallop Forward to Usher in a Prosperous Year", together with the "Extreme Ice and Snow · Dancing Black River" Volcanic Barrier Lake Winter Fishing Festival, kicked off grandly here.
Gong Kai, Secretary of the Party Committee and Director of the Administrative Committee of Wudalianchi Global Geopark, along with members of the Party Committee leadership team of the scenic area, attended the opening ceremony of the event. Gong Kai delivered a speech at the ceremony.
This ice and snow gala, integrating mountain climbing fitness, folk winter fishing and cultural tourism experiences, deeply combines sports passion with traditional folk customs. Against the backdrop of the unique volcanic geological wonders, it ushers in a vibrant start to the new year.
In the early morning, the ice surface of Yaoquan Lake in the North Yaoquan Scenic Area was thick and crystal clear. Different from previous years, the starting point of this year's New Year mountain climbing event was set on this frozen lake surface.
After a brief yet enthusiastic opening ceremony, the starting whistle pierced the winter sky. The climbing team, like a long colorful dragon, set off from the ice surface and hiked along Kuangquan Road, the main thoroughfare of the scenic area, towards Yaoquan Mountain.
"We are more than happy to participate in the New Year mountain climbing event every year, as it carries a very auspicious meaning," said the students from the senior high school, breathing in the crisp air and looking at the volcanic cones standing in the distance. "In the new year, we will prepare for the college entrance examination. Just like this mountain climbing, we will take solid steps one by one and sprint towards our goals."
Along the way, the climbers admired the magnificent volcanic wonders while exercising. Under the winter sun, the 14 volcanic cones were covered in snow, and the lava plateaus were blanketed with thick white snow, like an ink wash painting. The passion derived from this ice and snow sport made everyone radiate warmth to resist the bitter cold. The moment they reached the summit of Yaoquan Mountain, cheers echoed on the mountain top. People gathered to take photos beside the crater, overlooking the winter panorama of Wudalianchi.
Volcanoes condense auspicious energy, and mineral springs compose a magnificent chapter. This mountain climbing event is not only a fitness activity, but also a close dialogue between people and volcanic geological wonders. It allows people to relax their minds in the ice and snow and look forward to the new year during the climb.
At 10:18 a.m., Yaoquan Lake was bustling with a huge crowd. The volcanic barrier lake winter fishing activity kicked off with a thousand-year-old lake worship and blessing ceremony.
The elder wise man held grains in his hands and prayed solemnly facing the frozen lake surface. A series of ancient rituals, including cleansing hands and offering incense, toasting heaven and earth, and performing music and dance for worship, were carried out in turn, presenting the ethnic, primitive and mysterious charm of Wudalianchi winter fishing.
As one of the world's three major cold springs, Wudalianchi has a complete and unique hydrogeological system that nurtures the precious volcanic cold spring mineral water fish. Growing slowly in the mineral-rich cold spring water, these fish are rich in nutrition and have delicious meat, earning them the reputation of "the King of Chinese Freshwater Fish".
"Haul the nets and bring in the fish!" A resounding and clear shanty suddenly echoed across the ice surface, pushing the winter fishing activity to its climax. The "fish headman" and fishermen dressed in traditional Northeast fur coats pulled the fishing nets together with great effort. The heavy nets rose slowly from the ice hole. In an instant, water vapor billowed, ice splashed in all directions, and plump mineral spring fish jumped and flipped in the nets, their scales glistening under the sun.
"I just joined the New Year mountain climbing event with everyone, and now I'm here for the winter fishing," said Mr. Li, a tourist from Yunnan. "This outdoor activity in the freezing ice and snow allows us to get close to nature, and I don't feel cold at all."
The auction of the top fish has always been the highlight of the winter fishing event. This plump "top fish" symbolizes good luck and prosperity for the new year.
When the "fish headman" held high a bighead carp about one meter long and weighing 36 jin, the auction began, with bids coming one after another. In the end, this auspicious first-net fish was won by Ms. Liu from Harbin at a price of 388,000 yuan. "I'm so lucky to have won the top fish of our winter fishing," the winner said excitedly. "This is not only an honor, but also carries the beautiful blessing of 'surplus year after year'."
At the end of the event, the lucky draw session of the New Year mountain climbing extended the joyful atmosphere. The winners left with prizes and beaming smiles, drawing a perfect conclusion to this ice and snow feast.
Yuan Xiaobo, Director of the Bureau of Culture and Tourism of Wudalianchi Global Geopark, stated that as the core carrier and cultural symbol of winter cultural tourism in Wudalianchi Global Geopark, this event is not only a concrete action to practice national fitness and respond to the ice and snow boom, but also an important platform to build cultural tourism integration and industrial upgrading.
This ice and snow gala, integrating mountain climbing, ice lake fishing and folk experience, not only ushers in a healthy and dynamic start to the new year, but also paints a vivid picture of northern winter charm in the extreme ice and snow. In the future, we will create more high-quality and distinctive ice and snow cultural tourism products and themed activities, and strive to write a new chapter in the quality improvement and efficiency enhancement of all-season tourism.
