(Photo provided to Xinhua Daily)

A winter fishing-themed festival opened at Qinhu Lake in Jiangyan District of Taizhou City on January 27, a popular event for locals and tourists ahead of the Spring Festival.

More than 10,000 kg of fish were caught in the first net alone. The good environment of the lake and its wetlands contributed to the high quality and demand for the fish, ensuring they were quickly sold out.

More than 2,000 tourists attended the festival, which included an engaging activity to guess the weight of the largest fish. Six tourists competed, hoping to win a large silver carp. The heaviest fish caught this year weighed in at 49.13 kg and fetched 58,000 yuan at an auction held on-site.

Festival-goers could also enjoy a delicious soup cooked with 100 kg of fish for nearly five hours, according to chef Wu Zhixiang.

The festival began after 1949 when a local fishery cooperative organized fishing in lunar December for the Chinese New Year celebrations, offering a unique opportunity for tourists to immerse themselves in the fishing culture of the water town.