Against the backdrop of winter’s crisp air, Liuye Lake in Changde, Hunan province, has become the centerpiece of a remarkable annual tradition—the Winter Fish Market. Now in its seventh consecutive year, this highly anticipated event has transformed into both a cultural celebration and economic boon for the region.
The fishing festival, running from January 8 to January 18, operates on a simple yet effective principle: daily catches are available from 9 am until completely sold out. This year’s market holds special significance as it coincides with preparations for the upcoming Chinese Year of the Horse, symbolizing local aspirations for prosperity and success in the coming year.
What sets Liuye Lake apart is its commitment to ecological aquaculture practices. The ‘willow-leaf lake’ employs a strict natural farming methodology that completely avoids artificial feeds, chemical fertilizers, and fish medications. This approach has not only ensured the quality of the aquatic products but has also maintained the lake’s ecological balance.
According to local government estimates, the current winter fishing season is expected to yield approximately 250,000 kilograms of fresh fish. The morning scenes at the lake demonstrate the event’s popularity, with locals forming orderly queues to secure their share of the daily catch, often resulting in complete sell-outs within hours.
The impact of Liuye Lake’s fishing industry extends far beyond Changde’s boundaries. Fresh catches are systematically transported to major urban markets, including Chongqing and Chengdu, bringing the lake’s renowned freshness to dining tables across the region. This distribution network has effectively turned a local tradition into a regional culinary phenomenon.
The success of the winter fishing market represents a harmonious blend of environmental conservation, cultural preservation, and economic development—a model that continues to gain recognition and appreciation throughout Central China.