Located in Qian Gorlos Mongolian Autonomous County, Songyuan City, Jilin Province, Chagan Lake is one of China's top ten freshwater lakes, a national nature reserve and 5A-rated tourist attraction. Preserving the most primitive Mongolian fishing and hunting culture, it's renowned for its "Winter Fishing on Chagan Lake", hailed as "China's Last Northern Fishing and Hunting Tribe" and "Miracle of Fish Leaping from Icy Lake".
Natural Ecology
Lake Overview
- Water Area: 506 sq km, Jilin's largest natural lake
- Ecosystem: Habitat for 200+ bird species and 68 fish species
- Water Quality: National Class II, abundant in bighead carp, carp etc.
Seasonal Scenery
- Spring: Migratory bird paradise, best birdwatching season
- Summer: Lotus blooms, ideal summer retreat
- Autumn: Golden reeds, fishing boats at dusk
- Winter: Frozen lake surface, spectacular ice fishing
Cultural Features
Fishing Culture
- Winter Fishing: Listed as national intangible cultural heritage
- Lake Worship Ceremony: Preserved ancient sacrificial ritual
- Horse-Pulled Winches: Traditional fishing method over 1,000 years
Mongolian Culture
- Nadam Fair: Traditional Mongolian festival in summer
- Ethnic Villages: Experience yurt life, horsehead fiddle performance
- Cuisine: Whole fish banquet, hand-grabbed mutton, milk tea etc.
Main Attractions
Natural Scenic Areas
- Chagan Lake Wetland: Ideal for birdwatching and photography
- Lotus Pond: Thousands of acres blooming in summer
- Reed Marshes: Boat through golden reed maze
Cultural Experience Zones
- Fishing Culture Museum: Showcases winter fishing history and tools
- Genghis Khan Temple: Displays Mongolian history and culture
- Winter Fishing Site: Participate in spectacular fishing activities
Featured Experiences
Seasonal Events
- Winter Fishing Festival (Dec-Feb): Witness kilometer-long net fishing under ice
- Lake Opening Festival (Apr): Spring fishing ceremony
- Lotus Festival (Jul-Aug): Lotus viewing and picking activities
Regular Activities
- Fresh Lake Cuisine: On-site prepared Chagan Lake fish banquet
- Grassland Cycling: Lakeside bike trails
- Fishing Experience: Participate in traditional fishing operations
Practical Information
Ticket Info
- Entrance: ¥90/person (includes wetland museum)
- Winter Fishing Festival: ¥120/person (includes performance)
- Boat Tour: ¥60/person (lake circuit)
Opening Hours
- Peak Season (May 1-Oct 31): 8:00-18:00
- Off Season (Nov 1-Apr 30): 8:30-17:00
- Winter Fishing Show: Daily mornings from late Dec to Feb
Transportation
- Flight: Transfer from Changchun Longjia Airport by bus (~3hrs)
- High-speed Rail: Changchun to Songyuan bullet train (1.5hrs), then shuttle
- Driving: ~2.5hrs from Changchun via Hunwu Expressway
Travel Tips
- Best Time: Dec-Feb for winter fishing, Jul-Aug for lotus
- Duration: 1-2 days for in-depth experience
- Essentials: Winter requires cold-proof clothing (-30℃)
- Souvenirs: Fish skin art, Mongolian handicrafts