The Xisha Mingzhu Lake scenic area in Chongming district is hosting a winter fishing festival, offering a lively lineup of fishing activities, cultural experiences, and fresh local flavors until March 3.

Event highlights:

Net-casting performance

Traditional net-casting demonstration at Mingzhu Lake. [Photo/Xisha Mingzhu Lake scenic area]

Watch as skilled performers cast wide, colorful nets into the waters of Xisha Mingzhu Lake. From fishing boats on the lake, one performer rows while the other sends the net arcing through the air in a graceful, practiced motion, creating a captivating display of traditional fishing techniques.

When: Weekends, Spring Festival & Lantern Festival holidays, 9:30 am & 2:30 pm

Where: "7"-shaped deck area near Three-Island Platform

Eco-friendly catch-and-keep fishing

Bring your own rod and try your luck fishing in Mingzhu Lake's clean waters. Each angler is allowed one hand-rod with a single barbless hook. Artificial lures and chemical baits are not permitted.

When: Daily, 9 am to 4 pm

Where: Fishing zone near the fish exhibition hall

Fee: 100 yuan ($14.32) per person

Keep your catch, with the first 1.5 kilograms of fish free of charge. Any additional weight is charged at 60 yuan/kg.

Lure fishing adventures

A delighted international visitor displays the fish he caught at the lake. [Photo/Xisha Mingzhu Lake scenic area]

Since 2014, the scenic area has been home to an international lure angling base, offering fully equipped fishing boats on 200 hectares of pristine water — a true paradise for lure-fishing enthusiasts.

When: Through March 3

Where: On the lake

Fee: 3,400 yuan per boat (maximum two people)

Lift-net fishing experience

Try your hand at an ancient fishing method using traditional lift nets set up along the lake's floating bridge. It's fun, engaging, and open to all ages.

When: Through March 3

Where: "7"-shaped floating bridge

Fee: 10 yuan for three tries (10-minute session)

Keep your catch: Priced at 60 yuan/kg

Fresh & fun farmers' market

The lakeside market offers hands-on cultural workshops and local food tastings. [Photo/Xisha Mingzhu Lake scenic area]

When you're ready for a break from the water, head to the lakeside market for more immersive activities:

• Cooking workshop: Learn to make air-dried black carp and wine-cured fish blocks with guidance from a local chef. Sample wood-fire chicken, fish-head soup, fish wontons, and other hearty local dishes.

• Wheat-straw art: Try your hand at this intangible cultural heritage craft with a master artisan. Starter kits are provided, and finished pieces are available to take home.

• Chongming rice-cake making: Press fresh rice flour into carved molds, then steam to create soft, fragrant rice cakes stamped with traditional blessing patterns, resulting in a delicious souvenir crafted by hand.

When: Weekends, Spring Festival & Lantern Festival holidays

Where: Lakeside lawn

Source: Xisha Mingzhu Lake scenic area

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