Chagan Lake Scenic Area

Chagan Lake is a lake in Jilin, China. The name "Chagan" is from Mongolian, meaning sacred, pure or white, so the lake is often referred to as Sacred Lake or Holy Water Lake by local people. Covering an area of 420 square kilometers, it measures 37 km in length from south to north, and 17 km from east to west. Chagan Lake is the largest inland lake in Jilin Province and the seventh largest freshwater lake in China. The scenery here is particularly delightful in the spring and summer. The lake is known for traditional winter fishing that dates back to prehistoric times.

The scenic area is at the mouth of the Songhua River, A magnificent Tibetan lama temple, "Miaoyin Temple" on the Aobao Mountain at the scenic spot, sits on a broad square, where are large activities are held on June 14 and 15 every year. A museum nearby hosts Tahu city relics, stone tablets inscribed with Manchu and Mongolian, and relics unearthed from the Qingshantou historic site.

The scenic spot has pavilions, trees, pathways and sculptures, all scattered across the park like stars in the sky. Evergreens and blooms from a small botanic garden complement the architecture. Sculptures of historical figures, such as Jenghiz Khan, Gada Meiren, and Togtoh and Mongolian warriors, as well as the 12 Chinese zodiac signs, all dot the area.

Chagan Lake is the only place that saves the oldest Mongolia fishing method. It is listed as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage of the People's Republic of China. The annual Winter Fishing Festival is held to remember the old winter fishing tradition. Fishermen first drill many holes through the thick ice and then place net under the ice. The Lake set a Guinness World Record of a single net that yielded 104,500 kg (230,400 lb) fish in 2005, and broke its own record with168,500 kg (371,500 lb) of fish in 2008.

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