Ice Fishing and Snow Tours at Songhua Lake

Songhua Lake, a large reservoir in Fengman District on the edge of Jilin City, Jilin Province, freezes over in mid winter and hosts ice-fishing zones and snow-scooter rides near the shore. Local operators drill holes in the ice, supply rods and bait, and often provide small shelters or seats, so no fishing experience is required. The activity is easy and suitable for families, with a typical outing lasting half a day. Packages generally cost about CNY 100-200, and operators can be found on the lakeshore or by searching 松花湖冰钓 on Meituan. Snow-scooter rides and short snow tours are usually sold as add-ons and are driven by the operators, so passengers need no driving skill. Visitors should bring insulated boots, a down jacket, gloves, a hat, hand warmers and an ID card; some operators lend or rent extra winter clothing. There is no single operator or certification body for the activity, so choosing an established stand with visible ice-thickness checks and clear prices is sensible. Safety depends on ice conditions: the reservoir is a working hydropower lake, and water levels and currents can leave thin or unstable ice in places, particularly early and late in the season. Visitors should stay within the marked zones prepared by operators, avoid wandering across the lake alone and follow staff instructions. The season runs from about January to February, when the ice is thickest, and conditions can change with mild spells. Mornings are the most comfortable for fishing, and weekends draw many local families, so weekday outings are quieter. The area combines well with skiing at Songhuahu resort and with the rime-ice scenery along the river in Jilin City.