CHANGCHUN -- A winter fishing-themed tourist festival is preparing to launch on Chagan Lake, one of the largest freshwater lakes in China known for its centuries-old tradition of ice-fishing.

The two-month carnival will kick off on Saturday and last until Feb. 28, 2020, with rich outdoor activities as well as cultural experiences, according to the management committee of the Chagan Lake scenic area, Northeast China's Jilin province.

An opening ceremony and a sacrificial ceremony that prays for the blessings of Mother Nature and "awakens the sleeping fishing nets" will be held on the first day of the festival.

The first Chagan Lake international ice-sculpture contest will also be held as part of the event, as well as an ice marathon around the lake on Jan 12, 2020.

Tourists who want to buy fresh fish can visit fishing sites on the frozen lake or the storehouse of the fishing ground.