Duerbote Winter Carnival Guide: Winter fishing, horseback riding, and a whole fish and whole lamb feast – all in one go!
After spending too much time in Beijing, I longed to escape to the wilderness. Luckily, Daqing's Duerbote County was hosting a series of winter fishing activities, so I decided to visit this hidden grassland and water town in Northeast China. A one-stop experience of eating, drinking, and having fun from morning till night completely cured my winter anxiety! It's just a short train ride from Beijing to Daqing or Harbin, a quick transfer away. In just a few hours, you can jump from concrete jungles into the freedom of a snow-covered wonderland. This is a reliable, personally tested guide, so my fans should definitely bookmark it!
🌨️ Morning: Ice Lake Winter Fishing – Unlock the awe and freshness of a thousand-year-old fishing tradition
Winter fishing is an absolute must-do in Duerbote County! In the early morning, the temperature on the ring lake drops below -20 degrees Celsius. The vast expanse of white ice stretches as far as the eye can see. Every step on the thick snow crunches crisply. From afar, you can see the Mongolian men already busy at work.
Threading the rod, setting the net, adjusting the direction—the entire sequence is executed flawlessly, showcasing fishing wisdom passed down for millennia. As the kilometer-long net slowly unfolds under the ice, everyone waits in quiet anticipation for the miracle of "ten thousand fish leaping from the lake." Usually, the fish can be caught the next day. The leaping fish performance is truly thrilling; lively, wriggling fish break through the ice, their silvery scales dazzling in the sunlight. Cheers and the sounds of nets being pulled mingle together—this is the vibrant atmosphere of winter!
Besides watching the winter fishing, you can also browse the rural market for local specialties; experience the joy of ice fishing in the winter fishing area; or witness the extreme feats of snow kite flying in the invitational tournament. The Guinness World Record-certified event adds a touch of ceremony, creating a truly immersive atmosphere. When you're tired, head to the food area for a bite. The free fish soup is milky white and rich; a sip of this warm soup instantly dispels the chill—it's freshly caught from the frozen lake, a taste of nature's bounty.
To experience the deliciousness of the whole fish feast in advance, head straight to the scenic area's restaurant after watching the winter fishing in the morning. The stoves are roaring with activity, the iron pots simmering with fish, the fish meat soaked in the broth, tender and flavorful; the pan-fried whitefish is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, each bite bursting with rich, oily aroma. From the frozen lake to the table, it takes only a few hours—this ultimate freshness is a winter exclusive to Duerbote.
🐴 Afternoon: Horseback Riding in the Wilderness, a Sunset Rendezvous with My Rider
After a satisfying meal, the afternoon's destination is the Luye Equestrian Club in Dongtumo Village, Hujitumo Town. This is where I had the most therapeutic moments of my trip! I met my perfect riding partner—Gangzi, a red-maned horse with a striking white face and white hooves. Gentle yet with a touch of personality, he always subtly observes my every move out of the corner of his eye.
He clearly has an urge to gallop, yet he always carefully slows down, afraid of startling me. Leading it through the village, smoke mingled with the aroma of milk from the chimneys of white-walled, red-tiled houses, and the warm smiles of Mongolian mothers were especially comforting. Reaching an open area outside the village, the view suddenly stretched far into the distance, snowflakes shimmering on the tips of the grass.
As I pulled on the reins and stopped, the setting sun was slowly kissing the horizon, painting the sky in warm hues like orange soda, even bathing Gangzi's mane in a gentle glow. The world was quiet except for the sound of my heartbeat and hooves; all restlessness was soothed by the sunset and the open field. It turns out that the most pleasant time is to share an undisturbed sunset with a horse in the winds of Duerbote.
🔥 Evening: Whole Lamb Feast + Snowfield Hot Springs, Warming You Up in the Winter Heat
After a day of fun, the evening's happiness must come from delicious food and hot springs! The Mongolian whole roasted lamb ceremony is a truly ceremonial affair. A whole roasted lamb rests on a wooden platter, its golden-red, glistening skin gleaming invitingly under the lights. The aroma of roasted lamb mingles with the scent of fresh meat, filling the air with a warm glow even before you take a bite.
Young men and women in embroidered Mongolian robes arrive singing and dancing, their graceful Andai dance igniting the atmosphere. The powerful throat singing resonates through the air, conveying the grandeur and richness of nomadic culture to everyone present. On the table, besides the hearty delicacy of the whole roasted lamb feast—crispy-skinned, juicy roasted lamb—there are also sauerkraut dumplings, rich blood sausage, and refreshing Northeastern mixed salad to cleanse the palate. It also complements the lingering aftertaste of the whole fish feast enjoyed at lunch, a bite of meat followed by a bite of fish, the freshness and hearty flavors colliding on the tongue.
After a satisfying meal, a short rest is in order, but be sure to experience the snow-covered hot springs of Lianhuan Lake! Imagine soaking in a steaming hot spring in the freezing cold of -30°C, snowflakes melting instantly on your shoulders, your body enveloped in warmth, and a sky full of stars overhead – this wondrous experience of ice and fire is an unforgettable memory.
📍 Travel Tips (Blogger's Personal Experience)
1. Transportation: Take the high-speed train from Beijing to Daqing West Station, then transfer to a through bus for 15 minutes to Duerbote. From there, it's about a 30-minute drive to the Lianhuan Lake Hot Spring Resort.
2. Accommodation: You can stay in the Lianhuan Lake scenic area for convenient access to winter fishing activities. There are hot spring hotels within the resort, but rooms can be in high demand during large events, so advance booking may be necessary during peak season. Alternatively, you can stay in the county town, which is closer to Duerbote Railway Station, offers a wider range of prices, and has relatively newer facilities.
3. Clothing: A thick down jacket, down pants or fleece-lined waterproof pants, snow boots, wool socks, a scarf, cotton gloves (gloves that allow you to operate your phone while taking photos are necessary), and non-slip crampons are essential. Warmth is paramount, as it's windy on the ice and in the open fields. Hand warmers and heated insoles are also necessary.
4. Sightseeing: The best time to watch the winter fishing is from 10 AM to 12 PM. For horseback riding, it's recommended to go before 3:30 PM, around 4 PM to catch the sunset – perfect for beautiful photos. The snow-covered hot springs offer a more immersive experience in the evening.
5. Food: For the whole fish feast, we recommend the iron pot stewed fish and pan-fried white fish. The whole lamb feast must be enjoyed with milk tea. Don't miss the authentic local produce at the village market, and be sure to try the free fish soup!
From the breathtaking and delicious winter fishing on the frozen lake to the gentle sunset over the open fields, and the healing experiences of the whole fish feast, whole lamb feast, and snow-covered hot springs, every day in Duerbote is full of surprises. There are no crowds here, only vast grasslands, pristine snow and ice, and vibrant local life. Coming here in winter is the only way to truly understand the romance and boldness of Northeast China. Don't hesitate, pack your bags and go!