The Fishing-Hunting City by the Songhua River

Songyuan, Jilin — home of Chagan Lake, blending Liao-Jin culture, Buddhist art and geological wonders. A 3-day itinerary to experience the perfect combination of ecology and culture.

500+ km²
Chagan Lake Area
4A Level
Longhua Temple
800 years
Winter Fishing History
60 m
Mud Forest Height

Songyuan Three-Day Eco-Culture Tour

Winter fishing spectacle + Buddhist art + geological exploration, feel the charm of the Songhua River

Duration
3 Days 2 Nights
Core Experience
Fishing Culture / Buddhist Art / Geological Wonder
Suitable For
Culture enthusiasts, photographers, nature explorers
Budget per Person
¥800-¥1500
01
Fishing Legend
Chagan Lake Winter Fishing
Highlights

Full-day experience of Chagan Lake winter fishing culture, stay at lakeside hotel.

Attractions
Chagan Lake
One of China's ten largest freshwater lakes. Winter ice fishing is listed as a national intangible cultural heritage, presenting a spectacular and breathtaking scene.
Practical Info
Accommodation Recommendations
  • Chagan Lake Fishery Hotel
  • Mongolian Yurt Experience
  • Lakeside Resort
Must-Try Foods
  • Whole Fish Feast
  • Mongolian Hand-Grabbed Meat
  • Milk Curd
Travel Tips
  • Winter requires -20°C cold weather gear
  • Best winter fishing time: Dec-Feb
  • Book fishing viewing in advance
02
Pure Land of Buddhism
Longhua Temple Pilgrimage
Highlights

Morning: visit Longhua Temple; Afternoon: experience Mongolian culture.

Attractions
Longhua Temple
The largest Buddhist temple complex in Northeast China, covering an area of 400,000 square meters. It houses the tallest indoor Buddha statue in Asia, with magnificent and grand architecture.
Practical Info
Cultural Experiences
  • Mongolian song & dance performance
  • Buddhist culture lecture
  • Vegetarian meal experience
Ticket Info
  • Chagan Lake: ¥80
  • Longhua Temple: Free
  • Mud Forest: ¥60
Special Activities
  • Morning bell & evening drum
  • Prayer wheel blessing
  • Mongolian home visit
03
Earth Sculptures
Qian'an Mud Forest Exploration
Highlights

Morning: hike through Mud Forest scenic area; Afternoon: return journey.

Attractions
Qian'an Mud Forest
National geopark with unique loess karst landform. Mud pillars reach up to 60 meters tall, resembling a "loess forest".
Practical Info
Shopping Recommendations
  • Mongolian handicrafts
  • Chagan Lake fish products
  • Mud Forest geological specimens
Return Suggestions
  • Allow 2 hours to reach Songyuan Station
  • Pack fragile souvenirs properly
Important Notes
  • Wear non-slip shoes for Mud Forest hike
  • Respect religious customs
  • Protect geological relics

Must-Try Foods in Songyuan

Chagan Lake Whole Fish Feast

Using wild fish from Chagan Lake, prepared through frying, deep-frying, stewing and steaming. "One fish, ten ways" embodies the wisdom of fishing families.

Mongolian Hand-Grabbed Meat

Traditional Mongolian cuisine, using grassland mutton boiled in clear water, served with wild chive flower sauce, preserving the original flavor.

Sticky Bean Buns

Traditional Manchu food, made from yellow millet flour wrapped around red bean paste filling and steamed. Soft, sticky and sweet — a winter specialty snack.

Songyuan Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
  • Dec-Feb: Golden winter fishing season
  • Jun-Sep: Best lake scenery
  • Sep-Oct: Charming autumn colors
Must-Do Activities
  • Chagan Lake winter fishing
  • Longhua Temple prayer
  • Mud Forest geological photography
  • Mongolian yurt accommodation
Budget Reference
  • Tickets: approx. ¥140
  • Accommodation: ¥300-800/night
  • Meals: ¥100-200/day
  • Transport: approx. ¥150
  • Total: ¥800-1500
FAQ
  • Can I see winter fishing? → Check fishing schedule in advance
  • Suitable for family trips? → Rich cultural experience programs
  • Specialty souvenirs? → Fish skin paintings, Mongolian silverware
  • Is transportation convenient? → Tourist shuttles to major attractions