A centuries-old winter fishing season has arrived once again on the ice-sealed lakes in the frigid northern and north eastern parts of China, with substantial hauls expected.

In Chifeng City of north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, fisherfolk have been braving the extreme cold, casting and drawing in a 170-meter long fishing net under ice more than a meter thick ice on Dalai Nur Lake.

Luckily, the haul of about 25,000 kilograms of fish was worthy of the toil. The fishing team plans to keep operation for 20 days with an expected haul of 180,000 kilograms of fish, according to the team head.

In order to protect the ecosystem, Dalai Nur Lake only allows winter fishing with total an amount of less than 200,000 kilograms, according to the local government. Nevertheless, the event has brought in income from other aspects like tourism, as the traditional activity has attracted tourists from across the country coming to watch.

Fishermen on the ice-sealed Maoxing Lake in Daqing City of northeast China's Heilongjiang Province also celebrated a bumper harvest, as their first net cast under the ice hole brought ashore over 100,000 kilograms of fish.

"The first net was packed, and the haul topped 200,000 jin (100,000 kilograms), which is more than the first-net haul in the past year. This year marks another bumper harvest," said Li Yuwen, the head of the fishing team.

The coming atmosphere also affected the tourists.

"I've come to the winter fishing site for the first time this year, and the scene was very impressive. I was delighted to see the fishermen's bumper harvest," said Wang Xiaoli, a tourist.

The local tourism authority also set up ice sculptures with stunning lighting effects, recreational facilities and dining area with characteristic foods including fish from the lake, to provide the tourists with whole-package experience.