Province works to preserve its black-and-white wonders

In winter, fish are easy to catch and transport, so the tradition continues to this day. Tens of thousands of fish being caught through the ice is an eye-catching sight for tourists.

The lake committee said it maintains an environmental bottom line and follows the principle that no industrial projects are allowed, while tourism development activities that pose potential environmental risks are banned.

Restaurants, hotels, shops and entertainment venues must all be placed 8 kilometers from the lake shore to minimize pressure on the lake's ecosystem and environment, the committee said.

In March, Jiang, the CPPCC member, told People, an online news portal, that Jilin will accelerate the development of the ice and snow sector.

"It is the golden age of China's ice and snow sports that will flourish in the long term," Jiang said,"We should make full use of the natural resources, develop our ecotourism and create an internationally renowned ice and snow tourism center."

He told the website that the province is promoting the sector so it can be developed into a pillar industry and become a vital engine for the comprehensive revitalization of Northeast China.

"Skating, skiing, appreciating the rime, enjoying folk customs, winter fishing, ice lanterns, snow sculptures, horse racing, performing arts, entertainment and other special projects are the elements we need to develop further to boost tourism," he said.

He added that at the same time, the province should create an entire industry chain of a world-class ice and snow economy based on international standards. It will also need to build a modern ice and snow industry system to extend the sector's scope, strengthen the ability for innovation and improve the value chain.

Han Junhong contributed to this story.