Bosten Lake, China's largest inland freshwater lake, has turned into a bustling winter paradise with its vast, frozen surface.
Located in Bohu County, Xinjiang in the northwest, the lake, which covers an area of over 1,600 square kilometers, draws many ice-and-snow lovers each winter, and this year it offers even better experience.
The expansive ice sheet has been developed into a comprehensive park that integrates entertainment and dining, offering visitors an immersive winter experience. A wide array of ice-based recreational activities, such as ice bumper cars and go-karts, have been set up near the shore, attracting tourists from across the country and infusing the frozen landscape with energy.
Visitors have praised the solid ice and the thrilling, joyful atmosphere.
"I feel that the ice here is frozen really solid. Everyone is having a great time here," said a visitor.
"Today we played on the ice bumper cars and the ice go-karts. It felt really thrilling," said another.
A unique new feature this year is the introduction of dining directly on the ice. The most popular offering is the "ice-top hot pot," which allows visitors to enjoy a steaming, savory meal in the middle of the snow-covered scenery. The hot pot features exceptionally fresh ingredients, with fish such as carp, black fish, and local "five-striped" fish caught directly from the waters beneath the ice and prepared on-site.
According to the management of the Bosten Lake scenic area, the goal is to create a multi-layered and diverse tourist destination.
"We want to create a multi-layered and diverse tourist and leisure resort, so that visitors are willing to stay longer. Through our entertainment projects, we aim to enhance in-depth tourism and turn the cold resources of winter into a hot economy for tourism," said Gao Fengxia, manager of the Dahekou scenic area of Bosten Lake.
The Bosten Lake ice and snow season is scheduled to continue through March. A series of festive events are planned throughout the season, including drone and firework shows, a local Spring Festival gala, and a Lantern Festival celebration.
Xinjiang's Bosten Lake turns into vast winter wonderland
