A festival marking the beginning of a new fishing season at Songhua River is being held in Songbei district, Harbin from April 28 to May 1.

The festival is meant to promote local fishing culture and boost tourism.

Songhua River is a large freshwater fish farm in northeastern China. It has 77 species of fish in its basin and is famous for its rare species, such as squid and erythroculter dabryi.

Activities that will be held during the festival include art performances, fishing culture and artwork exhibitions, and a food activity.

During the opening ceremony on April 28, a traditional sacrifice ceremony was held to pray for a good harvest. In addition, delicious soups made with more than 10 species of fish from the Songhua River were offered to tourists.

A traditional sacrifice ceremony was held at the opening ceremony of the fishing festival in Songbei district, Harbin on April 28. The ceremony is believed to bring about a good fish harvest. [Photo/dbw.cn]

A performance is staged at the opening ceremony of the fishing festival in Songbei district, Harbin on April 28. [Photo/dbw.cn]

Fish from the Songhua River. [Photo/dbw.cn]

Tourists eat fish from the Songhua River at the fishing festival held in Songbei district, Harbin on April 28. [Photo/MY399.COM]