Water Village on the Lake

Water Village on the Lake

On the vast Weishan Lake, fishing boats dot the surface like scattered pearls, with buildings and sails drifting between the blue water and sky—ethereal as a crystal world or a fairyland on earth. The fishermen’s stilted houses, surrounded by water on all or three sides, resemble large jewels inlaid in the shimmering lake. From afar, the small islands upheld by the lake water feature neat houses and towering buildings, resembling a magical kingdom from a fairy tale or a dreamlike mirage. This is the charm of the water village. There are over 50,000 fishermen and more than 10,000 households scattered across more than 160 boat fleets and stilted platforms of varying sizes, adding vitality and brilliance to the beautiful Weishan Lake.

For generations, the fishermen on Weishan Lake have lived on boats, relying on their vessels for both livelihood and shelter. The "family boat" serves as both a working and living space—the boat is home, and home is the boat. Larger ones span over two or three zhang (approximately 6–10 meters), resembling pavilions, while smaller ones are less than seven chi (around 2.3 meters), like tender willow shoots. These boats carry fishing gear such as nets, scoop nets, and traps, as well as daily necessities like firewood, rice, oil, and salt, along with entire families—wives, children, elderly, geese, ducks, dogs, and cats. Throughout the seasons, they chase fish migrations, trailing fishing smoke across the vast lake as they travel north and south. Men fish in groups, while women weave nets inside the cabins. Wherever the boat goes, there the family resides. When night falls, the family boats gather to anchor according to traditional groupings called "bangs." Masts and sails are staggered in rows, with wisps of fishing smoke and lively chatter, forming a unique water village.

In the past, so-called fishing villages were divided by these boat fleets, which historically formed naturally based on differences in fishing tools. There were three main fleets on the lake: the "net fleet," composed of large net boats that caught shrimp and fish with drag nets; this fleet owned big boats and large nets, making them relatively wealthy. The "matting fleet," also called the "gun fleet," caught fish using mats and relied on duck hunting with shotguns during winter when the lake froze. The poorest were the "dip-net fleet," whose only possessions were a small boat and a dip net. They spent year-round scooping fish; missing even a day meant going hungry. Other fleets included large cargo boats. These fleets varied in size, from just a dozen or so boats to over a hundred. During the day, they fished together; at night, they anchored side by side to cook. Their lifestyle retained a strong nomadic, hunter-gatherer character—a true embodiment of "rising with the sun to work and resting when it sets."

For generations, fishermen have drifted on the water, battling waves, poverty, ice, and bitter cold. Before liberation, they lived in constant fear. After the founding of the People’s Republic, to improve their living conditions, the government allocated substantial funds starting in the early 1970s to build stilted platforms and houses for the fishermen. Formerly nomadic lake dwellers gradually settled on land. Today, countless islands dot the emerald waters—some resembling anchored ships, others like mating mandarin ducks or playing swans, varying in size and form. On these islands, rows of spacious tile-roofed houses and lakeside villas stand, with small boats gathered like stars around the moon. Even on land, the water village remains a place where water is always in sight and boats are always at hand—akin to the water towns of southern China. No wonder people call such villages "Little Yingzhou," a paradise for immortals. Ancient poets once yearned for such scenes: "Village lights gleam near and far, roofs and sails intertwine; it seems like Peach Blossom Spring, with homes nestled in the mist." Here, it feels as if poetry has come to life.

Visiting the water village guarantees unforgettable memories. Spending the night in this floating village offers breathtaking views of sunrise and sunset on the lake, refreshing the soul. At dawn, before the sun rises, the horizon near the water glows with crimson hues. The vast lake turns dark red under this light. Soon, the morning glow intensifies, brightening and coloring the lake. At dusk, the fiery sun sinks into the water, staining the surface with evening colors. Before long, the orange-red sunset paints the lake in brilliant red. If a gentle breeze blows, waves rise, reflecting the fiery glow on their crests like burning flames. At night, countless fishing lights scatter across the lake, intermingling with stars above—a mesmerizing sight.

On the lake, fishermen’s weddings are full of charm, embodying the essence of local customs. During harvests or festivals, dozens of family boats link end-to-end to form a floating stage. Fishermen play traditional instruments—drum-like "duangu"—while singing and dancing, sometimes in call-and-response, sometimes in unison, often lasting through the night. The melodies are bold, unrestrained, and stirring.

Traveling by cargo boat allows you to see the bustling Weishan Lake port crowded with sails and goods, as well as the scenic wonders of Nanyang Water Town, Dushan’s beauty, and the grandeur of Weishan Island. You’ll also experience the local culture along the canal, admire the picturesque landscapes of southern water towns, and pass landmarks like the secondary lake dam and Hanzhuang Sluice Gate, feeling the pride of human triumph over nature... The water village is vibrant, fresh, and poetic. Visitors, whether acquainted or not, are warmly invited aboard by hospitable fishermen to enjoy a feast of freshwater delicacies. Try dishes like "Sweet-and-Sour Four-Nose Carp," "Braised Mandarin Fish," "Farewell My Concubine" (a chicken and mushroom dish), "Pagoda Shrimp," "Tube Fish," orange-hued crabs, and freshly roasted wild duck. Pair these with lotus-flavored wine for an unforgettable meal. Even simple dishes like shredded fish stir-fry, fish fillet stew, braised fish chunks, steamed fish, and shrimp soup are delightful. Congee made with lotus seeds, water chestnuts, and gorgon fruits fills the air with aroma, one household cooking enough to scent ten others.

Touring the fishing village also offers joyful activities. Sit at the bow and fish in the lake, or drop an empty tin can baited with scraps into the water—pull it up quickly to catch tiny two- or three-inch white fish. Join fishermen in laying mats, watching traps, catching fish, scooping with nets, spearfishing, hunting ducks, picking lotus, harvesting water chestnuts, or gathering water caltrops—it’s endlessly fun and deeply engaging.