Dongting Fishing Village

　　    Located in South Dongting Lake, Wanzihu Township is a purely fishing-focused township in Yuanjiang City. The township has seven fishing villages with a population of over ten thousand, scattered across more than 30 small islands in Wanzihu Lake. The villagers make their living by fishing on the lake year-round, living on the islets when the water recedes and on boats when the water rises. Thanks to the care of the Party and government, fishermen now live in concentrated settlements on a few larger lake islands.

　　    Although the population of Wanzihu Fishing Township is not large, the area it governs is vast, spanning hundreds of square kilometers in all directions. In the past, communication between villages relied on walkie-talkies, but today, mobile phones keep everyone connected. In earlier times, the fishermen’s livelihood mainly depended on wild fishing in the open lake, relying on nature’s bounty. But with advancements in technology, fishermen have gradually shifted to a combination of fishing and aquaculture, focusing primarily on fish farming. They now engage in intensive fish farming in island ponds and raise high-end fish species in cages, accelerating the pace of poverty alleviation and the march toward prosperity in the fishing villages.

　　    The scenery of Dongting fishing villages is mostly beautiful and enchanting. For example, Minglang Mountain in East Dongting Lake boasts magnificent views, but it’s too far to reach by water. Lotus’ao Fishing Village, located in Wanzihu Lake, is not far away and can be reached by speedboat in just an hour. Its style is also quite typical. Therefore, most visitors to South Dongting Lake choose to explore Lotus’ao Fishing Village to experience the authentic fishing village culture firsthand.

　　    Lotus’ao Fishing Village is famous for two reasons: first, the stunning scenery of its two islands and its typical fishing village style; second, because it was the site where Yang Yao, a general of the peasant uprising army during the Southern Song Dynasty, heroically sacrificed his life. In 1135 AD, Yang Yao led the rebel forces, raising the banner of peasant revolt in the Dongting Lake region. They fought against tyranny and protected the people, promoting equality and fairness. The Southern Song court, terrified, hastily recalled the Yue Family Army from the anti-Jin frontline to suppress the peasant rebellion. Initially, the rebel forces took advantage of their superior water combat skills and repeatedly defeated the Yue Army. Later, Yue Fei bribed traitors within the rebel forces, sowing discord and causing them to suffer successive defeats. On one occasion, while patrolling by boat, Yang Yao was ambushed by government troops at Dog’s Mouth. He directed the main force to break through and defend the Mother-and-Son Fortress, while he himself charged into the enemy ranks to hold them off. He single-handedly killed countless soldiers but was eventually overwhelmed and died a heroic death under a hail of swords and arrows. The following year, a beautiful lotus field emerged in the waters where Yang Yao was martyred, and a white swan flew out from among the lotuses into the blue sky. People said it was the loyal spirit of Yang Yao. To commemorate him, the place was named Lotus’ao and Swan Pool.

　　    Traveling by speedboat through the reeds and across Dongting Lake, visitors arrive at Lotus’ao and can explore the fishing village. In front of every house lies a fishing boat and drying fishing nets. Some locals are sending cormorants into the water to catch fish, while others are checking their fish traps. Visitors can enjoy an authentic whole-fish feast during the day and stay overnight in a fisherman’s home, soaking in the unique tranquility of the lake. Sometimes, local fishing girls will play the fishing drum, sing fishing songs, and dance with guests, making your trip to the Dongting fishing village an unforgettable and joyful experience.