庆岭活鱼Feast by Songhua Lake: Qingling Live Fish Stew, A Pot Full of Freshness from the Lake!
Qingling Live Fish is the freshest taste of Northeast China! Unlike delicate restaurant dishes, this hearty stew focuses on ultimate freshness—live fish cooked on the spot—making it one of the most unforgettable culinary experiences near Changbai Mountain. If you’re traveling in Jilin, you must try this lively way of dining around the stove with friends!
1. Origin Story: Fishermen’s Wisdom at the Foot of Changbai Mountain
Qingling Live Fish originated in Qingling Town, Jiaohe City, near the scenic Songhua Lake. In the 1990s, local fishermen discovered that fresh-caught fish stewed with a wild herb called Ba Hao created an extraordinary flavor. Truck drivers passing through spread the word, and soon the roadside turned into a famous “Live Fish Street” stretching for kilometers. Today, it’s one of the most iconic food landmarks in Northeast China.
2. Cultural Significance: The Warmest Way Northeasterners Host Guests
In Jilin, treating friends to Qingling Live Fish is the highest form of hospitality. Eating together around a large iron pot reflects the Northeastern spirit of sharing the best with others. When important guests arrive, locals always say: “Let’s go eat live fish!” It’s not just a meal—it’s a lively feast filled with laughter and camaraderie.
3. Ingredients: Fresh Lake Fish Meets Mountain Herbs
The soul of Qingling Live Fish lies in its freshness:
- Main ingredient: Wild carp or crucian carp from Songhua Lake (caught and cooked on the spot)
- Signature herb: Ba Hao, bringing a unique, refreshing aroma
- Perfect partners: Braised tofu, wide glass noodles, dried beans
- Secret touch: Homemade Northeast soybean paste stir-fried in pork lard
The whole fish is stewed intact in a cast-iron pot, its flesh turning tender and white like garlic cloves.
4. Cooking Process: A Stove-Side Performance
The chef prepares everything right before your eyes: first stir-frying soybean paste with pork lard, then adding rich broth, followed by the whole live fish. The highlight is adding fresh Ba Hao, which releases an aroma reminiscent of mint and perilla. Stewed over a wood-fired stove for 20 minutes, the fish soaks up all the essence of the broth.
5. Flavor Experience: A Taste of Songhua Lake
The fish is tender enough to slip off the bones with a gentle touch, yet remains springy. Ba Hao’s fragrance balances the fishiness, leaving a refreshing aftertaste. Tofu and noodles absorb the broth’s richness, becoming even tastier than the fish itself. The creamy, milky-white soup is the real star—rich, sweet, and brimming with the essence of Songhua Lake.
6. Dining Ritual: Gather Around the Pot
The authentic way is to sit around the stove and scoop directly from the pot. Start with the delicate “live meat” near the fish gills, then the belly, and finally mix the broth with rice. Pair it with Northeast mixed salad, corn pancakes, and a pot of local white liquor—this is true Northeastern hospitality.
7. Tasting Guide: Best Experienced in Qingling
The most authentic version is found in Qingling Town’s famous Live Fish Street. A top recommendation is “Qingling Live Fish First Restaurant”, where the average cost is 50–80 RMB per person. Order by saying: “Give me a three-jin carp” (lái tiáo sān jīn duō de lǐyú). For larger groups, try “one fish, two ways”—stewed soup with the head, braised body with sauce.
8. Travel Tips for Visitors
- English Name: Qingling Live Fish Stew
- Dining Note: Watch out for fish bones! Locals say, “Eat fish in silence.”
- Best Season: Spring and autumn, when the fish are fattest
- Insider Tip: Ask the chef to make gēda soup (dumpling soup) with the leftover broth—an absolute hidden gem!
Easy Home Recipe
- Clean and score a fresh fish.
- Stir-fry soybean paste with pork lard, add scallions, ginger, garlic.
- Pour in water, bring to a boil, then add the whole fish.
- Add Ba Hao (or substitute with mint + perilla).
- Stew for 20 minutes, then finish with tofu and glass noodles.
Qingling Live Fish is more than just food—it’s an immersive experience of Northeast Chinese dining culture. Sitting in a farmhouse courtyard, with mountains in the distance, fresh fish simmering on the stove, and the warmth of local conversations, you’ll truly feel the charm of “simple joys of life.” This stew captures the beauty of lakes and mountains in a single pot—an unforgettable flavor that deserves a spot on your China food bucket list. Prepare for a delicious journey by Songhua Lake!
