In southwest Sichuan, a trip to the lake is a winter's treat

A tourist holds a big fish weighing nearly 15 kilograms. Dishes made of this variegated carp is a must-have for visitors to Xichang.[Photo/China Daily]

As the weather gets chilly, Liangshan Yi autonomous prefecture is a must-go for the people in Southwest China's Sichuan province.

Many go to Qionghai Lake, one of the largest freshwater lakes in this part of the country.

In winter, hundreds of thousands of migratory birds descend on the lake, which covers 31 square kilometers. Here the weather is mild in winter and hot in summer.

"Nearly 200 types of birds such as egrets, cattle egrets, herons, black-water ducks and black-headed gulls spend the winter at Qionglai Lake. Each winter, over 10,000 black-headed gulls from Siberia stay at the lake," says Ye Changyun, a local photographer who watches birds at the lake.

At other times of the year, the lake is known for the full-blown wisteria on its banks in spring and the blossoming water lily in its water in summer.

Fishing is banned in the lake during the first three months of the year. At other times, visitors can enjoy fish directly from the lake.

Local delicacies include grilled fish and fish cooked together with pumpkin in restaurants along the lake.