{"id":21049,"date":"2026-07-28T11:53:21","date_gmt":"2026-07-28T06:08:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/eng.dragonmedia.com.np\/?p=21049"},"modified":"2026-07-28T11:53:21","modified_gmt":"2026-07-28T06:08:21","slug":"cold-water-fish-thrive-in-chinas-land-of-fire","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/eng.dragonmedia.com.np\/?p=21049","title":{"rendered":"Cold-Water Fish Thrive in China\u2019s \u201cLand of Fire\u201d<\/strong>"},"content":{"rendered":"

Dragon Media News Desk<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Turpan Basin in northwest China\u2019s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, long known for its scorching heat, is now attracting attention for producing cold-water fish such as salmon, perch and trout.<\/p>\n

In the Chinese classical novel \u201cJourney to the West,\u201d the Monkey King Sun Wukong borrowed a magical fan to cool the Flaming Mountains of Turpan. Temperatures in the region have exceeded 50 degrees Celsius this summer, while ground surface temperatures can reach as high as 70 degrees Celsius.<\/p>\n

The unlikely success of cold-water fish farming in such extreme heat is made possible by the Karez Wells, an underground water system dating back around 2,000 years.
\n\"\"<\/p>\n

The system consists of vertical shafts connected by underground channels that eventually emerge as open ditches and ponds. Stretching for dozens or even hundreds of kilometres, the channels carry meltwater from the nearby Tianshan Mountains.<\/p>\n

Because the water flows underground, it is protected from direct sunlight, reducing evaporation and keeping it clean and cool at between 15 and 19 degrees Celsius throughout the year.<\/p>\n

Local fish farmer Song Zhijun said the stable temperature provides ideal conditions for cold-water species. Such fish generally thrive in high-altitude or northern waters where temperatures remain below 20 degrees Celsius.<\/p>\n

Song entered the fish-farming business in 2006 after observing strong demand and a limited number of producers in northwest China. In northern Xinjiang, winter ice restricts the fish-growing season, prompting him to explore Turpan despite its reputation as one of the world\u2019s driest and hottest places.<\/p>\n

In 2021, Song established an aquafarm at the foot of the Flaming Mountains in Shanshan County. Located on naturally sloping land, the farm receives water directly from a Karez outlet. It produces river perch, largemouth bass and rainbow trout.<\/p>\n

River perch raised in the natural lakes of northern Xinjiang generally take three years to reach market size. In Turpan, however, the stable water temperature allows them to mature in only 18 months.<\/p>\n

Cold-water fish have delicate meat and command higher market prices than many common species, offering better economic returns. Song said producing one kilogram of river perch costs about 35 yuan, while it can be sold for up to 55 yuan.<\/p>\n

The profitable model has encouraged more local farmers to enter the industry.<\/p>\n

According to the local government, fish produced in Turpan are transported to Chinese cities including Shanghai, Qingdao and Xi\u2019an and are also exported overseas. Turpan produced nearly 1,000 tonnes of salmon and trout in 2025, with output expected to exceed 3,000 tonnes in 2026.<\/p>\n

Water from the ancient irrigation system is used efficiently throughout the production process. After flowing through the fishponds, it is channelled into nearby vineyards. Turpan is also internationally renowned for its grapes.<\/p>\n

Zhang Jiazhi, deputy manager of a local company specialising in Karez-based salmon farming, said water used for aquaculture becomes enriched with nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. These nutrients improve soil fertility and support grape growth.<\/p>\n

The Karez Wells system was recognised as a World Heritage Irrigation Structure in 2024. It has since become a popular tourist attraction, allowing visitors to observe ancient underground water engineering and learn about its history of craftsmanship involving different ethnic communities.<\/p>\n

During the 1840s, Chinese official Lin Zexu, widely known for his campaign against the opium trade, travelled to Turpan and supervised the construction of new Karez wells. He combined shaft-digging techniques from central China with local traditions.<\/p>\n

Preserved and improved over generations, the Karez system now provides far more than water. It links ancient knowledge with modern ecological agriculture, aquaculture and grape cultivation, creating a sustainable path towards prosperity for local communities.<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t <\/div><\/div>\n\t\t