A national ice fishing invitational is set to kick off Dec. 31 in Helan County, Yinchuan, capital of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region.

Fishers will compete in qualifying, elimination and ranking rounds for a grand prize of 10,000 yuan (US$1,572).

Li Xiaolin, chairman of the local fishing association, said Yinchuan's natural lakes make it a paradise for amateur anglers in northwest China.

Ice fishers aged 16 to 60 are eligible to enroll in the competition. Enrollment ends Dec. 28.