Learn about the Chinese Fishing nets
Unlike other important historical or cultural sites in Fort Cochin, Chinese fishing nets, locally known in Malayalam as “Cheena Vala”, are a collection of wooden stationary lift nets in the city's coastline, where is more like a unique attraction showing the characteristic of local life here. Noone really knows the exact history of the Chinese fishing nets. But, the most common theory is that a man named Zhang He, a famous Chinese explorer, arrived here and introduced these nets to Kochi around 500 years ago. And they have been stayed along the shoreline as a signature of the city for centuries since then. Initially they were small, made of bamboo, punna (a kind of tree) poles and rope and erected on hardened coconut trunks that were driven into the water. Over time, as the channel became deeper, the nets had to be strengthened by more resistant materials to withstand the strong currents. Despite massive structures, the operation of these nets are fully done by raw manpower, and each one needs at least 4 or 5 men to lift. Now the place of the Chinese fishing nets is not only a staple sight where tourists can learn about the main way for the local fishermen to make their living around here but also a exceptionally scenic spot for epic photographic opportunities, especially during the time of sunrise and sunset.
