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Chinese fishing nets (Cheena vala) are a type of stationary lift net in India. They are fishing nets that are fixed land installations for fishing. While commonly known as "Chinese fishing nets" in India, the more formal name for such nets is "shore operated lift nets". Huge mechanical contrivances hold out horizontal nets of 20 m or more across. Each structure is at least 10 m high and comprises a cantilever with an outstretched net suspended over the sea and large stones suspended from ropes as counterweights at the other end. Each installation is operated by a team of up to six fishermen. While such nets are used throughout coastal southern China and Indochina, in India they are mostly found in the Indian cities of Kochi and Kollam, where they have become a tourist attraction. This way of fishing is unusual in India and almost unique to the area, as it was introduced by Chinese explorers who landed there in the 14th century. Indeed, one interpretation of the city name Kochi is ‘co-chin', meaning ‘like China.’ The system is sufficiently balanced that the weight of a man walking along the main beam is sufficient to cause the net to descend into the sea. The net is left for a short time, possibly just a few minutes, before it is raised by pulling on ropes. The catch is usually modest: a few fish and crustaceans, which may be sold to passers-by within minutes. Rocks, each 30 cm or so in diameter, are suspended from ropes of different lengths. As the net is raised, some of the rocks one-by-one come to rest on a platform thereby keeping everything in balance. Each installation has a limited operating depth. Consequently, an individual net cannot be continually operated in tidal waters. Different installations will be operated depending on the state of the tide. The nets may have been introduced by the Chinese explorer Zheng He. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_fishing_nets

**Chinese Fishing Nets in Kerala** The Chinese fishing nets, locally known as "Cheena Vala," are iconic shore-operated lift nets found primarily in Kochi, Kerala. They were introduced by Chinese traders or explorers, possibly between 1350 and 1450, and have become a significant cultural and tourist attraction[1][2][3]. These nets are about 10 meters high and span 20 meters, operated by a team of up to six fishermen. The mechanism involves large stones as counterweights, allowing the net to be lowered and raised with minimal effort[1][4][5]. Despite their historical importance, the nets face challenges due to maintenance costs and environmental issues[2][4]. Sources [1] Chinese fishing nets - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_fishing_nets [2] Traditional Chinese Nets Of Kochi: Symbols Of Cultural Bonding www.outlooktraveller.com/experiences/heritage/chinese-fishing-nets-kochi [3] Chinese Fishing Nets (Kochi (Cochin)) History - Travelsetu.com travelsetu.com/guide/chinese-fishing-nets-tourism/chinese-fishing-nets-tourism-history [4] Chinese Fishing Nets in Kochi-Tourist Traps, Entry Fee and Timings irisholidays.com/kochi/chinese-fishing-nets [5] Kerala's Chinese Fishing Nets: History, Operation & Visitor Guide www.southtourism.in/kerala/monuments/chinese-fishing-net.php [6] Chinese fishing nets / Vasco da Gama Square - Kochi www.keralatourism.org/kochi/chinese-fishing-nets-kochi [7] Chinese Fishing Nets (2025) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You ... www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g297633-d2709121-Reviews-Chinese_Fishing_Nets-Kochi_Cochin_Ernakulam_District_Kerala.html [8] The Chinese Fishing Net Story | ICCI Cochin iccicochin.com/kochi-heritage-tour/the-chinese-fishing-net-story [9] Chinese Fishing Nets | What to Know Before You Go - Mindtrip mindtrip.ai/attraction/kochi-cochin-kerala/chinese-fishing-nets/at-Uk0B7MLq [10] 中国渔网 - Kerala Tourism www.keralatourism.org/responsible-tourism/chinese/photo-gallery/chinese-fishing-net/38 [11] The fast-disappearing act of Kochi's iconic Chinese Fishing Nets timesofindia.indiatimes.com/travel/destinations/the-fast-disappearing-act-of-kochis-iconic-chinese-fishing-nets/articleshow/102137232.cms [12] Chinese fishing nets, Kochi - Neemrana Hotels www.neemranahotels.com/the-tower-house-cochin-kerala/blog/the-chinese-fishing-nets-of-kochi.html [13] 中國漁網- 柯欽 - 永安旅遊 www.wingontravel.com/discovery/scenic-chinese-fishing-nets-18699137 [14] Chinese Fishing Nets - Sahapedia map.sahapedia.org/article/Chinese-Fishing-Nets/3549 [15] How Did Chinese Fishing Nets End Up in Kochi? - airasia Play explore.airasia.com/assets/bltf1db1de1c08f35a3/how-did-chinese-fishing-nets-end-up-in-kochi [16] 印度的中國漁網 - 粗眉仔旅遊小品 info.thetravel.me/chinese-fishing-nets-in-india [17] 中国渔网门票多少钱/价格表-团购票价预定优惠-景点地址在哪里/图片 ... gs.ctrip.com/html5/you/sight/kochi2012/1692895.html [18] Chinese Fishing Nets (柯钦) - 旅游景点点评 - Tripadvisor cn.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g297633-d2709121-Reviews-Chinese_Fishing_Nets-Kochi_Cochin_Ernakulam_District_Kerala.html [19] Chinese Fishing Nets | Kochi (Cochin), Kerala - Lonely Planet www.lonelyplanet.com/india/kerala/kochi-cochin/attractions/chinese-fishing-nets/a/poi-sig/1319114/356338 [20] 喀拉拉邦的原生体验 - Kerala Tourism www.keralatourism.org/responsible-tourism/chinese/activities

Chinese fishing nets (Cheena vala) are a type of stationary lift net in India. They are fishing nets that are fixed land installations for fishing. While commonly known as "Chinese fishing nets" in India, the more formal name for such nets is "shore operated lift nets". Huge mechanical contrivances hold out horizontal nets of 20 m or more across. Each structure is at least 10 m high and comprises a cantilever with an outstretched net suspended over the sea and large stones suspended from ropes as counterweights at the other end. Each installation is operated by a team of up to six fishermen. While such nets are used throughout coastal southern China and Indochina, in India they are mostly found in the Indian cities of Kochi and Kollam, where they have become a tourist attraction. This way of fishing is unusual in India and almost unique to the area, as it was introduced by Chinese explorers who landed there in the 14th century. Indeed, one interpretation of the city name Kochi is ‘co-chin', meaning ‘like China.’ The system is sufficiently balanced that the weight of a man walking along the main beam is sufficient to cause the net to descend into the sea. The net is left for a short time, possibly just a few minutes, before it is raised by pulling on ropes. The catch is usually modest: a few fish and crustaceans, which may be sold to passers-by within minutes. Rocks, each 30 cm or so in diameter, are suspended from ropes of different lengths. As the net is raised, some of the rocks one-by-one come to rest on a platform thereby keeping everything in balance. Each installation has a limited operating depth. Consequently, an individual net cannot be continually operated in tidal waters. Different installations will be operated depending on the state of the tide. The nets may have been introduced by the Chinese explorer Zheng He. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_fishing_nets