Meet Mr. Huang – Cormorant Fishing and Casting Nets on the Li River

A little piece of Heaven on Earth is right here in Guilin, China. Unspoiled by development. Peaceful.

Sunrise on the Li River where the karst rock formations rise from the soil like the backs of sleeping dinosaurs.Meet Mr. Haung – 61 years old and considered amongst the youngest to know the ancient ways of the cormorant fishermen. Sadly, these days a mostly extinct fishing method. River pollution, mass fishing with electrical charges and motorized boats have depleted the fish population.

The cormorant bird – trained to dive into the water, capture a fish in its bill and dutifully return it to the raft. If not for the snare tied around the birds neck it would swallow the catch whole.The raft – long and sturdy.  Mr. Haung splashed the water for effect.  The birds accustomed to the rocking commotion on the raft remain unfazed.The art of cast net fishing – the large net is meticulously coiled in his left hand while an edge of the net is secured between his teeth and the remainder grasped in he right hand. Winding up like pro golfer, whilst swinging the net, the net is released high into the air.  The splash – circular in formation – is a testament to his skill.

 

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About Paige Shaw

Hi! I'm Paige - a freelance travel photographer. Let's go on a photo journey across the globe. The aim of my work it to show you the many layers and exquisite textures of a locality; its character, culture, people and beauty. Bitten by the wanderlust bug years ago my husband Bill and I set out to see the world. 2013 gave birth to a travel blog (www.billandpaige.com) chronicling our journeys so that curious family and friends could follow in real time. From that beginning so too a photographer was born. Honing my skills over the years I am now excited to narrate our discoveries with imagery! As you glimpse my art - join as we explore together. Be sure to throw your fashion ego out the door cuz there's no room in the carry-on luggage. Sunrise shots start at 5am. Hiking to the top for a different perspective will definitely get your blood pumping and you might even need to role up your pant legs to capture those closeups on the water…. Most of all - get ready to SMILE - it's the universal language. I’m also a wife, mother, yogi, pilgrim, burner, golfer, skier, scuba diver and expert wanderluster. “Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.” ― Pablo Picasso

9 thoughts on “Meet Mr. Huang – Cormorant Fishing and Casting Nets on the Li River

      1. Diana Allen

        Hi guys, back to China,so fast lol!! I heard Austin is the new hot spot town. And they have tiny houses!! House #4. What the check. Love hearing a and seeing your posts. Dyde

  1. oudoring

    We have been to Guilin and the Li River about a year ago. Marvelous pictures of a very pretty landscape. And it makes your story captivating!

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