Chinese Fishing Nets- a scene from Kochi

Chinese fishing nets or Cheena Vala, as they are locally known, are the shore operated nets now found in Fort Kochi. It is believed that it was the traders from the court of the Chinese ruler Kublai Khan who had introduced these dip nets in Kerala in the 14th century.

These nets are mostly used during the night, when shoals of fish venture out in large numbers. A lamp will also be hung in the net, to attract the fish towards it. The nets are lowered into the water by a crane.