Cormorant fishing is an old technique: trained birds dive for fish, are recovered by the fisherman, and release their catch in exchange for a smaller fish. It was once common on the Li River and around Yangshuo. Today it survives mainly as a demonstration for tourists, though a few fishermen still work with birds. The photographs are iconic; the economics are more complicated.
In short
You will see staged cormorant photo sessions near Xingping and Yangshuo. If you want to watch, pay fairly and ask before photographing. The practice is a performance now, not a livelihood.
How it works
The fisherman ties a ring or cord around the bird's neck, loose enough to breathe but tight enough to prevent swallowing large fish. The cormorant dives, catches a fish, and returns to the boat, where the fisherman retrieves it. The bird is rewarded with a small fish. The technique requires years of training and a close working relationship with the birds.
The birds are not pets, but they are handled daily and often raised from chicks. The practice has declined as fishing methods changed and the river economy shifted toward tourism.
What you see today
Most cormorant fishing you will see is staged for photographers. A fisherman in traditional dress poses on a raft at dusk, sometimes with a lamp and a basket. The birds may not actually fish. The images are beautiful, and the performance is a way for the fishermen to earn a living.
The staged sessions usually cost ¥50 to ¥100 per person or per group, depending on the setup. Agree on the price and what is included before you start photographing. The photography guide covers the light.
Where to see it
The most reliable spots are around Xingping and the Yangshuo riverfront, especially at dusk. Some tour operators include a cormorant demonstration in their evening program. The Xingping guide covers the town.
Do not expect to see traditional fishing as a daily economic activity. If you want to understand the history, ask the fisherman questions and pay for the time. The twenty-yuan note image also features a cormorant boat.
Ethics
Ask before photographing people, even in a staged setting. Do not handle the birds without permission. Do not encourage flash photography at close range, which stresses the birds. If a session feels exploitative, walk away.
The best way to support the practice is to pay fairly for a genuine demonstration and to treat it as cultural work rather than a photo prop. The river safety guide covers general conduct on the water.
Verdict
A real tradition turned performance. Pay fairly, ask first, and skip the flash.
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