Beautifully designed, the Chinese Fishing Net is something one must see while on a tour to Kerala. It is one of the attractions of Cochin, which has a unique charm. It is one-of-its-kind fishing net in India. The history of its origin dates back to the 14th century. These shore operated fishing nets are used for an unusual form of fishing. The operation of these nets is different from the ordinary fishing nets. The fishing net is 10 m in height and consists of a cantilever with an outstretched net spread over the sea and large stones suspended from ropes as counterweights at the other end. A team of at least six fisher is required in order to handle one Chinese Fishing Net. The local name of these nets is Cheenavala.

If you wish to view many such beautiful Chinese Fishing Nets, then head for Vasco-Da-Gama Square Fort in Cochin. This is the place where picturesque views of these nets leave the onlookers spell bound. Tourists inclined towards fishing can even interact with the fishermen and know how fishing is done through the net. The livelihood of majority of the population of Cochin depends on fishing. It is said that the Chinese explorer Zehang had introduced this amazing fishing net to Kerala. According to the other story, these nets were introduced by the traders from the court of the Chinese ruler Kublai Khan.