Cormorant Fisherman

When visiting Xingping Ancient Town I had the opportunity to see local fishermen showcasing the hundreds-year-old tradition of cormorant fishing. While this tradition has decreased over the years, there are still a number of locals practicing this heritage craft with great cormorants (Phalacrocorax carbo) along the Li River in China's southern region of Yangshuo, Guangxi.

In the Xingping tradition, these animals are not treated poorly like something to be used and discarded. Instead, they are treated as members of the family. From the fishermen sharing pieces of the day's catch at dinner time to receiving funeral rights and traditional burials, these great cormorants are certainly held in high regard among the local fishermen.