The Chinese fishing nets found at Kochi are definitely unique to the area and make for a very popular tourist attraction. This is the only location in the entire world outside China where such fishing nets can be seen in use. 10 meters in height, the entire structure is a fixed land installation which is used for very unique and unusual method of fishing. Set up on the bamboo teaks are held horizontally with the help of huge mechanisms which are lowered into the sea. These nets are made-up of teak wood and bamboo poles and each net is handled by four men.
Tradition has it that traders from the court of the infamous Chinese ruler Kublai Khan brought these nets here centuries ago, and their popularity has been maintained. Even today, many local fishermen use these enormous nets in their fishing endeavors. A large number of these nets can be seen scattered throughout a whole stretch of the coast along Fort Kochi and Vypeen.
Locally called Cheenavala, this unique of fishing was introduced Chinese explorer Zheng He. The first Chinese net was installed here somewhere between 1350 AD and 1450 AD.
