How to See Cormorant Fishing on the Li River: A Complete Guide for 2026

The image of a fisherman on a bamboo raft with trained cormorant birds, set against the misty karst peaks of the Li River, is one of the most iconic in Chinese visual culture. It has inspired painters, poets, and photographers for centuries. But the tradition is endangered: fewer than 50 genuine cormorant fishermen remain on the Li River, most of them over 70 years old, and the younger generation has no interest in learning a physically demanding skill that pays poorly. Most of the 'cormorant fishing' you see advertised in Guilin is a photo opportunity — a man in costume with borrowed birds, posing for tourists. This guide helps you find the real thing.

1. The History: From Livelihood to Heritage

Cormorant fishing (鸬鹚捕鱼, Lúcí Bǔyú) has been practiced on the Li River for over 1,000 years. Fishermen train cormorant birds to dive and catch fish, with a ring around the bird's neck preventing it from swallowing large fish. The birds are remarkably intelligent — a trained cormorant can catch fish weighing up to 5 kilograms. The tradition was once widespread across southern China, but it has declined dramatically as modern fishing methods and tourism have replaced traditional livelihoods. The remaining fishermen on the Li River are genuine practitioners — this is how they feed their families, not a performance for tourists.

2. Where to See Authentic Cormorant Fishing

The best place to see authentic cormorant fishing is near Xingping Village (兴坪村), about 25 kilometers downstream from Yangshuo. The fishermen here are genuine — they fish for their own consumption and sell their catch at local markets. The best time to see them is at dawn (5:30–7:00 AM) or dusk (6:00–7:30 PM), when the fish are most active. The fishermen typically work in the stretch of river between Xingping and the 20 RMB note viewpoint — the most photographed section of the Li River. Do not expect a scheduled performance — these men are working, not performing. You may need to wait or return another day.

3. The Photo-Op Performances: What Tourists Usually See

Most visitors to Yangshuo see cormorant fishing as a staged photo opportunity. A man in traditional costume stands on a bamboo raft with several cormorants, holding a lantern and posing for camera-wielding tourists. This is not real fishing — the birds are often borrowed, the 'fisherman' is a performer, and the fish are pre-placed. These photo shoots cost 100–200 yuan for 15–20 minutes and are available at multiple locations along the river. They produce beautiful photos, and there is nothing wrong with participating — but understand that this is performance, not tradition. The genuine fishermen are further upstream, quieter, and far less photogenic.

• Genuine fishing: Near Xingping Village, dawn or dusk, no set schedule
• Photo performances: Yangshuo waterfront, scheduled times, 100–200 yuan
• Genuine fishermen: Working for food, not photos; may not want to be photographed
• Photo performers: Costumed, borrowed birds, pre-placed fish; great for photos
• Best photography: The photo performers are more photogenic; genuine fishing is harder to capture

4. How the Birds Are Trained: A 6-Month Apprenticeship

Training a cormorant takes 6 months of daily work. The fisherman begins with a young bird, feeding it by hand to build trust. The neck ring is introduced gradually — at first loose enough for the bird to swallow small fish, then tightened as the bird learns to bring larger fish to the surface. The bird is rewarded with every fish it delivers, creating a powerful incentive to cooperate. A well-trained cormorant can work for 15–20 years. The fishermen develop deep bonds with their birds — many sleep with the cormorants in their homes during training. When a bird dies, the fisherman mourns it as a family member.

5. Practical Tips for Your Visit

• Stay in Xingping or Yangshuo for early morning access to the river
• The best light for photography is at dawn and dusk — golden hour on the karst peaks
• Genuine fishermen may not welcome photographers — always ask permission first
• Bring a telephoto lens — you may need to shoot from the riverbank
• The 20 RMB note viewpoint is nearby — combine both experiences in one morning
• Avoid rainy season (May–June) — the river is muddy and the fishermen stay home
• Dress warmly for dawn departures — the river mist is cold even in summer

6. The Ethical Question: Should You Watch?

There is an ethical dimension to cormorant fishing tourism. The genuine fishermen need income to continue their tradition, and responsible tourism — watching respectfully, tipping fairly, and buying their catch — supports them. But the photo-op performances commodify a sacred tradition and reduce it to Instagram content. Our recommendation: if you want beautiful photos, use the photo performers — they provide a service and earn honest income. If you want to understand the tradition, find the genuine fishermen near Xingping, watch quietly from a distance, and ask permission before photographing. Both experiences are valid — just know which one you are choosing.