Guilin, in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, is famous for its wonderful natural scenery. Limestone peaks, colorful ricefields, picturesque villages, minority people (mostly Zhuang and Yao), and the beautiful Li River are all fascinating attractions for visitors to discover. A local fishing practice is also particularly interesting: the co-opting of cormorants to catch fish and bring them back to their masters. 

This practice of using aquatic birds as partners for fishing was for centuries a common activity in most of the villages along the Li River. Fishermen used a bamboo raft equipped with lanterns to cruise over the waters of the river and reach their favorite fishing spot, preferably at night or in the very early morning when bigger boats would not disturb the fish.