From the 1980s to 1990s, the Erhai Lake at the west of China’s Yunnan province had suffered serious pollution due to increased powerboats and lakeside live boxfish culture. In order to clean up the water, in 1997 the local administration of Dali prohibited powerboats and livebox fish culture on this lake. As a result, fishing folks here have resorted to the most traditional method of working: keeping ospreys to catch fishes. Thus, pollution in the Erhai Lake has been reduced and quality of the water improved.

The documentary captures the life of the family of Yang Liujin, an ordinary fisherman living at the waterside of the Erhai Lake. Through the routine work of raising ospreys, mending fishing nets and fishing in clear days, they are leading a life that is tough to some extent but close to nature, and full of rustic pleasure.

Duration:28 Min