Introduction to Junba Fishing Village
Junba Fishing Village, also known as “Tibet’s Fishing Village,” carries a name that in Tibetan, “Zunba,” originally pronounced as “Zengba,” means “Fisherman” or “Fisher.” This unique community is nestled on the southern bank of the Lhasa River in Chabalong Village, Qushui Town, within Qushui County. It is situated at the confluence of the Lhasa River and the Yarlung Tsangpo River, right along the middle section of the Lagong Road.
Housing hundreds of families, Junba Village has been home to generations of fishermen for hundreds of years, making it the only concentrated settlement of Tibetan fishermen. Unlike most of the Tibetan population, which traditionally abstains from eating fish, the people of Junba have lived off fishing and consuming fish for generations.
The Myth of Ancestral Fishing
A beautiful legend explains the origins of the ancestral fishing practices in Junba. According to myth, in ancient times, the village’s location at the meeting point of the Yarlung Tsangpo River and the Lhasa River led to an overabundance of fish. The fish reproduced so quickly that the rivers could no longer contain them, and many grew wings and flew into the sky, blocking out the sun and causing life on Earth to wither.
Seeing this, Buddha Sakyamuni, deeply troubled, commanded a fisherman named “Barley Zengba” (an incarnation of a deity) residing by the White Mara Lake within Junba’s borders, to lead the villagers in a battle against the winged fish. After nine days and nights of continuous struggle, they emerged victorious. To celebrate, they feasted on fish and drank wine, revitalizing life on Earth. This event marked the beginning of the fishing and fish-eating tradition in Junba.
Life in Junba Village
Due to its geographical constraints, with mountains on three sides and water on one, the people of old Junba had limited land for cultivation. Survival depended heavily on fishing, and cowhide boats were essential not just for fishing but also as a primary mode of transport and entertainment. However, societal progress and improved transportation, particularly with the completion of “Two Bridges, One Tunnel,” have ended Junba’s isolation, transforming it into a popular tourist destination.
Visitors to Junba can witness nearly a thousand years of fishing traditions, including the use of ancient fishing tools and cowhide boats. They can also enjoy cowhide boat dances, experience local wedding customs, and participate in fishing, making Junba an excellent spot for sightseeing, research, and leisure activities.
Visiting Tips
- Location: About 20 kilometers from Lhasa, Junba Fishing Village is easily accessible via public transportation or by driving, making it a must-visit destination before entering Lhasa.
- Activities: The village offers a glimpse into the unique cultural heritage of Tibet’s fishing community, with opportunities to engage in recreational fishing and leisure activities at nearby family-run inns in Chabalong Village.
