Return of the Yangtze 'basket ferry'(1/7)

The new Yu Zhong Ke 2180 approaches Yangdu Wharf in Zhongxian while the old vessel is at anchor there on March 31. (LIU SONG/FOR CHINA DAILY)

On the misty morning of March 31, at the Yangdu Wharf along the Yangtze River, a festive atmosphere pierced the fog before the first light of dawn. The sharp crackle of firecrackers and the deep blast of a ship's horn heralded the maiden voyage of the Yu Zhong Ke 2180.

The vessel is a refreshing upgrade to a local legend. Its hull, painted a vibrant red, stands out warmly against the morning mist, replacing the faded yellow of its predecessor that served the community for 13 years.

At 38.5 meters long and 6.4 meters wide, the boat can carry 150 passengers and withstand Level 8 winds, ensuring a stable 30-kilometer journey.

Thoughtfully designed, the Yu Zhong Ke 2180 features an expanded storage area capable of holding nearly a hundred bamboo baskets — the primary tools of the local farmers' trade. Inside, panoramic windows and a new air conditioning system have replaced the old vessel's drafty openness. Comfortable seating, non-slip decks and reinforced handrails reflect a deep focus on the safety of the elderly passengers who frequent the route.

The original Yu Zhong Ke 2180 was a passenger ferry that shuttled between the county seat of Zhongxian and the county's Yangdu township. After an expressway was built along the river, demand for the ferry sharply declined.

Yet, with its unchanged fare of 12 yuan ($1.75) for over a decade, it became an indispensable "water bus" for local farmers who needed to transport their goods.

The steadfast service and the palpable warmth it exuded earned it the affectionate nickname "basket ferry" among netizens.

Now, with the old ship retired with honor, the new vessel is carrying on the legacy by retaining the old number, preserving the warmth and memories of the past.

As the new vessel neared its destination at the Xishan Wharf on the last day of March, it carried more than just passengers; it carried the name, the number and the warmth of a community legacy that refused to be left behind.

After selling their agricultural products in the county seat of Zhongxian, farmers board the old Yu Zhong Ke 2180 at Xishan Wharf on Jan 25. (LIU SONG/FOR CHINA DAILY)

Farmers prepare to board the Yu Zhong Ke 2180 passenger ferry in Zhongxian county, Chongqing, on Jan 25. (LIU SONG/FOR CHINA DAILY)

A farmer carries a basket of vegetables on his back at Xishan Wharf on Jan 25. LIU SONG/FOR CHINA DAILY

Passengers enjoy their journey in the cabin of the new passenger ferry on March 31. (LIU SONG/FOR CHINA DAILY)

Passengers have breakfast in the cabin of the old ferry on Jan 25. LIU SONG/FOR CHINA DAILY

At Xishan Wharf in the county town, a ceremony is held to welcome the arrival of the new boat on March 31. LIU SONG/FOR CHINA DAILY