Chongqing - The "Pack Basket Ferry Line," a once-crucial water route serving the residents of Zhongba Island in Chongqing’s Banan District, is now gaining fame as a tourist attraction. Originally essential for transporting fresh produce from the island to the city, this historic ferry line has evolved into a popular travel route, blending agriculture with tourism.

Screenshot of a report from CCTV News.

The lifeline of Zhongba Island

Zhongba Island, an inland island in the Yangtze River, is a major vegetable-growing area in Chongqing. For over six decades, island residents have relied on the ferry to connect with the outside world. The ferry is affectionately known as the "Pack Basket Ferry Line," a nod to the days when villagers would carry baskets of vegetables across the river to sell.

The ferry line has been operating uninterrupted since 1959, making it a crucial lifeline for over 700 vegetable farmers on the island. One such farmer, 62-year-old Liao Changli, has been growing vegetables on the island for over 40 years. He recalls how the ferry, once a simple wooden boat paddled by locals, has since transformed into a modern water bus with improved facilities, making it far more efficient for the residents. The island’s transportation infrastructure has also improved, with paved roads reaching nearly every home and modern machinery replacing traditional manual labor in the fields.

The ferry was initially operated by Yi Zhengfu and later passed down to his sons, Yi Zhongrong and Yi Zhonglin. Today, the brothers oversee the modern ferry service, which has evolved from a small boat to a steel vessel and, eventually, a fully equipped water bus. The local government has recognized its importance, subsidizing the operation to ensure it remains free for island residents and affordable for tourists and vegetable traders. The ferry operates daily, with extended hours in the summer, and even runs on days when only a single passenger is aboard.

“The ferry line is not just about transport anymore; it's a part of our life,” said Yi Zhongrong, who has been operating the ferry for more than 30 years. He and his brother spend most of the time on the boat, ensuring the service is always available. Their dedication has earned them recognition, including being honored by the government for their lifesaving efforts on the river.

From agricultural hub to tourist destination

With the rise of agritourism in recent years, Zhongba Island has leveraged its agricultural resources to attract tourists. Visitors now come on weekends to experience vegetable picking, sample local dishes, and enjoy the scenic rural landscape. The ferry has become a key part of the island's tourism, offering visitors a taste of rural life while generating additional income for the villagers.

Tourists like Wu Wei are drawn to the island not just for its fresh produce but for the opportunity to explore the tranquil environment. "We wanted to walk around, enjoy the scenery, and pick some vegetables to take home," she said. With guided tours and a growing number of rural activities, the island has become a favored destination for those seeking an escape from city life.

Screenshot of a report from CCTV News.

The island’s tourism has bolstered local incomes and led some younger island residents, who previously worked elsewhere, to return and contribute to the island's tourism development. With continued investments in infrastructure, including the refurbishment of ferry docks and the construction of waiting areas and public restrooms, the "Pack Basket Ferry Line" is not just a transport service but an experience. After 65 years of continuous service, the ferry has become both a symbol of the island's resilience and a vibrant link between its past and future.

(CCTV News contributed the Chinese version of this report.)