CHONGQING, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- The pre-dawn chill of New Year's Day lingered over the Yangtze River as Captain Qin Dayi blew the whistle of the "Yu Zhong Ke 2180." On the deck, the cargo painted a picture of rural abundance: bright orange citrus, emerald-green vegetables, and plump white geese swaying gently.
"Anyone else coming aboard? We're setting sail," Qin called out into the darkness.
At 7 a.m. on Jan. 1, the passenger ferry groaned to life, its engines rumbling as it slowly pulled away from the Yangdu pier in Zhongxian County, southwest China's Chongqing. For Qin, the journey marked the start of his 30th year behind the wheel, navigating a vessel that locals affectionately call the "Basket Ferry."
The ferry travels two hours from the town of Yangdu to the county seat, stopping at seven piers along the way. Most passengers are elderly farmers like 65-year-old Fan Qilan, who sat beside a large basket of lotus roots, ready to sell their harvest in city markets.
Inside the cabin, wooden benches accommodate up to 140 passengers, and cloth curtains shield them from the biting river wind.
For these seniors, the ferry isn't just a transport -- it's a lifeline to the outside world, especially for those whose children work in distant cities.
"I have 25 kg of oranges and a bag of pea shoots," said 70-year-old Li Daoming. Nearby, 73-year-old Ran Congyin tended to his bundles of lettuce.
"It's not just about the money," Qin said. "At home, many of them have no one to talk to. On the boat, it's lively. It's their social circle."
Despite its vital role, the ferry has faced choppy waters. A decade ago, a new highway cut the trip to the city to less than an hour, siphoning off younger passengers. Now, only elderly farmers remain as its regulars.
A round trip costs Qin about 600 yuan (about 85 U.S. dollars) in fuel, but ticket sales, priced at 12 yuan for the full journey, often total only 400 yuan. Yet, he refuses to raise the fares. "These folks might only earn 20 yuan a day selling vegetables. If I raise the price, they might not even break even."
Qin's father and grandfather were also captains. He grew up on the water and feels a "silent pact" with the villagers. If a regular passenger misses a few trips, Qin calls to check on them or even visits their homes.
A few years ago, Qin's son began filming the ferry's daily life, hoping to preserve its memory as other vessels were decommissioned. To their surprise, the videos went viral.
Netizens were moved by the images of the "Lotus Root Grandpa" and the "Smiling Grandma." Qin and his business partner, Cao Lifang, have become affectionately known as "Brother Yi" and "Sister Fang."
Soon, the digital community stepped in to help. Livestream donations now help cover fuel costs. Philanthropists have purchased tickets in bulk so farmers can ride for free, and volunteers donate hot breakfasts, steamed buns and porridge, which are served on deck.
In 2024, Qin began using his platform to directly assist farmers. Over 8,000 orders of citrus were sold during a December livestream last year. His son has recently obtained his passenger ship pilot license, ensuring that the family's legacy continues.
The "Yu Zhong Ke 2180" will soon retire. With support from the local government, a new, modernized vessel is set to replace it. The new ship features a wider deck, better wind resistance, and, for the first time, air conditioning.
"The baskets will be easier to place, and the seniors will travel more comfortably," Qin said during the new ship's launch ceremony. Despite the upgrade, the fare will remain unchanged.
As the New Year's voyage approached the county seat, where a dedicated trading spot awaits the farmers, a song played over the cabin speakers.
For Qin, the destination is always the same: a place where the hard work of the mountains meets the rhythm of the river, carried forward by a boat that refuses to leave anyone behind. ■
