In the quiet waterways where Shanghai meets Jiangsu Province, Wanshi Ferry – the final operational crossing on Suzhou Creek – prepares to dock for good. For generations, ferrymen like those in Wanshi Village have navigated these waters, connecting communities and sustaining local commerce. Now, modern bridge projects are replacing this 100-year-old transport system, leaving its caretakers reflecting on their vanishing way of life.
\"We've carried farmers, students, even wedding processions,\" says one veteran ferryman, whose daily shuttle between Wanshi Village and Qisheng Highway once served hundreds. \"It\'s not just transport – we\'re part of people\'s stories.\" Local authorities confirm all ten remaining ferries along Suzhou Creek will cease operations by year\'s end.
Urban planners highlight improved connectivity through new infrastructure, but cultural preservationists warn of losing tangible history. The ferry economy once supported teahouses, riverside markets, and boat repair workshops – ecosystems now disappearing with each bridge completion.
As drone footage captures the creek\'s transformation, young residents express mixed feelings. \"My grandfather taught me to read the currents,\" shares 24-year-old Kunshan native Li Wei. \"Progress is good, but I hope we remember who kept these waters alive.\"
Reference(s):
Last Suzhou Creek ferryman: 'It's important to serve the people well'
cgtn.com
