News of the suspension of the S05 (Shenjing-Xinzhou) water bus route spread quickly, bringing a new buzz to the piers. Local residents, tourists and photo enthusiasts flocked to the piers, eagerly raising their cameras to capture the final moments of this water bus route.

The S05 water bus route, which connects the Shenjing area of Changzhou Island with Xinzhou, will cease operations from April 11, according to an announcement.

With fares as low as 2 yuan per passenger and 3 yuan for a tricycle, and a quick river crossing of less than 10 minutes, it has long been an affordable and convenient choice for many local residents. 

With the convenience of the ferry, eating deep-fried goose on Changzhou Island and enjoying seafood gourmet near Xinzhou Pier have become dining rituals for locals when they gather with friends and family.

Aside from culinary delights it brings, the S05 water bus route is best known for its romantic sunset cruises. As the sun sinks below the horizon, golden hues spill over the Pearl River, and passengers aboard the ferry are treated to a breathtaking scene of the shimmering water merging with the setting sun. A particularly stunning moment is when sunlight streams through the Xinhua Expressway Bridge, the silhouette of which merges with the skyline of the city in the distance.

Starting from April 11, the remaining operational water bus routes will be S06 (Huangsha-Bai'etan Art Center), S09 (Baixianke-Baihedong) and S10 (Yuzhu-Changzhou).

Source and photos: Guangzhou Daily 

Author: Annie