Shanghai Ferry Co Ltd, a long-standing fixture of the city's transportation network, celebrated its 115th anniversary on Jan 5, marking a recent surge in ridership to levels unseen since 2018.

To commemorate the milestone, the company distributed complimentary gloves to passengers on all 17 of its cross-river routes as a gesture of appreciation for their continued support.

Shanghai Ferry's story began in 1911, when a small steamship named Antai made its first trip from Donggou Pier in Pudong to the Bund.

Once the dominant mode of transport across the Huangpu River, the ferry system peaked in the 1980s, carrying a staggering 383 million passengers in 1988. The construction of bridges and tunnels in the 1990s, however, reduced the ferry's role in cross-river commuting.

Chen, a Shanghai Ferry employee for 38 years, recalls the days when passengers packed ferries like sardines during the morning rush.

Recently, the ferry has seen a resurgence thanks to the revitalization of the Huangpu River waterfront and growing tourism. In 2025, Shanghai Ferry transported 45.86 million passengers, a 5.2 percent increase from 43.59 million in 2022.

Routes along the developed waterfront have seen especially robust growth. Passenger volume on the Dongjin Line rose 12.59 percent, the Nanlu Line 9.36 percent, the Mindan Line 26.08 percent, the Taigong Line 9.6 percent, and the Dongfu Line 11.49 percent.

The revival signals a shift in the ferry's function from a commuter service to a leisure and tourism experience.

According to Sun Xiang, operations director of Shanghai Ferry Co Ltd, tourists and other non-commuters now make up 30 percent of passengers.

In addition to the anniversary celebration, Shanghai Ferry has launched the "Love Ferry" service brand, which includes a volunteer team, a WeChat mini-program for route information, and boxes stocked with small change for passengers who need it.

Looking forward, the company plans to integrate ferry services with tourism and cultural experiences, develop themed routes showcasing the history and culture of the Huangpu River, upgrade facilities, and enhance overall service quality.

Source: Shanghai Observer