“Can you imagine this?” whispers an old Shanghainese woman. It is like stepping back in time at L3\u8f6e\u6e21\u7801\u5934. This Shanghai Ferry terminal has witnessed a century of change.
L3\u8f6e\u6e21\u7801\u5934 stands as a silent observer of Shanghai’s history. Before bridges and tunnels, ferries were the only way across the Huangpu River. The Shanghai Ferry system began in 1911. It quickly became essential to the city.
Imagine the crowds. Before the 1970s, the Shanghai Ferry was the only option. By the 1980s, it was among the busiest ferry services globally. The Shanghai Ferry Company operated these routes.
Private sampan ferries were common before the official service. These small boats carried 30 to 50 people. A trip across the river took about 30 minutes. The growing city needed more efficient transport. The Shanghai Ferry provided a safer faster alternative.
In 1909, a steamboat ferried workers across the river. It charged a small fee for other passengers. This subsidized costs. People preferred the steamboat for its safety and speed. Authorities soon realized the ferry could be permanent.
The Pudong municipal authorities launched the first ferry line in 1911. It ran between Tongren Pier and Donggou. More lines followed linking Tongren Pier to other locations. Private companies also started their own ferry lines.
By 1935, the ferry service had expanded. It operated six lines and had served 12.98 million riders annually. Before the Second Sino-Japanese War, ferries were the main way to cross the Huangpu River.
War reduced the Shanghai Ferry service. By 1945, only a few ferries were operational. In 1947, the Shanghai Ferry Company was established. It was a joint venture between the government and private companies.
After the Communist takeover in 1949, the military requisitioned the company. In 1956, the government nationalized the ferry industry. Private sampan ferries were abolished. New ferry boats were launched.
In 1993, the Shanghai Ferry Company operated 21 lines. Daily ridership reached one million. Annual ridership was 3700 million. The construction of bridges and tunnels caused a drop in ridership.
Today, the Shanghai Ferry Company still operates. It has 18 ferry lines and 55 ferry boats. Daily ridership is around 250000. New ferries like the Shanghai 1 and Shanghai 2 entered service in 2018. Standard ferries were retired.
December 12 1987 saw a tragic event. Heavy fog suspended ferry service at Lujiazui Ferry Terminal. Thousands of anxious passengers gathered. When the ferry service resumed, a stampede occurred. Seventeen people died.
Today, L3\u8f6e\u6e21\u7801\u5934 stands as a reminder. It is a reminder of Shanghai’s past. It is a reminder of the importance of the ferry service. Next time you are in Shanghai take a ride on the ferry. It will give you a new perspective on this dynamic city.