Chongqing Ferry has introduced sunset cruises on its Yangtze-Jialing Two Rivers Ferry and Jialing River Ferry routes, according to the Yuzhong District Commission of Transport. The Jialing River Ferry has also launched music-themed sailings, adding a new dimension to Chongqing’s nighttime economy and creating a distinctive river-based travel experience rooted in the culture of the city and the wider Chongqing region.

The new sunset cruises offer a fresh way to explore Chongqing from the water. Photo/Yan Yanhui

Departing daily at 7:30 p.m., the Yangtze-Jialing Two Rivers Ferry sunset cruise operates a circular route from Danzishi Ferry Terminal via Jiangbeizui and Yemaoxi, before returning to Danzishi. Centered on the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing rivers, the cruise passes landmarks including Chaotianmen Square, Chongqing Grand Theatre, Danzishi Old Street, and Ciyun Temple. It also links three major waterfront areas: the Yuzhong Peninsula, Jiangbeizui, and Nanbin Road.

Passengers can watch the setting sun spread across the rivers and the evening glow settle over the waterfront, while taking in panoramic views of Chongqing’s distinctive cityscape along the two rivers and four riverbanks.

The Jialing River Ferry sunset cruise departs at 7:00 p.m. from Sunday to Thursday and travels from Ciqikou to Hongyadong. The approximately 60-minute journey showcases the scenery along the Jialing River, passing 13 cross-river bridges and popular attractions, including Hongyadong, the monorail passing through a building, and Ciqikou Ancient Town.

At sunset, monorail trains glide high above the river, dusk descends over the ancient town, and the water reflects the colors of the evening sky—creating a waterfront scene found only in Chongqing.

The Jialing River Ferry has also introduced a music-themed cruise titled Let the Music Flow Like a River. Combining live cultural experiences with riverside scenery, the service adds a stronger cultural dimension to Jialing River night cruises and supports the development of more regular, diverse, and high-quality river-based travel experiences.

In recent years, the Yuzhong District Commission of Transport has promoted the integration of transport, tourism, and culture. Using sightseeing vessels as a platform, it has developed a range of “Cruise +” experiences under the Chongqing Ferry brand, expanding the city’s immersive river-tourism offerings throughout the day and building a high-quality waterborne tourism network.

Yuzhong District will continue to upgrade its river cruises as part of broader efforts to enhance distinctive consumer experiences centered on Chongqing’s rivers, cliffs, streets, former air-raid shelters, and skyline. Plans include making cruises more immersive through scenic design, enriching the brand through cultural programming, diversifying tourism products, and expanding waterfront experiences for visitors of all ages and at different times of day. These initiatives are expected to further stimulate tourism and consumer activity along the two rivers and four riverbanks.