Jiaxing, a city in East China's Zhejiang province, plans to launch 11 water bus routes in its downtown area. The boats will look as pictured above. [Photo/WeChat account: jxfabu]

Jiaxing, a city in East China's Zhejiang province, plans to launch 11 water bus routes in its downtown area, Jiaxing Daily reported on July 10.

The routes are expected to extend 100 kilometers, and 24 wharfs and two water transport service centers will be established along them.

Yang Huide, director of the waterway division of Jiaxing Port and the Waterway Management Service Center, said that construction on one of the routes, which runs over a river encircling the city, will start this year and be completed before June next year.

The route will start from Qiyi Square, pass by Huxin Island, People's Park, the Moon River scenic spot, the Boat Museum, and ancient Zicheng city, before finally returning to Qiyi Square.

Four wharfs will be established along the route for passengers getting on and off.

According to Yang, the city will build three different kinds of ships for bridges with different heights, each of which will accommodate 20 to 80 passengers.

Water buses are punctual and can transport passengers taking tramcars or buses without making them late, noted Yang.

In addition to modern ships, Jiaxing also plans to build old-looking ships for the 11 routes. [Photo/WeChat account: jxfabu]