Nanjin Ancient Ferry

Nanjin Ancient Ferry

Located on the southern bank of the Zuojiang River in the urban area of Chongzuo City, it faces the south gate of the former Taiping Prefecture across the river, hence its former name "Fufuian Ferry." With a long history, the ferry has existed since the establishment of Taiping Fort in the fifth year of the Huangyou era of the Song Dynasty (1053 AD). Situated on the southern bank, the ferry features a unique ancient path resembling stone steps that bridge from the riverbank to the shore — narrow, steep, and formed of natural stone treads, serving as the only route connecting the northern and southern banks, hence the name "Nanjin" (South Ford).

Nestled in a scenic bend and surrounded by clear waters, the ferry sits high on the bank with deep river waters. Beside the ferry lies an ancient peach tree with sprawling branches and dense foliage, creating a tranquil and elegant atmosphere with exceptional natural beauty. The appearance of the ferry changes with the seasons: in winter and spring, during the dry season when water levels are low, half of the riverbed is exposed, presenting a serene, jade-like expanse that flows eastward like a leisurely dragon. In summer and during the rainy season, when water levels rise, torrents from upstream converge here, creating majestic, turbulent waves with roaring sounds reminiscent of a lion's roar. The distinct views of spring and summer offer extraordinary scenery that has always drawn praise from passersby. In the third year of the Ming Tian Shun era (1459), the county magistrate Cen Fang from the local area composed the poetic verse "Nanjin Evening Ferry": “The official ferry at Nanjin turns, / As dusk rises with blue mist. / Burdened travelers scramble for the path, / People on the sand wait for boats. / The wind follows the setting sun, / When will clothes and food be enough? / I ask those bustling about, / Who plans to cross the river soon?” (Excerpt from Yue Xi Shi Zai). In the 26th year of the Qing Kangxi era (1687), Huang Liangji, prefect of Taiping, initiated the construction of a stone embankment at the ferry. Stones were laid from the bottom up to form steps. The ferryhead was seven feet wide, extending 130 feet from bottom to top with over 80 steps, including six platforms along the way for travelers to rest, built at a total cost of 80,000 strings of copper coins. In the 31st year of Kangxi (1692), Tongpan Yu Pin reinstated ferry service with boats. In the 18th year of the Qing Jiaqing era (1818), due to concerns about the unfavorable terrain of the ancient ferry, it was relocated outside the Xiaoxi Gate to establish a new ferry. However, as the new location was remote and plagued by bandits, few people used it, so Yao, the new Taixie, moved the ferry back to Nanjin.

In the 34th year of the Qing Guangxu era (1908), Taiping Prefecture constructed a pontoon bridge called the Lijiang Bridge. It was dismantled a few years later, and boat crossings continued until the end of the Qing Dynasty and during the Republican period.

After the liberation, Nanjin became a major north-south traffic ferry. The county government allocated funds for renovations several times. In September 1953, the wharf was paved with quarried stone, the road was widened to 4.6 meters, and 152 stone steps were built from the river to the shore, with three resting platforms along the way. In 1956, during the dry season, a pontoon bridge was erected to replace the ferryboats, operating day and night. It was removed during floods, and two motorized boats were used instead. In 1979, a 101-step wharf was built on the northern bank, 4.2 meters wide. In 1981, 13 additional concrete steps were added to the lower part of the southern ferry dock, with two more steps built at the top, bringing the total number of steps at Nanjin to 167.

After 1985, with the renovation and expansion of Jiangnan Avenue, the upper entrance of Nanjin was aligned with the avenue. Located near the train and bus stations, the area beside the road has been developed into a flower garden and lawn spanning dozens of meters. Next to the garden stands the five-story Nanjin Hotel. From its rooftop, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the entire area.