Along the Yangtze River in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, a ferry, known locally as the "Basket Ferry," has long served as a vital "water bus" for vegetable farmers in the town of Yangdu hauling their fresh produce to market in the county seat.

At the break of dawn, distinct whistles broke the tranquility of the Yangtze River, signaling the ferry's departure from Yangdu township to the county seat of Zhongxian in Chongqing Municipality.

The ferry, the "Yu Zhong Ke 2180", travels two hours from Yangdu to the county seat, stopping at seven piers along the way. Most passengers are elderly farmers heading to the county to sell their harvest.

Inside the cabin, wooden benches accommodate up to 140 passengers. For these seniors, the ferry isn't just a means of transportation, it's a lifeline to the outside world, especially for those whose children work in distant cities.

For Qin Dayi, the captain, the ferry offers a journey essential to many, though it was once on the verge of vanishing.

In the past, poor road conditions meant that locals relied heavily on river transportation. However, in 2016, a new expressway reduced the travel time by bus to just 50 minutes, compared to the two-hour boat journey. Most residents switched to bus travel, but many farmers still preferred the boat, which accommodated their bulky baskets of farm produce and live animals. The fare is also much cheaper.

The declining passenger traffic almost pushed the ferry to the brink of ceasing operations.

In September 2022, Qin's son, Qin Yuanze, returned home. Worried that the ferry might be sold, he began documenting his father's life on the boat and the daily ferry operations. He posted these videos on social media.

The unfiltered portrayal of their life quickly gained popularity, amassing millions of followers. Many viewers left encouraging comments and donations, hoping to help the farmers.

The influx of goodwill provided enough funds for the ferry's operations and allowed Captain Qin and his partner, Cao Lifang, to buy breakfast for the farmers.

Setting down their heavy back-baskets, the farmers are always greeted with bowls of congee and steamed buns, free breakfast funded entirely by generous netizens. Sometimes, anonymous donors purchase tickets in bulk so farmers can ride for free.

Every donation and its exact use, from breakfast supplies to ticket subsidies, is meticulously recorded and broadcast live in real time, building unbreakable trust as viewers witness the love flowing directly to those who need it most.

"Some kind people watch the livestream and say, 'I want to transfer money to you to buy tickets for these grandpas and grandmas.' At first, I didn't dare accept it," Cao Lifang recalled.

When the ferry arrived at the dock in Zhongxian County at about 09:00, a team of volunteers has already waited on the shore, ready to lend a hand to the elderly farmers. They help shoulder the loads to the market area.

To make things easier for the farmers, local authorities have set up a zone dedicated for the farmers beside the dock, saving them the trouble of trekking 30 minutes to the main market.

As the farmers settle into their market stalls, viewers from across the country place their orders through livestreaming platforms.

"[Netizens] have already bought so much, hundreds of kilograms [of vegetables]. Lots of netizens want to taste these fresh farm produce, so they ask us to buy some for them and send to them through express delivery," Cao said.

Within two hours, the stalls are nearly emptied. Any remaining vegetables don't go to waste. Qin and Cao usually purchase unsold vegetables at full price, ensuring no elderly farmer has to haul unsold goods all the way back home across the river.

Near the market, stand two small charity restaurants as dining spots for the elderly farmers.

Often, when netizens place orders through the live stream, it's not really about wanting the produce for themselves, but a gentle way to lighten the seniors' load.

The vegetables are simply delivered straight to these restaurants, where they become hearty lunches for the very farmers who grew them.

"Our life is full of sunshine," said Chen Huaxiang, one of the farmers.

"Thanks to the kind netizens sponsoring us, we don't have to pay anything for the meal. If there's no sponsorship that day, it's just eight yuan (about 1.16 U.S. dollars)," he added.

The outpouring of care from across the country has deeply touched the elderly farmers.

"Whatever vegetables I can't sell, the fans buy them up. Their money is hard-earned,too," said Kang Xingbi, another farmer.

"They buy up my vegetables in the morning. I'm really happy. I'm also treated with steamed buns, eggs and congee for breakfast. How could I not be happy?" said Ran Longxiang, another farmer, sharing her joy.

To pass on the selfless love, Cao Lifang and Qin Dayi have become busier than ever. The two families take turns operating the ferry. On their off days, they head to collect vegetables from farmers. The collected vegetables are then sold through e-commerce channels on the farmers' behalf.

"This season's potatoes were all sold out before Spring Festival," said Chen Huaxiang.

Over the years, hundreds of netizens from around the country have made special trips to Zhongxian County, just to help the elderly farmers, seeking no reward.

"These elderly people have it really tough. I hope they can earn a good income. Helping farmers isn't something for just a day or two, or even a year or two. Through what we've done here, I hope everyone can develop a love for their hometown's specialties," said Wang Dali, a volunteer from east China's Zhejiang Province.

"At first, when they came, I thought, 'Is it true that people travel all the way just to see these fellow villagers?' We are total strangers, yet they are willing to convey their kindness through the screen to the elders living along the river. And not just them, the volunteers at our dock and the local residents, they quietly shoulder the baskets up the steps and then leave without a word. It's a profound, admirable love," said Cao.

Local government has paved the dock steps with concrete for safer access. Volunteers show up day after day to lend a hand to the farmers. And local police officers have spent a decade carrying loads, escorting the elders, and ensuring their safety on board.

The "Yu Zhong Ke 2180" will soon retire. With support from the local government, a new, modernized vessel is set to replace it. The new ship features a wider deck, better wind resistance, and, for the first time, air conditioning.

"The strength of one individual is limited, but with everyone working together their power is infinite. With all the support lifting us up, we want to do even more to help these riverside elders, to make the most of the netizens' support," said Cao.