Shanghai launched new cruise tours on Suzhou Creek on Thursday. The boat itself is modeled after the Shanghai SH760 sedan produced in China from 1965 to 1991. Photo: VCG

A cruise boat passes by the Sihang Warehouse Battle Memorial. Each of this type of boat can carry up to 11 passengers per trip. Photo: VCG

A boat sails through downtown Shanghai on the Suzhou Creek on Sept. 17. Trial operation for the tour started that day. This vessel can carry up to 20 passengers. Photo: IC Photo

A pilot operates a cruise boat on Sept. 17. Photo: Zhang Hengwei/China News Service, VCG

A cruise vessel docks at the Waitanyuan pier on the Bund on Thursday. The tour connects eight piers, four of which are already operating. Photo: VCG

The city launched two tour routes for the river cruise: the 60 minute route costs 100 yuan ($14) and operates between the Changfeng Park and Changhua Road piers, while the 30 minute route costs 60 yuan and sails between the Waitanyuan pier and the Sihang Warehouse pier. Photo: IC Photo

A berthing area for boats on the Suzhou Creek in May 1987. The 125-kilometer river was subject to industrial pollution in the 1980s. Authorities have undertaken several rehabilitation plans since the 1990s to improve the river’s water quality. Photo: Jean-Marc Charles/VCG

Rowboats navigate the Suzhou Creek in 1910. Some of the buildings along the river, including the General Post Office Building (center), have since been repurposed into museums. Photo: wiki