On the evening of August 7, at an exposed water operation site, channel markers from the Wanglongmen Base of the Chongqing Yangtze River Waterway Department were tightening steel cables on scorching decks. “The water level is dropping rapidly, so the markers must be adjusted immediately to ensure safe passage for vessels.”

Due to persistent high temperatures, scarce rainfall, and a sharp decrease in upstream water flow, the water level in Chongqing’s central urban area has significantly dropped. On August 7, the Cuntan water level fell to 6.17 meters. The severe challenge of rapid transition between high and low water levels, combined with extreme heat, has greatly increased the difficulty of waterway maintenance.

Relocating markers, clearing debris, washing water gauges, cleaning, and maintenance—channel workers braved the intense heat as they moved across the river. Large beads of sweat rolled down their faces, their skin visibly tanned, and their clothes crusted with salt.

Channel workers setting up a navigation light.

“During peak flood periods, we restored up to 12 malfunctioning markers in a single day. During rapid water level drops, we urgently adjusted 35 buoys within a week,” said the head of the Chongqing Yangtze River Waterway Department.

Since this year’s flood season began, the Chongqing section of the Yangtze River has experienced six significant rises and falls in water levels, with a single-day maximum rise exceeding 4 meters. To ensure worker safety and operational efficiency during extreme heat, the Chongqing Waterway Bureau has implemented safety measures, strengthened fire prevention protocols, enhanced monitoring and early warnings, adopted “off-peak” work shifts, and ensured sufficient staffing and emergency response capabilities.

After completing marker adjustments past 8 p.m., the Wanglongmen channel base’s marker boat finally docked at the pier. With the river breeze blowing, the lit navigation lights guided passing vessels safely along their way.

Wanglongmen Base

Wanglongmen Base is a historical and cultural site in China, often associated with ancient military or strategic significance. While specific details about its history are limited, it is believed to have served as a defensive or logistical hub during certain dynastic periods. Today, it may be preserved as part of China’s cultural heritage, reflecting traditional architecture or historical narratives. (If you have additional context, I can refine this summary further.)

Chongqing Yangtze River Waterway Department

The Chongqing Yangtze River Waterway Department is a key administrative body responsible for managing navigation safety, waterway maintenance, and transportation logistics along the Yangtze River in the Chongqing region. Established to support the vital economic and trade activities of the Yangtze, Asia’s longest river, it plays a crucial role in regulating shipping routes and ensuring efficient waterborne trade in southwestern China. Its history is tied to the modernization of China’s inland waterway systems, particularly since the late 20th century, when the Yangtze became a major artery for regional development.

Cuntan water level

The **Cuntan Water Level** is a hydrological monitoring station located on the Yangtze River in Chongqing, China. It plays a crucial role in tracking water levels and flow rates, particularly for flood control and navigation along the upper Yangtze. Historically, it has been an important reference point for river management since the early 20th century, aiding in both economic development and disaster prevention.

Yangtze River

The Yangtze River, the longest river in Asia and the third-longest in the world, stretches over 6,300 kilometers through China, playing a vital role in the country’s history, culture, and economy. For centuries, it has served as a major trade route, supported agriculture, and inspired countless works of art and literature. Today, it remains essential for transportation, hydroelectric power (notably the Three Gorges Dam), and tourism, while facing environmental challenges.

Chongqing Waterway Bureau

The Chongqing Waterway Bureau is a key administrative body overseeing navigation and waterway management along the Yangtze River and its tributaries in Chongqing, China. Established to regulate river transport and ensure safety, it plays a vital role in the region’s trade and logistics, historically supporting Chongqing’s development as a major inland port. The bureau also manages infrastructure like locks and channels, adapting to modern shipping demands while preserving the area’s rich maritime heritage.

Wanglongmen channel base

The Wanglongmen Channel Base is a historical water management site in China, traditionally linked to ancient irrigation systems or canal networks that supported agriculture and transportation. While specific details about its origins are limited, such sites often date back to imperial dynasties, reflecting advanced hydraulic engineering of the time. Today, it may serve as a cultural heritage site, showcasing China’s long history of water conservation and infrastructure development.