On Suzhou’s Pingjiang River, a flower boat now glides along a set route, automatically collecting and transferring litter while doubling as a floating work of art. Decked with jade rabbit figures, round lantern-like spheres, and sweet osmanthus motifs — and flanked by miniature Su-style facades and landscape elements — the boat even lights up its moon and rabbit features at night. Passersby often stop to photograph the charming cleaner.

A second unmanned vessel handles garbage transport. Four designated boarding points have been set along the riverbank. The transport boat uses intelligent navigation to stop at these preset spots so sanitation workers can load trash on board. Once full, it sails itself to a specified landing point, where cleaners move the waste to a transfer station.

The two-boat system keeps the waterway tidy while adding a playful, photogenic touch to the riverside — turning routine cleaning into a new city sight.