(Yicai Global) July 28 - Southwest China’s megacity of Chongqing and the upper reaches of the Yangtze River have been overwhelmed in what are the worst floods this year, according to the South China Morning Post.

The flow and water level of the main Chongqing stretch of the Yangtze -- Asia’s longest and the world’s third-longest river -- continued to rise yesterday, inundating the Linjiang area of the ancient town of Ciqikou, a major tourist site.

Floodwaters in Ciqikou Old Town have nearly swallowed a streetlight.

The water level approaches 183 meters at Ciqikou.

The deluge has engulfed Chongqing’s Chaotianmen Wharf, idling cruise boats.

Residents view the flood from up on a terrace at Chaotianmen Square.

Rising water has swamped the riverside Linjiang area’s shops.

The Yangtze River floods surge past the downtown of Chongqing, a city of over 30 million people.

Editor: Zhang Yushuo, Ben Armour