Yangtze River Cableway
The Chongqing Yangtze River Cable Car, the world’s longest urban aerial tramway, spans 1,166 meters across the Yangtze River. Originally built in 1986 as public transport, it now offers breathtaking cityscape views and a nostalgic journey between Yuzhong District and Nan’an District, immortalized in films like Crazy Stone
Historical Overview
Constructed in 1986, the cable car revolutionized Chongqing’s transport, ferrying 26,000 passengers daily during its peak. After the city’s metro expansion, it reopened in 2013 as a tourist attraction, preserving its retro red cabins and vintage charm. Key events include hosting the 2006 Asian Film Awards and inspiring global urban transit designs.
Structural Layout
1. The system includes two terminals:North Station (Xinhua Road): Overlooking Jiefangbei CBD and Hongya Cave.
2. South Station (Shangxinjie): Linked to Nanbin Road’s riverside promenade.
The 10-minute ride features 360° glass-bottomed cabins (introduced 2020) and a mid-river support tower, ensuring stability despite Chongqing’s foggy “3D city” terrain.
Major Attractions
1. Riverside View: Gaze at Chaotianmen’s Yangtze-Jialing River confluence and Lizeba’s cliff-hung train station.
2. Night Lights: Witness Chongqing’s neon-lit skyline after sunset, dubbed “Little Hong Kong”.
3. Hongya Cave: A 12-story traditional market complex accessible via the north station.
4. Nanbin Road: Stroll riverside cafes and sculptures near the south station.
Suggested Itineraries
1. Express Ride (30 mins): North → South Station (or vice versa) for photo ops + Hongya Cave visit.
2. Cultural Loop (2 hrs): North Station → Cable Car → Nanbin Road → E’ling Park sunset.
3. Evening Tour (1.5 hrs): 7 PM ride for nightscapes + hotpot dinner at Ciqikou Ancient Town.
Ticket Purchase
Online: Book via WeChat mini-program “Chongqing Cable Car” (up to 7 days ahead).
On-Site: Scan QR codes at terminals for instant tickets.
Prices: ¥20 one-way (¥18 for seniors/students), ¥30 round-trip.
Transportation
Subway: North Station: Line 1/2, Xiaoshizi Station (Exit 1), 5-min walk. South Station: Line 6, Shangxinjie Station (Exit 6), 10-min walk.
Bus: Routes 0491/0321/0301 to Xiaoshizi or Shangxinjie stops.
Taxi: Direct to terminals; avoid rush hour (7–9 AM, 5–7 PM).
Best Time & Tips
Avoid Crowds: Ride before 9 AM or after 8 PM.
Weather: Clear days offer maximum visibility; fog adds drama (but may obscure views).
- Essentials:
Use cashless payment (Alipay/WeChat).
Hold onto belongings in open-air cabins.
Combine with a trip to Chongqing’s “Light Hill” observation deck for panoramic views.
Yangtze River Cableway Scenic Spots Guide
More popular itineraries
FAQ
How many people can the Yangtze River Cableway cabin hold at a time? How long is the queue during peak hours?
Each cabin can carry up to 50 people. During weekends and holidays (9:00-11:00, 16:00-19:00), queues can last 40-60 minutes. For shorter waits, visit on weekdays or after 19:30.
Which seat on the Yangtze River Cableway offers the best view for taking photos of the river?
The seats near the front or rear windows (avoiding the middle pillars) are ideal. The left side of the cabin (when heading from Yuzhong to Nan’an) provides stunning shots of Hongyadong and the Jialing River confluence.
What’s the difference between the Yangtze River Cableway and the Jialing River Cableway? Which is more worth experiencing?
The Yangtze River Cableway is larger (50 vs. 30 passengers per cabin) and offers views of iconic landmarks like Hongyadong. The Jialing River Cableway is smaller and quieter, with views of old docks. For first-time visitors, the Yangtze River Cableway is more iconic, but combining both gives a full sense of Chongqing’s "river city" layout.
What time are the "sunrise" and "sunset" rides on the Yangtze River Cableway? Do they require advance booking?
Sunrise rides start around 6:30-7:00 (varies by season), and sunset rides are 18:00-19:00. No advance booking is needed, but arriving 20 minutes early ensures you get a window seat for the best light.
Can I eat or drink on the Yangtze River Cableway? Are there any prohibited items?
Light snacks and bottled drinks are allowed, but avoid messy foods like hotpot or stinky tofu. Prohibited items include flammables, large suitcases (over 20kg), and pets (except guide dogs).
