Things to Do at Yangtze River Cableway

Complete Guide to Yangtze River Cableway in Chongqing

About Yangtze River Cableway

The Yangtze River Cableway is one of Chongqing's most iconic attractions, offering visitors a spectacular aerial journey across the mighty Yangtze River. Built in 1987, this cable car system connects the Yuzhong District on the south bank with the Nan'an District on the north bank, spanning 1,166 meters with a height difference of 120 meters. The cableway has become a symbol of Chongqing's mountainous terrain and serves as both a practical transportation method for locals and a thrilling tourist experience. Riding the Yangtze River Cableway provides unparalleled panoramic views of Chongqing's dramatic skyline, showcasing the city's unique topography where modern skyscrapers rise from steep hillsides along the riverbanks. The journey offers a bird's-eye perspective of the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing rivers, making it an essential experience for understanding Chongqing's geography and urban development. The cableway has gained international recognition after being featured in various films and documentaries, cementing its status as a must-visit attraction for travelers exploring this fascinating mountain city.

What to See & Do

Panoramic City Views

impressive 360-degree views of Chongqing's sprawling urban landscape, featuring towering skyscrapers, traditional architecture, and the dramatic terrain that makes this city unique

Yangtze River Vistas

Spectacular aerial views of the Yangtze River flowing through the city, with opportunities to see cargo ships, passenger vessels, and the river's impressive width and power

Mountain Cityscape

Unique perspective of Chongqing's famous 'mountain city' topography, with buildings constructed on steep hillsides and the intricate network of bridges connecting different levels

Sunset and Night Illumination

impressive sunset views over the river and city, followed by the spectacular night lighting of Chongqing's skyscrapers and bridges creating a magical urban panorama

Cable Car Experience

The thrilling ride itself in the vintage cable cars, feeling the gentle sway as you cross high above the river while learning about the engineering marvel of this transportation system

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Daily 7:30 AM - 10:30 PM (last ride at 10:00 PM). Hours may be extended during peak tourist seasons and holidays.

Tickets & Pricing

Round trip: ¥30 RMB (approximately $4 USD); One way: ¥20 RMB. Tickets can be purchased at the station or through various Chinese Mobile apps. Cash and Mobile payments accepted.

Best Time to Visit

Late afternoon to early evening (5:00-7:00 PM) for sunset views, or after dark (7:30-9:30 PM) for spectacular night city lights. Avoid peak hours (8:00-9:00 AM and 6:00-7:00 PM) when locals use it for commuting.

Suggested Duration

The cable car ride takes approximately 4-5 minutes each way. Allow 1-2 hours total including waiting time and photo opportunities.

Getting There

The Yangtze River Cableway has two stations: Xinhua Road Station (新华路站) in Yuzhong District and Shangxin Street Station (上新街站) in Nan'an District. To reach Xinhua Road Station, take Chongqing Metro Line 1 or 6 to Xiaoshizi Station (小什字站) and walk 10 minutes, or take various buses to Xinhua Road stop. For Shangxin Street Station, take Metro Line 6 to Shangxin Street Station and walk 5 minutes. Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available to both stations. The stations are well-signposted in both Chinese and English.

Things to Do Nearby

Chaotianmen Square
Famous confluence point where the Yangtze and Jialing rivers meet, featuring a large plaza, river cruises, and excellent views of both rivers

this destination
Iconic stilted building complex built into a cliff face, featuring traditional architecture, shops, restaurants, and spectacular night illumination

Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street
Chongqing's premier shopping and commercial district centered around the Liberation Monument, with numerous shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues

Nanshan One Tree Viewing Platform
Popular hilltop observation deck offering panoramic views of Chongqing's skyline, especially beautiful at night and easily accessible from the south station

Yangtze River Bridge
Historic bridge spanning the Yangtze River with pedestrian walkways offering additional river and city views, located near the cable car route

Tips & Advice

Visit during weekdays or non-peak hours to avoid long queues, especially during Chinese holidays and weekends when wait times can exceed 2 hours

Bring a camera with a good zoom lens and ensure your phone is fully charged - the views are spectacular and you'll want to capture them from different angles

Stand on the right side of the cable car when traveling from north to south for the best views of the city skyline and river confluence

Consider purchasing a round-trip ticket even if you plan to explore the other side, as it's more convenient and cost-effective than buying separate tickets