
The Yangtze River Cableway, located in Chongqing, China, is the city's second cross-river cableway. The 1,166-meter-long cableway connects Chongqing's Yuzhong and Nan'an districts. It runs between Xinhua Road (Xiaoshizi Metro Station) in Yuzhong District and Shangxin Street in Nan'an District, traveling at a speed of 6 meters per second and taking four minutes.
It has been in operation for 30 years and is known as the "first aerial corridor of the Yangtze River" and the "mountain city aerial bus".
A ride on the Chongqing Yangtze River Cableway is the perfect way to experience Chongqing's unique blend of transportation and iconic mountain city image. Visitors to Chongqing can take the cableway across the river and admire the city's famous nightscape from above, a truly refreshing experience.
Suitable for all seasons
Recommended play time: 10-30 minutes
30 yuan for a round trip, 20 yuan for a one-way trip (18 yuan for a one-way trip with a Yiju Changtong card)
7:30-22:30
The Yangtze River Cableway, built in the 1980s, is one of the few urban cableways that crosses a major river. It serves both as a transportation method and a popular tourist attraction offering a scenic route over the Yangtze River, connecting the northern and southern parts of the city.
The cableway is located near the Chaotianmen Dock in the Yuzhong District of Chongqing. It is easily accessible by metro (Line 1), bus, or taxi. Walking from nearby landmarks like the People's Liberation Monument takes around 15-20 minutes.
The Yangtze River Cableway operates daily from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM. To avoid crowds, it’s best to visit early in the morning or during weekdays. Sunset offers particularly stunning views of the river and the city.
The ticket price for the Yangtze River Cableway is approximately 10-15 RMB per person for a one-way trip. Tickets can be purchased at the station or via local travel agencies online.
It is not mandatory to book tickets in advance, but it may be advisable during peak seasons. Tickets can be bought on the spot or online a few days in advance for convenience.
It takes approximately 15 minutes to ride the cableway from one side to the other. Including the time to explore the surrounding area, expect to spend about 1-2 hours for a full experience.
There are no formal guided tours for the cableway itself, but local guides around the area can provide information. Audio guides are available in Chinese, and some guides may offer information in English.
Ride the cableway across the Yangtze River, taking in the views. Once on the other side, explore the nearby Chaotianmen Dock and the People's Liberation Monument. Afterward, walk through the local markets and have a meal at a nearby restaurant.
Night visits are available, and the city’s skyline looks particularly stunning at night from the cableway. However, there are no organized light shows or special tours associated with the cableway itself.
The cableway can get crowded during weekends and public holidays. To avoid the crowd, visit early in the morning or on weekdays, especially during non-peak seasons.
There are rest areas, toilets, and small shops at the stations. Food and beverages are available in the vicinity, especially at local restaurants near the cableway's entrance.
The cableway is generally accessible for elderly visitors and children. However, it may not be suitable for those with severe mobility impairments, as there are steps and some steep areas around the stations.
Mobile payments (e.g., WeChat Pay, Alipay) and credit cards are accepted at the ticket counters and nearby shops. Cash can be used as well, but it is more convenient to use mobile payments.
Nearby, you’ll find many restaurants offering Chongqing hotpot, local noodles, and snacks. There are also cafes where you can relax and enjoy the river views.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available in many local restaurants, but halal options are less common. Check specific restaurants for dietary preferences.
There are several hotels nearby, ranging from budget to luxury. The area around Chaotianmen Dock offers a variety of accommodations for different budgets.
Souvenir shops are available near the cableway and at surrounding attractions. Typical souvenirs include local handicrafts, hotpot seasoning, and decorative items themed around the Yangtze River.
From the Yangtze River Cableway, taxis, buses, and metro stations are available to continue your trip. The area is well-connected, making it easy to explore other parts of the city.