Yangtze River Cableway

Address No. 151 Xinhua Road, Yuzhong District (North Station), Chongqing
Hours 08:00–22:00 (Adjusted seasonally)
Phone +86 23 62872299
Announcement: Air Corridor
Entrance ¥20
Hours 08:00–22:00 (Adjus...
Best Season Sunset or night ti...
Time needed 1 hour (including wait time)
Last visit: Aug 25, 2026
Author: Ming Yang
Reviewer: Jun Li
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Planning a trip to Chongqing's Nanan District but overwhelmed by where to go? This guide covers must-see attractions like the Yangtze River Cableway and Nanshan Mountain, plus insider tips on local food, transport, and avoiding tourist traps. Perfect for first-time visitors.

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Yangtze River Cableway Overview

A historic aerial tramway originally built for commuting, now a popular tourist attraction offering panoramic views of the Yangtze River and city skyline.

Yangtze River Cableway Opening Hours & Tickets

  • 08:00–22:00 (Adjusted seasonally)
  • Best season: Sunset or night time for the illuminated skyline.
  • Ticket note: Single trip: 20 CNY; Round trip: 30 CNY. Must book through the official WeChat a...

Essential Yangtze River Cableway Visitor Information

  • Enquiries: +86 23 62872299
  • Waiting Lounges
  • Ticket Vending Machines
  • Souvenir Shop
  • Photo Service

How to Get to Yangtze River Cableway

Metro Line 1/6 to Xiaoshizi Station Exit 5 for the North Station.

Yangtze River Cableway Travel Safety & Advice

Staff members are present in every cabin and at both terminals.

Practical Info

  • No. 151 Xinhua Road, Yuzhong District (North Station), Chongqing
  • 08:00–22:00 (Adjusted seasonally)
  • +86 23 62872299
Ming Yang
Ming Yang
Certified National Tour Guide
Ming Yang is a Chongqing-based Certified National Tour Guide and an established Culinary Heritage Expert, focusing on the vibrant food scenes and unique shopping experiences of Southwest China.

We keep this guide current.

Ratings

★★★★☆ 4.3 (40 reviews)

On-site notes & editorial review

Tickets

  • Single trip: 20 CNY; Round trip: 30 CNY. Must book through the official WeChat a...

Online booking may be required

Tips

If the Yuzhong side is too crowded, try starting from the South Bank (Shangxin Street Station).

Reality Check

  • Wait times can exceed 2 hours during peak season for a 4-minute ride; book tickets online in advance.
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Recent Reviews

4.3 ★★★★☆ (40)
Brad_from_Bo Aug 11, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

You can't leave Chongqing without doing this. Yes, it's touristy and yes, you'll be sharing the car with strangers, but the moment you lift off and see the river sprawling beneath you, it's amazing. I loved feeling the cabin rock slightly at the towers. Breathtaking in real life. Made me fall even more in love with this city.

Cici_explore Aug 11, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

What a cool perspective of Chongqing! We took the cableway from Nan'an side to avoid the worst queue. It was only a few minutes in the air, but the contrast between the gritty Yangtze and the futuristic skyline behind is unforgettable. The staff were efficient, the car was clean, and the evening lights made everything magical. Tip: go on a clear day and grab a window spot early!

mike_the_wan Aug 11, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

Absolutely worth it. Bought a round trip ticket and stood right at the window for the crossing. Watching the river below while the city towers surround you is a surreal feeling. The cable car has been running for decades and you can feel the history. It's not a hidden gem, it's a classic, and it lives up to the hype. I'd ride it again in a heartbeat.

Jenna_Travel Aug 11, 2026
★★★★☆ 4.0

Great experience overall! We went late afternoon and caught the sunset over the Yangtze. Cabins get crowded really fast, so try to stand near the window. The ride is short but the view of Chongqing's skyline from above is pretty special. Only reason not a 5 is the ticketing process was a bit chaotic and there isn't much signage about which side to line up.

Neil_Outdoor Aug 11, 2026
★★★☆☆ 3.0

Waited over an hour in the heat even though I came early. The cable car itself is old but fine; the ride lasts maybe five minutes. Views of the river and city are decent but the windows were dirty and packed with people shoving to take photos. Felt more like a transport route than a sightseeing attraction. If the queue wasn't so long I'd rate it higher, but honestly it wasn't worth the time.

Grace_n_Boot Aug 03, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

Best five minutes in Chongqing! We went right after a light rain, and thin mist was hanging around the towers and the river. The cabin swayed a little, and the kids in our group were screaming with joy. It feels practical and touristy at the same time, which I love. Make sure you grab a window spot early and keep your face close to the glass — the scale of the Yangtze hits you all at once. I couldn’t stop grinning the entire ride.

Geo_Jake Aug 03, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

As someone who is into urban transport and city geography, this might be the coolest cableway I’ve ever ridden. It’s not just a tourist attraction — locals actually use it to cross the Yangtze, which gives it a really authentic, functional vibe. The engineering behind the route is impressive, and standing in the cabin as you glide over such a massive river feels genuinely surreal. I rode it back and forth twice and noticed something new each time. Worth every yuan.

Riverside_Ri Aug 03, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

Absolutely magical. My heart actually skipped a beat when the cable car lifted off and the whole of Chongqing opened up in front of me. The Yangtze below is so wide and powerful, and the city just stacks up the hillside like a cyberpunk painting. I went around sunset, and the lights were just beginning to flicker on — unreal. It’s only a few minutes long, but I would happily do it again and again. Don’t be glued to your phone; just look out and let it sink in.

Travel_with_ Aug 03, 2026
★★★★☆ 4.0

A solid, if slightly pricey, experience. I went on a clear weekday morning and the line moved quicker than I expected. The cable car feels a bit dated, but that adds some charm. From the middle of the crossing, you get a fantastic view of Chongqing’s stacked-up skyline and the muddy Yangtze rolling beneath you. It’s expensive for what is really a short ride, but I think it’s worth doing once. Pro tip: try to get a window position on the side facing downtown.

Mike_Hikes32 Aug 03, 2026
★★★☆☆ 3.0

I really wanted to love this, but the experience felt a little overhyped. We waited about 45 minutes in a hot, crowded queue, and then got squeezed into a cabin with about a dozen other people. The ride itself is barely five minutes, and on the day we went the haze was thick enough that the views of the Yangtze and the city were pretty muted. You can see the cableway crossing above the river from street level, and honestly that almost gave me the better photo. It’s iconic, but I’d probably skip it during peak hours.

Ramblin_Rob Jul 27, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

I've been on quite a few urban cable cars around the world, and this one stands out for its sheer drama—gliding over the wide brown Yangtze with mountains in the distance is unforgettable. The cars are modern and clean, and the station on the south side has a nice little viewing platform. Tip: go early to avoid crowds and grab a front-row spot. Five stars, no question.

SunsetSeeker Jul 27, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

Riding the Yangtze River Cableway right before sunset was magical. The golden light reflecting off the river, the gentle sway of the car, and the cool breeze made it a perfect 10-minute escape from the bustling city. I went on a clear day and could see for miles. The staff were friendly and efficient too. Highly recommended for photographers and romantics!

KW_Explorer Jul 27, 2026
★★★☆☆ 3.0

Honestly, I was a little disappointed. The queue was over 40 minutes even on a weekday, and the cable car was packed like sardines. You barely have room to turn, let alone take good photos. The view is fine, but nothing special once you're crammed in with dozens of people. For the price and wait time, I'd rather take the metro across the river next time.

MapleLeaf_Je Jul 27, 2026
★★★★☆ 4.0

A fun experience overall, but I think it's a bit overpriced for the short duration. The ride only lasts about 4-5 minutes each way, and if you don't manage to get a window spot, you'll be peeking over people's shoulders. The views are nice, but not mind-blowing compared to other cable cars I've been on. Still, it's a convenient way to cross the river if you're in the area.

TravelBug_Ti Jul 27, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

The views of the Yangtze and the city skyline from the cable car are absolutely breathtaking— definitely the highlight of my trip to Chongqing. The ride itself is smooth and not too crowded when I went in the morning. I love how you can see the contrast between the modern skyscrapers and the old town below. Totally worth the ticket price, would go again in a heartbeat!

Loco_Local_L Jul 13, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

Ride this every time I bring visitors from out of town, and it never disappoints. The scale of the river and the hills is just massive from up there. Clean, efficient, and the staff is always professional. Pro tip: go early morning when it’s less crowded and the air is crisp. Five stars all the way!

Travels_with Jul 13, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

Best 15 minutes of my trip! I was a bit nervous about heights, but the cabin felt super safe and stable. The view of the Yangtze River meeting the city’s modern skyline is something I’ll never forget. Bought the round-trip ticket and went twice just to soak it all in. Highly recommend!

Shutterbug_T Jul 13, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

Absolutely stunning! The cableway gives you a bird’s-eye perspective of the mighty Yangtze that you just can’t get anywhere else. I went around sunset and the golden light on the water was breathtaking. The ride is smooth and the staff even helped me get the best spot for photos. A must-do in Chongqing!

Wanderlust_E Jul 13, 2026
★★★★☆ 4.0

Pretty solid experience overall. The cable car glides smoothly over the Yangtze and you get a great panoramic view of both sides. The only reason I’m giving 4 stars is the long queue – waited nearly 40 minutes on a weekday afternoon. But once you’re up there, it’s worth the patience. Clean cabins and friendly staff.

Jake_on_the_ Jul 13, 2026
★★★☆☆ 3.0

Took the Yangtze River Cableway yesterday and honestly, it was just okay. The views of the river and the city skyline are nice, but the cabin was stuffy and the glass was so dirty it really ruined the photos. Also felt a bit overpriced for a 5-minute ride. Not terrible, but I wouldn’t go out of my way for it.

Ryan_Tripste Jul 06, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

An iconic experience that shouldn't be missed. The cable car ride over the Yangtze River is smooth and offers panoramic views. We went early morning to avoid crowds – it was perfect. The staff even helped us take photos. A highlight of our Chongqing trip!

Wandering_El Jul 06, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

What a thrill! The cableway gives you a bird's eye view of the mighty Yangtze. I loved how the cabins are open-air style, so you really feel the wind. Breathtaking views of the mountains and the city merging together. Highly recommend for any traveler in Chongqing!

mike_travels Jul 06, 2026
★★★☆☆ 3.0

Well, I had high hopes but left a bit disappointed. The viewing platform was crowded and you can't see much when it's hazy. Also, the ticket price seemed steep for the short ride. Would have been better on a clear day I guess. Not terrible, but wouldn't go again.

backpacker_s Jul 06, 2026
★★★★☆ 4.0

I've been on many cable cars around the world, and this one offers a unique perspective of the Yangtze. The river below, the bridges, and the hills – impressive. However, the queue was really long (about 45 mins) and the cabin felt a bit cramped. Still, a solid experience for the price.

Jiayuan_Adve Jul 06, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

Absolutely stunning views of the Yangtze River and the city skyline! The cable car ride was smooth and the staff were very friendly. We went in the late afternoon and caught the sunset – it was magical. Definitely a must-do in Chongqing. Worth every penny!

Nomad_Andy Jun 23, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

Unreal experience! The cableway gives you a bird's-eye view of the mighty Yangtze and the surrounding mountains. Very well maintained, clean cars, and the staff were friendly. I went on a weekday and there was almost no wait. Absolutely worth the ticket price!

Luna_explore Jun 23, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

Rode it at sunset and it was pure magic. The warm light over the Yangtze, the city skyline in the distance, and the gentle sway of the car — such a peaceful moment. Highly recommend timing your visit for golden hour. One of my favorite memories from China!

CC_runner22 Jun 23, 2026
★★★☆☆ 3.0

Honestly a bit disappointing for the hype. The cable car was fine, but the windows were scratched and dirty, making photos look hazy. Also, the staff seemed rushed and not very helpful. Only worth it if you're already nearby and have nothing else to do.

Mike_R_Trave Jun 23, 2026
★★★★☆ 4.0

Good experience overall but a bit overpriced for what you get. The queue took almost 40 minutes, and the car felt a bit stuffy. Still, the view from above is impressive, especially when the sun hits the water. I'd say go if you have time, but don't expect a thrill.

Jenny_advent Jun 23, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

Absolutely stunning ride over the Yangtze! The views of the river and the cliffs are breathtaking. Smooth cable car, not too crowded early in the morning. Worth every penny for the panoramic photos alone. A must-do in Chongqing!

Backpacker_M Jun 01, 2026
★★★★☆ 4.0

Good attraction with a solid view, especially of the bridges and the city on both sides. I gave it 4 stars because while the experience was nice, the signage to find the entrance was confusing — I walked around for 10 minutes. Also, the cabin was a bit cramped when full. But the ride itself is smooth and the scenery is worth the ticket. Just pay attention to directions.

SunsetChaser Jun 01, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

This was the highlight of my trip! We timed it perfectly for sunset — the sky turned orange and pink, reflecting off the Yangtze. The cable car glides so quietly you feel like you're floating. I snapped the most incredible photos. The staff even let us wait a couple extra minutes for the best light. Unforgettable experience, 10/10 recommend!

Nomadic_Tom Jun 01, 2026
★★★☆☆ 3.0

Honestly a bit disappointed. The day I went was foggy, so the view was mostly white-gray haze — not the cableway's fault, but for the price I expected more. The cabin felt a bit dated and stuffy, and there was a strange smell inside. Also, the audio guide kept cutting out. Maybe on a clear day it's better, but for me it was just okay.

TravelBug_Sa Jun 01, 2026
★★★★☆ 4.0

Really enjoyable experience overall. The cable car gives you a fantastic perspective of the river and the city skyline. I docked one star because the queue took about 40 minutes even on a weekday, and the ticket price felt a tad high for a 10-minute ride. But the views are unique, and the staff managed the crowd well. Worth doing once!

Wanderlust_J Jun 01, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

Absolutely stunning! The view from the cable car over the Yangtze River is something you have to see to believe. Clear skies, gentle breeze, and the river winding below like a silk ribbon. We went in the late afternoon and caught the golden hour — pure magic. The ride was smooth, staff were friendly, and felt totally safe. A must-do if you're in the area!

K_Parkour_Ch May 28, 2026
★★★☆☆ 3.0

It's a fun little ride but nothing mind-blowing. The views are nice—you can see both the modern skyscrapers and the old riverfront—but for the price and the hype I expected more. The cable car itself is just a basic metal box with no audio guide or info. You're just standing there for 3 minutes. Okay for a quick check off the list, but I wouldn't queue more than 15 minutes for it.

CityWalker_S May 28, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

Absolutely loved this! Went early in the morning around 7:30 AM and had almost no wait. The mist was rising off the river, and the whole scene felt like a traditional Chinese painting. The cable car glides smoothly, and you can see the old buildings clinging to the hillside on the opposite bank. If you time it right, it’s pure magic. Highly recommend pairing it with a riverside walk afterwards.

adventures_w May 28, 2026
★★★☆☆ 3.0

I was a bit let down. The cableway is famous, but the gondola was so packed I could barely move to take pictures. The window glass was also pretty scratched and dirty, so my photos came out hazy. Plus the ticket price has gone up and you still have to jostle for a spot by the window. I get that it’s a commuter line, but as a tourist thing it could be managed much better.

Jen_Travels2 May 28, 2026
★★★★☆ 4.0

Decent experience overall. The cable car gives you a unique perspective of the Yangtze and the steep cliffs on both sides. It’s clean and well-maintained. The only reason I’m not giving it a higher score is the queue—waited nearly 40 minutes on a weekday afternoon with no shade. Once you’re up in the air, it’s over too fast. Fine for a quick photo op but don’t expect a full attraction.

MountainVibe May 28, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

The Yangtze River Cableway is a total must-do if you're in Chongqing! The ride itself is pretty short—maybe 4 minutes—but the view looking down at the brown rolling water and the city skyline is absolutely breathtaking. I went around 5 PM and caught the golden hour light reflecting off the buildings. Felt a bit crowded in the gondola (they pack you in like sardines), but honestly worth every second. One of the best 20 yuan I've ever spent.

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Yangtze River Cableway Travel FAQ

Can I rely on Uber in Chongqing?
Uber does not operate in mainland China. Locals use DiDi, which is the same idea. You can request a car from the DiDi app and pay with Alipay. The driver might call you, but the app displays the pickup point in 3D; just walk to the marked spot.
Is Chongqing hotpot too spicy if I can't handle chilis?
You can survive with the 'yuanyang' twin pot, which has a clear broth on one half. Even the clear half has a little spice, but it's manageable. Ask for 'wei la' (微辣) to start. There is always sesame oil and garlic on the table — use it as your dipping sauce to cool the heat.
Which weekend times are the most crowded in Chongqing?
Saturday evening around Hongya Cave is peak. Sunday morning is the quietest for the cable car. If you can shift your cable car ride to Sunday before 9 AM, you'll skip the busiest hour.
Do I need to book every attraction in advance?
For the cable car, yes. Hongya Cave and Ciqikou are free and don't require reservations. For any paid indoor attraction, check Trip.com or the official WeChat mini-program. Always carry your passport because most tickets require foreign passport verification.
What's the one thing tourists get wrong about Chongqing?
They think it's just one city. Chongqing is actually a municipality roughly the size of Austria. When you search 'what to do in Chongqing for a weekend', remember the core area is manageable in two days, but the broader region needs a week.
Is the Yangtze River Cableway safe? It looks old.
It was completely refurbished and modernized a few years ago. The cabins, cables, and machinery are all state-of-the-art now, with rigorous daily safety checks. It feels historic, but it's mechanically very modern and safe. The only risk is pickpockets in the crowded cabin—keep your valuables secure.
What's the difference between this and the Jialing River Cableway?
The Jialing River Cableway (嘉陵江索道) was sadly demolished years ago. Any online info about it is outdated. The Yangtze River Cableway is the only major urban cable car left in Chongqing's city center, which is why it's such a must-do.
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