Yangtze River Cableway Guide: Tickets, Transport & Hacks

Visiting Chongqing and eager to blend local life with breathtaking urban landscapes? The Yangtze River Cableway is your top pick. Since its launch in 1987, this aerial route connecting Yuzhong and Nan’an Districts has served as a commuter “sky bus” for locals and a core experience for tourists to explore the mountain city’s unique terrain and vibrant local vibe. As China’s first large-scale cross-river passenger cableway designed and built independently, it’s more than just a transportation facility—it carries decades of Chongqing’s urban memories and has been featured in films like “Crazy Stone”, boasting both practical and cultural appeal. This guide covers tickets, transport, crowd avoidance, and nearby attractions to help you unlock the cableway’s charm without detours.

Basic Information about the Chongqing Yangtze River Cableway

Core Details You Need to Know

Construction & Operation Data: Built in 1986 and officially opened in 1987, the cableway stretches 1,166 meters with a speed of 6 meters per second, taking approximately 4 minutes for a one-way trip.
Station Locations: North Station is on Xinhua Road, Yuzhong District, while South Station is on Shangxin Street, Nan’an District.
Connected Areas: Linking the bustling Jiefangbei Business District with the artistic Nanbin Road area, it’s a key part of Chongqing’s three-dimensional transportation network. In this mountainous city, the cableway not only shortens travel time between the two banks but also bridges core scenic spots and residential areas, witnessing Chongqing’s transformation from a traditional river city to a modern tourist destination.

Operating Hours: Don’t Make a Fruitless Trip

Regular Hours: Summer (March 1 – November 30): 08:00 – 22:00; Winter (December 1 – late February next year): 08:00 – 21:00.
Holiday Adjustments: Opens early at 07:30 and closes late at 22:30 on legal holidays.
Special Reminder: There are 1-2 monthly maintenance days. Check the real-time operation status via the official Yangtze River Cableway WeChat public account before your trip.

Tickets & Booking Guide

Basic Fares: Adult one-way ticket: 30 RMB; Round-trip ticket: 50 RMB. Discounts apply with Chongqing Transportation Card: 18 RMB for one-way, 27 RMB for round-trip.
Value Combo Tickets: For combined visits to nearby attractions, opt for the one-way cableway ticket + Chongqing Sky Curtain Observation Tower ticket (90 RMB) or one-way cableway ticket + Cloud Eye Observation Deck ticket (98 RMB) for better value.
Booking Tips: Highly recommend booking via the official Yangtze River Cableway WeChat public account. After purchasing, you can directly get a queue number and check the real-time waiting progress.
Pitfall Warnings: On-site booking can involve waits of 1-2 hours during holidays. Ticket modifications or refunds incur losses, so confirm your itinerary before purchasing. Additionally, special groups are eligible for discounts: seniors aged 60-65 get 50% off with ID, while those over 65, children under 1.2 meters, and people with disabilities enjoy free entry with valid documents. Discounted tickets must be processed at on-site special windows—don’t forget to bring relevant credentials.

Yangtze River Cableway

How to Get to Chongqing Yangtze River Cableway

With two stations (North and South), selecting the optimal starting point can streamline your trip and allow you to plan visits to nearby attractions顺路. Prioritize based on your accommodation and itinerary: if staying near Jiefangbei or Hongya Cave, or planning to explore Yuzhong District first, start from North Station; if you want to experience the local flavor and artistic neighborhoods of Nan’an District first, South Station is more convenient.

North Station (Yuzhong District) Transportation

Exact Location: No. 151 Xinhua Road, Yuzhong District, close to core attractions like Jiefangbei and Hongya Cave.
Subway: Take Line 1 or Line 6 to Xiaoshizi Station, Exit 5, then walk for about 5 minutes.
Bus: Tourist Bus T480, 461, 476, etc., directly reach the cableway station.
Note: Tourist Bus T002 and Special Bus T035 are temporarily out of service—don’t waste time waiting.

South Station (Nan’an District) Transportation

Exact Location: No. 4 Shangxin Street, Nan’an District, adjacent to Longmenhao Old Street and Nanbin Road.
Subway: Take Line 6 to Shangxin Street Station, Exit 2, then walk for about 10 minutes.
Bus: 304, 318, 320, etc., drop off at Shangxin Street Station, with a short walk to the station.
Highlight: Surrounded by old streets full of local charm, perfect for experiencing authentic Chongqing life.

Tips for Avoiding Crowds and Long Queues at the Yangtze River Cableway

Tip 1: Choose the Right Time to Avoid Peaks

Avoid Peak Periods: Steer clear of 10:00-17:00 on weekends and legal holidays, when queues often exceed 1 hour.
Recommended Time Slots: Early morning (7:30-9:00) – fewer tourists, allowing you to enjoy the river views quietly. At this time, there’s often light mist over the river, and the cableway gliding through the mist feels like walking in a fairyland. Evening (17:00-19:00) – catch the transition from sunset to city lights and meet local commuters, experiencing the most authentic mountain city life.
Night View Highlights: Cable car lights turn on after 18:30, complementing Chongqing’s night scenery for a magical atmosphere. Note that the night view period is another small peak—book your queue number online 2 hours in advance to avoid missing the best photo and experience time. Winter nights are cold, so dress warmly.

Tip 2: Utilize Tools & Smart Route Choices

Online Queuing: Get your queue number directly after booking via the official WeChat public account and check the real-time progress—suggest booking 1-2 hours ahead.
Route Avoidance: North Station (Jiefangbei direction) attracts more tourists; starting from South Station means shorter queues—plan flexibly.
Priority Lanes: Seniors, children, pregnant women, and other special groups can use priority lanes. Accompanying personnel need to present relevant documents—consult on-site staff for details.

Chongqing Yangtze River Cableway

Nearby Attractions & Food: A Seamless Itinerary

After riding the cableway, don’t miss the wonderful attractions and food nearby. Plan a seamless route for a one-stop experience.

North Station (Yuzhong District) Nearby Attractions

Jiefangbei Monument: A 5-minute walk away, Chongqing’s landmark and core area for shopping and soaking up the bustling vibe. It features not only a modern business district with high-rise buildings but also historical landmarks like the War of Resistance Monument and Bayi Food Street. Allocate 1-2 hours to explore the blend of old and new Chongqing. While here, don’t miss the old Chongqing grocery stores on the streets—you can buy various local specialties and souvenirs.
Bayi Food Street: Head here after visiting Jiefangbei. It gathers dozens of snacks such as Chongqing noodles, hot and sour rice noodles, cold rice cake, wontons, and mountain city glutinous rice balls—affordable and delicious. Some shops are overpriced, so compare prices. Recommended tries: Spicy Wontons (mild spicy is the most authentic), Handmade Cold Rice Cake (served with brown sugar syrup, sweet and refreshing), and Grilled Pig Brain (a Chongqing specialty—must-try if you’re adventurous). A meal here costs 30-50 RMB per person, enough to fill you up.

Must-Visit Spots Near North Station

Baixiangju Residential Complex: A microcosm of old Chongqing. Built in the 1990s, this residential building has no elevators but features three-dimensional corridors, creating a striking contrast with the modern cableway. The old streets inside are full of stories. It’s not only a classic spot for photographing the cableway but also home to many longtime Chongqing residents. There are old teahouses, grocery stores, and small restaurants downstairs—step into any teahouse, order a bowl of covered tea, and experience the authentic slow mountain city life.
Huguang Guild Hall: The largest ancient guild hall complex in an urban center in China. Built during the Qianlong reign of the Qing Dynasty, it’s an important witness to the “Huguang Migration to Sichuan” wave during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Its architectural style combines Huizhou, Cantonese, and Eastern Sichuan characteristics, with exquisite brick, wood, and stone carvings—perfect for history and culture enthusiasts. The hall hosts regular exhibitions detailing migration history and Chongqing folk customs. Ticket: 30 RMB. It’s recommended to book a guided tour (50 RMB per session) for a deeper understanding of the stories behind it.
Hongya Cave: About a 15-minute walk away, famous for its stilted buildings. When the lights turn on at dusk, it looks like a fairy-tale world, complementing the cableway’s night view—an unmissable spot for night photography. Visit in the evening: first explore the characteristic shops inside the stilted buildings (such as old Chongqing hot pot base stores and folk craft shops), then head to Qiansimen Bridge to take panoramic photos when the lights are on. Avoid the paid observation deck on the top floor—go down to Binjiang Road on the first floor for better panoramic shots of Hongya Cave.

South Station (Nan’an District) Nearby Attractions

Longmenhao Old Street: A witness to the prosperity of Chongqing’s opening-up period, with over 20 cultural relic sites. Once home to consulates of multiple countries, its stone roads and old buildings exude an artistic charm, offering panoramic views of Jiefangbei and Hongya Cave. The old street is divided into several areas, including well-preserved ancient buildings and renovated artistic cafes, bookstores, and specialty restaurants. Recommended activities: Walk along the riverside trail, enjoying the river breeze and views; explore the Xiaohaoli Cultural and Creative District, featuring works by local designers—great for buying souvenirs; have dinner at a terrace restaurant in the evening, savoring food while watching the cableway glide across the river.
French Naval Barracks: Built in 1902, modeled after European medieval castles with a sturdy brick structure. Over a century old, it’s now part of the Chongqing War of Resistance Sites Museum. Perfect for retro-style photos, the barracks display numerous cultural relics and materials from the War of Resistance, detailing French activities in Chongqing during the opening-up period and the war history. Admission is free—bring your ID for registration.
Ciyun Temple: Founded in the Tang Dynasty, built along the river and facing Yuzhong District across the river, it’s one of Chongqing’s famous Buddhist temples. The temple features a tranquil environment with thousand-year-old trees and Song Dynasty stone lions. Its most distinctive feature is the Jade Buddha Hall, housing several precious jade Buddhas. Admission is free. Visit in the early morning or evening when there are fewer worshippers to quietly experience the temple’s solemnity and peace. The riverside platform of the temple also offers beautiful views of the Yangtze River and the cableway.

Recommended Food Near South Station

Nanbin Road is home to numerous local restaurants, hot pot eateries, and specialty diners, offering everything from grilled fish and spicy blood curd stew to Chongqing hot pot and spicy chili chicken. Recommended local dishes: Garlic Grilled Fish at Laochuanfu Local Cuisine (choose river carp for tender meat) and Spicy Blood Curd and Pork Intestine Stew at Daronghe (generous portions and rich flavor, perfect with a bowl of rice). For hot pot, popular chains like Dalong Old Hot Pot and Peijie Old Hot Pot have branches here—remember to get a queue number in advance.

Experience the Cableway’s Charm, Preserve Mountain City Memories

The Yangtze River Cableway is more than a transportation method—it’s a symbol of Chongqing, carrying the city’s warmth and memories. Whether it’s the tranquility of early morning, the bustle of midday, or the romance of evening, it offers a unique experience. If planning your itinerary feels overwhelming, China Dragon Travel offers special tour packages including the Yangtze River Cableway. Their professional team handles itinerary planning and ticket bookings in advance, allowing you to focus on enjoying the mountain city’s unique charm without worrying about queues or routes. We hope this guide helps you make the most of your Yangtze River Cableway experience and create unforgettable memories in Chongqing.