Yangtze River Cableway: Crossing Chongqing by Cable Car
The Yangtze River Cableway carries passengers 1,166 metres across the Yangtze, from Xinhua Road in Yuzhong to Shangxin Street in Nan'an. The crossing takes about three minutes. In 2026 a ticket is 30 yuan one way or 50 yuan return, and children under 1.3 m ride free. The cableway runs 08:00 to 22:00 in the main season and 08:00 to 21:00 in winter, with longer hours on holidays. Ride it once, ideally in the morning or one way at dusk, and come back by metro. The north station, at 151 Xinhua Road, is a short walk from Xiaoshizi on Lines 1 and 6. For the rest of the city, see the Chongqing travel guide.
From commuter line to tourist ride
Before Chongqing's bridges and metro, getting across the Yangtze meant a ferry. Building of the cableway began in March 1986, and it opened on 24 October 1987. It was the city's second river cableway and China's first large double-cable, two-cabin aerial tramway of this type. Two cabins shuttle back and forth, each carrying 81 people including the operator. The cableway has been a protected heritage site since 2009 and a national 4A scenic area since 2018.
Some numbers from its construction: it cost 14.5 million yuan, and apart from the four carrying cables, imported from West Germany, the equipment was made in China. The north station stands at about 267 metres above sea level and the south station at about 225 metres. The cabins can travel at up to 10 metres a second and keep running in winds of up to 15 metres a second, roughly force 6. The city's first river cableway, across the Jialing, no longer runs, which leaves this one as the survivor.
Today, almost everyone riding is a visitor. Locals take the metro and the bridges.
Tickets and hours (2026)
| Price | |
|---|---|
| One way | 30 yuan |
| Return | 50 yuan |
| Children under 1.3 m | Free |
| Period | Hours |
|---|---|
| Main season | 08:00 to 22:00 |
| Public holidays | Extended, 07:30 to 23:00 in 2026 listings |
| Winter | 08:00 to 21:00 |
Ticket sales stop a little before closing. The cableway also stops for maintenance and in high winds, so check the operator's website (cqsuodao.com) or WeChat account on the morning you plan to ride.
Beating the queue
Queues build from late afternoon and, on holidays, can exceed an hour at sunset. Some ways to avoid them:
- Ride in the morning. The river is often hazy, but the cabins are half-empty.
- Go one way from north to south, then take the metro back instead of queuing a second time at Shangxin Street.
- Skip it in fog. If you can't see the far bank, you won't see much from the cabin either. The free view from Qiansimen Bridge, near Hongyadong, is still there in the evening.
The cabins are standing room. Get to a window early if you want photos, and give others a turn. At dusk, reflections on the glass are a problem for phone cameras, so put your lens right up to the window.
On the Nan'an side
Shangxin Street station is at the foot of the hills on the south bank. Above it, the riverside paths and viewpoints look back across the water at Yuzhong's towers, a nice contrast to the views from the peninsula. If you have time, walk along the south bank before taking the metro back.
Where it fits in a day
Morning: the cableway. Afternoon: Jiefangbei. Evening: Hongyadong. If your second day starts at Ciqikou, the cableway fits nicely into the afternoon after you get back. The day trips to Dazu and Wulong don't leave time for it.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Yangtze Cableway ride?
About three minutes for the 1,166-metre crossing. Allow extra time for the queue, which can be over an hour at sunset on holidays.
How much is the Yangtze Cableway?
30 yuan one way or 50 yuan return in 2026. Children under 1.3 m ride free.
Which direction should I ride?
North to south, from Xinhua Road in Yuzhong to Shangxin Street in Nan'an, so you're looking at the river and the far bank. Then take the metro back.
Is it worth it in fog?
Not really. If you can't see the far bank from the station, save your money and take in the view from Qiansimen Bridge in the evening.
Before you go
- Check the fare and hours on the operator's notice. The figures above are from 2026 listings.
- Watch for weather closures, especially in summer storms.