The Yangtze River Cable Car, once a simple mode of transportation for locals in Chongqing, has now become a must-visit experience for tourists seeking a unique view of the city. The cable car offers breathtaking vistas of the mountain city and the mighty Yangtze River, making it a fantastic way to soak in the local scenery. While it can get crowded during peak times, visiting during the off-season allows you to enjoy a peaceful ride with minimal waiting time, offering a perfect opportunity to experience the special charm of Chongqing.
Ticket Prices & Operating Hours
- Single Trip: ¥20
- Round Trip: ¥30
- Opening Hours: 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- Ride Duration: Approximately 5 minutes each way
- Tickets: Can be purchased through the official WeChat account “Yangtze River Cable Car (长江索道).”
Getting There
North Station: Located at the Xiaoshizi Station (小什字站), exit 5B on Metro Lines 1 and 6. However, this station is often crowded, especially during peak hours, and you may need to wait in line for over 2 hours.
South Station: Located at Shangxinjie Station (上新街站), exit 2 on Metro Line 6. This station tends to be less crowded, and generally, you won’t have to wait long to board the cable car.
Attractions Near the Cable Car Stations
South Station
- Longmenhao Old Street: Situated on the southern bank of the Yangtze River, Longmenhao is a historic street once known as the “foreigners’ street.” This area has preserved the essence of old Chongqing and is one of the city’s largest and best-preserved cultural heritage sites.
Address: 105 Nanbin Road, Nanan District - Ma’anshan Community Park: This area has a fairy-tale-like atmosphere, featuring cobbled streets, graffiti walls, and old hotpot shops, making it a popular spot for young, artistic individuals looking to snap photos.
Address: 56 Ma’anshan Road, Nanan District - Ciyun Temple: Located near the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers, Ciyun Temple is an ancient and tranquil Buddhist temple.
Address: Xuantan Temple, Shizishan, Nanbin Road, Nanan District
North Station
- Luohan Temple: A peaceful retreat in the middle of the bustling city, known for its spiritual atmosphere and considered a place where many come to pray for wealth.
Address: 80 meters southeast of the intersection of Minzu Road and Wuyi Road, Yuzhong District - Hongya Cave Folk Culture District: At night, Hongya Cave is beautifully illuminated, creating a scene reminiscent of the movie Spirited Away. The brightly lit buildings offer fantastic photo opportunities.
Address: 88 Jialingjiang Riverside Road, Yuzhong District - Jiefangbei: A famous landmark in Chongqing, Jiefangbei is surrounded by shopping malls, restaurants, and street markets. It’s one of the most visited spots in the city.
Address: Central Yuzhong District, Chongqing
Tips for Riding the Yangtze River Cable Car
- Buying Tickets: Although the cable car operates year-round, it’s recommended to buy tickets in advance via WeChat (official account: “Yangtze River Cable Car”), especially during peak tourist seasons. This can help you avoid long queues and save time.
- Avoiding Crowds: The cable car is extremely popular, and during peak hours, the wait can exceed two hours. If you want to skip the crowds, try visiting during off-peak times, typically in the early morning or late evening.
- Ride Comfort: The cable cars are quite small, and each one can hold about 50 passengers. It can get crowded, so make sure to stand near the window to enjoy the best views.
- Round Trip Tickets: Although round-trip tickets are available, they are not recommended. The view on the return journey is similar to the one on the way there, and you’ll end up wasting time by queuing again. It’s better to enjoy the ride one-way and explore the other side of the river.
- Queueing Process: Be prepared for two rounds of waiting. The first is for security checks at the entrance, and the second is for boarding the cable car. After entering the hall, you’ll need to take an elevator to the boarding area before queuing again to board the cable car.
- Photographing the Copper Statue: There’s a copper statue at the entrance of the South Station, but be careful. Taking photos with it comes with a fee. Avoid unnecessary expenses and keep your camera focused on the stunning views instead.
- Additional Tips: If you’re traveling with young children or have a lot of belongings, the cable car ride might not be the best choice as there are stairs to climb and limited space inside the cabins.