Yangtze River Cableway Chongqing

The Yangtze River Cableway (长江索道, Chángjiāng Suǒdào) links central Yuzhong with Chongqing's Nan'an riverbank in a short aerial crossing. Opened in 1987, the 1,166 m line was once everyday transport and is now one of the city's most popular visitor experiences. The ride is brief; ticketing and queues usually take longer.

Looking up at a Yangtze River Cableway cabin

Current Hours and Fares

The operator's live homepage, checked in September 2026, lists 08:00–22:00 for ordinary operation and 07:30–23:00 on statutory holidays. Seasonal notices published elsewhere do not always match these hours, so check the official operator page on the day of travel. The live operating board and onsite announcement control.

Since January 2025, the government-approved maximum fares have been:

One way: CNY 30
Return: CNY 50

The operator may execute a lower price or offer date-specific products, but no seller should exceed the approved ceiling for an ordinary ride. Check whether a product is one-way or return and whether it names a travel window before paying.

Book Through an Official Channel

The most useful advance channel is the official WeChat account “长江索道”. Ticket counters, self-service machines and authorised online platforms including Trip.com are also recognised channels. Avoid QR codes or resellers that cannot show the operator and exact product.

A booked time window is not the same as a reserved cabin seat. Recent visitor reports describe physical waits ranging from about 10 to 40 minutes even after booking, with longer delays possible on holidays or when service slows. Arrive within the stated check-in window, keep the passport or document used for booking ready, and follow the live queue number rather than assuming the QR code lets you board immediately.

Check the dated Yangtze River Cableway listing on Trip.com, then verify the direction, time window, passenger document rules, cancellation terms and live operating notice before purchase.

English map of the north and south Yangtze River Cableway stations

Choose the Right Station

North Station: Xinhua Road, Yuzhong

This is the convenient side for Jiefangbei and central Yuzhong. Take Metro Line 1 or 6 to Xiaoshizi Station, Exit 5B; official guidance places the cableway entrance roughly 20 m from the exit. It is often the busier station because many first-time itineraries begin downtown.

South Station: Shangxin Street, Nan'an

This side fits Longmenhao Old Street and the south-bank hillside. Take Metro Line 6 to Shangxinjie Station, Exit 2, then walk about 500 m (8 minutes) to the station. Some mornings the south side is calmer, but that is a pattern, not a guarantee; the live queue decides.

One Way Is Usually Better Than a Return

A return ticket brings you back over nearly the same view and may require another queue. For most visitors, a one-way crossing creates a better city route:

Start in Yuzhong and ride south, then explore Longmenhao and continue by metro.
Start at Shangxinjie, visit Longmenhao, then ride north toward Jiefangbei and Hongya Cave.

Choose a return only when mobility, weather or a fixed hotel route makes it genuinely useful. Do not buy it simply because it appears to be the “complete” experience.

Yangtze River and Chongqing skyline from the cableway

What the Ride Is Like

Cabins are shared and can be crowded. A window position is not guaranteed, and boarding staff must balance passenger flow. Keep bags compact, move away from the doors and do not push for the same corner as everyone else. The river, bridges and steep skyline are visible from both sides.

Sunset and night rides are atmospheric but attract the most demand. A daytime crossing often gives clearer views and a shorter overall visit. Cloud, rain and haze affect visibility more than the direction of travel.

Closures and Safety

The line can pause for monthly maintenance, strong wind, thunderstorms or other operational reasons. A valid ticket does not override a safety closure. Check the operator notice before leaving your hotel, especially if the cableway is the reason for crossing the river. The official information phone is 023-68816888.

Follow staff instructions, keep children close and secure loose objects. Travellers uncomfortable with heights or tightly packed cabins should use Metro Line 6 across the river instead. The cableway is best treated as a transport experience with a view—not as a schedule-proof appointment.