Floating high above the water between the Yuzhong peninsula and the south bank, the Yangtze River Cableway (长江索道) turns a quick aerial crossing into one of Chongqing's most iconic city views.

Yangtze River Cableway长江索道
Nanbin Road南滨路
Map · Sights

Choose which riverbank to start from

The cable car links two distinct sides of the city across 1.2 kilometres of open water. The north station sits at 151 Xinhua Road (新华路151号) in Yuzhong, just a short walk from Jiefangbei (解放碑). The south station sits across the river in the Shangxin Street (上新街) neighborhood in Nan'an.

Most travelers start on the north bank in Yuzhong, ride across to the south bank, and spend the afternoon exploring cliffside alleys before returning by metro.

  • One-way ticket: Best if you want to land on the south bank to wander historic hillside lanes, visit riverside promenades, or continue your one-day itinerary.
  • Return ticket: Convenient if you only want the round-trip aerial perspective and plan to head right back to downtown Yuzhong.
Yangtze River Cableway cabin suspended in the air overlooking high-rise city towers.
Photo by Reetu Akkanen
A red Yangtze River cable car carries passengers with Chongqing's Raffles City behind it.
Photo by Liuuu _61

How to reach each station

Both terminals connect directly to the city transit network:

  • North station (Yuzhong): Take metro Line 1 or Line 6 to Xiaoshizi (小什字; Xiaoshizi). Take Exit 5 and follow the posted signs along Xinhua Road directly to the entrance. The metro and transport guide outlines the walking path.
  • South station (Nan'an): Take metro Line 6 to (上新街) and head out Exit 2. Search your map app for Yangtze River Cableway South Station (长江索道南站). If you arrive on foot from Nanbin Road (南滨路), prepare for a steep uphill climb.

Book official tickets and understand pricing

Book directly through the official WeChat mini-program (search 长江索道) or check the operator's booking guide.

Online booking involves three quick steps:

  • Select your travel date, departure station, and preferred time window.
  • Enter your passport details.
  • Complete mobile payment to receive your digital boarding QR code.

The March 2025 fare decision sets official fare caps at ¥30 (≈ USD 4.5 ) for a one-way trip and ¥50 (≈ USD 7.5 ) for a return ticket. The operator may offer lower promotional rates on the official portal.

Explore Longmenhao Old Street after landing

When crossing from Yuzhong to the south bank, you land right next to Longmenhao Old Street (龙门浩老街). Plan one to two hours to stroll through these restored stone lanes, cliffside teahouses, and scenic terraces overlooking the river.

Steep outdoor stairways connect the hillside neighborhood down to the river level. To save your legs, explore the mid-level terraces for wide river panoramas instead of hiking all the way down to Nanbin Road. Short local taxis can easily take you between different elevation levels. The area is also one of the city's top photo spots.

Practical tips for a smooth ride

  • Day versus night: Daytime crossings give clear visibility over river barges, bridges, and mountain ridges. Evening rides showcase Chongqing's glittering skyline and illuminated bridges.
  • Queue timing: The cable car crossing takes 4 to 5 minutes, but queues during peak afternoon hours can last 30 to 60 minutes. Allow 1 to 2 hours total for arrival, security, queueing, and the ride.
  • Cabin experience: Each cabin holds dozens of passengers. Edge spots next to the windows fill up right away, but the large glass windows provide great panoramic views from anywhere inside.
  • Accessibility: Wheelchair users and travelers with strollers can call the operator at 023-68816888 ahead of time to arrange elevator access and boarding support at either station.
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