Yangtze River Cableway Chongqing
Soar over the Yangtze River for breathtaking views of Chongqing's unique, multi-layered cityscape. A must-do urban transit experience!
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Yangtze River Cableway Chongqing
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Soar over the Yangtze River for breathtaking views of Chongqing's unique, multi-layered cityscape. A must-do urban transit experience!
"This is definitely a must-do to appreciate the city’s landscape and the mighty Yangtze from above.
"🎯 Buy One-Way Tickets
Opt for a one-way ticket to avoid long return queues. Taxis are often more efficient. :ticket:
🚶 Stand for Best Views
Cable cars have no seats, so everyone stands. This allows for unobstructed 360-degree views! :camerawithflash:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Yangtze River Views
Across the Yangtze River
Soar above the Yangtze River for breathtaking aerial views of Chongqing's unique cityscape.
The 'Spirited Away' Vibe
Chongqing Cityscape
Experience the magical, multi-layered city that inspired 'Spirited Away' from a unique perspective.
Nighttime City Lights
Yangtze River
Witness the city come alive at night as buildings illuminate the riverbanks.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds for the Best Views
One-Way Wisdom for Efficiency
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Buy One-Way Tickets
Opt for a one-way ticket to avoid long return queues. Taxis are often more efficient.
:ticket:🚶 Stand for Best Views
Cable cars have no seats, so everyone stands. This allows for unobstructed 360-degree views!
:camerawithflash:⏰ Go Off-Peak
Visit early morning or late evening to skip the longest queues and enjoy a calmer ride.
:clock:💳 Easy Ticket Purchase
Tickets can be bought at the station using your passport. Easy and convenient!
:credit_card:Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Buy One-Way Tickets
Opt for a one-way ticket to avoid long return queues. Taxis are often more efficient.
:ticket:🚶 Stand for Best Views
Cable cars have no seats, so everyone stands. This allows for unobstructed 360-degree views!
:camerawithflash:⏰ Go Off-Peak
Visit early morning or late evening to skip the longest queues and enjoy a calmer ride.
:clock:💳 Easy Ticket Purchase
Tickets can be bought at the station using your passport. Easy and convenient!
:credit_card:✨ Experience the Magic
This ride offers a unique perspective of Chongqing's '8D' magical city.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Yangtze River Cableway in Chongqing offers a unique aerial perspective of the city and the Yangtze River, often described as a 'must-do' experience. While many praise the stunning views, especially at night, and the convenience of ticket purchase, some visitors find the long queues and the short ride duration to be drawbacks.
"We came to 重庆长江索道北站 to take the famous cable car ride across the Yangtze River, and the whole process was smooth and convenient. Tickets can be easily purchased right at the station using a passport, and you can choose either a one-way or return trip depending on your plans.
Once on board, the ride gives you an amazing aerial view of the Yangtze River and the city skyline. The cable car has no seats, so everyone stands during the trip, but that actually makes it easier to look out from all sides. Each cabin can carry around 20–30 people, so it feels steady and safe while still offering a unique experience.
If you’re in Chongqing, this is definitely a must-do to appreciate the city’s landscape and the mighty Yangtze from above."
Crumpled Nomad
"You should take the cable car across the Yangtze River from around 7pm when the buildings on both sides of the river are lit up beautifully. You should only buy a one-way ticket because the queue for the return trip is very long and the return ticket price is higher than taking a taxi. Taking the cable car across the Yangtze River is an interesting experience that you should try."
Anh Chu Tuan
"We were there in early Sep, no queue at all. Just about 10 people in the cable car. Recommended to take the car from the south and you will end up near Jiefangbei."
Choon T
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The cableway has two stations. The North Station is near the Jiefangbei CBD, accessible via MRT Xiaoshizi Station (Exit 8). The South Station is near Nan'an District, accessible via MRT Nanbin Road Station.
For the North Station, take MRT Xiaoshizi Station and look for Exit 8. This station is conveniently located near other attractions.
Yes, signage is generally clear, especially around MRT Xiaoshizi Station. Follow directions for the 'Yangtze River Cableway' or 'Changjiang Cableway'.
Yes, taxis are readily available in Chongqing. You can tell your driver 'Yangtze River Cableway' or 'Changjiang Cableway' (长江索道).
While the cable cars themselves are accessible, the stations might involve stairs. It's advisable to check accessibility at the specific station you plan to use.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices can vary, but typically a one-way trip is around 20-30 CNY. Round trips are slightly more expensive and often not recommended due to long queues.
Tickets can be purchased directly at the cableway stations. You can usually use your passport for identification and payment.
Advance booking is generally not required, as tickets are sold at the station. However, during peak seasons or holidays, queues can be very long.
Operating hours typically run from early morning (around 7:30 AM) to late evening (around 10:30 PM), but it's best to check the latest schedule as they can change.
Yes, a round trip ticket is usually more expensive than two one-way tickets. Many travelers advise buying only a one-way ticket due to long return queues.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The ride is about 2.5 minutes one-way and offers stunning panoramic views of the Yangtze River and Chongqing's unique architecture. The cabins are standing-room only.
The journey across the Yangtze River is quite short, typically lasting around 2.5 minutes.
Absolutely! The aerial perspective is fantastic for photography, especially during the day and at night when the city lights up.
Crowds can be significant, especially during holidays and weekends. Be prepared for queues, which can sometimes take an hour or more.
For many, the unique views and experience of crossing the river are worth it, especially if you go during off-peak times. However, some find the wait too long for the short ride.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
Both daytime and nighttime offer incredible photo opportunities. Daytime provides clear views of the city's structure, while nighttime showcases the dazzling city lights.
Since there are no seats, you can move around the cabin for different angles. Try to get shots that capture both the river and the city's unique architecture.
The cable car itself provides the primary viewpoint. Once you disembark, explore the areas around the stations for different perspectives of the cableway and the river.
For night shots, use a higher ISO and a wider aperture if possible. A tripod is not feasible in the moving cable car, so a steady hand or image stabilization is key.
Yes, filming is allowed. Many TikTok and Instagram creators have shared amazing videos capturing the experience.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider purchasing a one-way ticket to manage wait times, as long queues can be challenging for little ones. The short duration of the ride is also a plus for keeping children engaged. The views of the sprawling city and the river are visually stimulating and can spark curiosity about urban geography.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Aim for golden hour (shortly after sunrise or before sunset) for dramatic lighting, or visit at night to photograph the city's dazzling illumination. Be prepared for crowds, which can sometimes obstruct views, but the sheer novelty of the perspective is often a worthwhile trade-off.
🚶 Budget Travelers
To maximize your budget and time, strongly consider buying a one-way ticket. This avoids potentially long return queues and allows you to use more economical local transport or walk to your next destination. The experience itself offers great value for the price, providing stunning views without a hefty tour fee.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Chongqing's Unique Landscape
The cableway's route takes you over bustling streets, residential buildings, and the vast expanse of the river, offering a unique perspective on Chongqing's vertical urban planning. It's not just a tourist attraction; it's a functional part of the city's daily life, showcasing how residents navigate their unique environment.
Travelers often remark on the sheer scale and complexity of Chongqing, with its elevated roads, bridges, and buildings seemingly stacked upon each other. The cable car ride provides an excellent overview of this fascinating urban design, making it a must-do for anyone wanting to understand the city's character.
The Experience: What to Expect on Board
The journey itself is brief, lasting only about 2.5 minutes one-way. Despite the short duration, the aerial perspective is striking. You'll glide over the wide Yangtze River, with the city's distinctive skyline unfolding around you. Many visitors find this a thrilling and memorable part of their Chongqing visit.
When planning your ride, be aware that queues can be a significant factor. Some visitors have reported waiting for an hour or more to purchase tickets and then another hour to board. This is why many Redditors advise opting for a one-way ticket to avoid a potentially lengthy wait on the return journey.
Capturing the Magic: Photography and Videography
For the best shots, consider visiting during both daylight and nighttime. Daytime offers clear visibility of the city's architecture and the river's expanse, while nighttime transforms Chongqing into a dazzling spectacle of lights. Many creators on TikTok and Instagram have shared stunning videos and photos from their rides, showcasing the city's vibrant energy.
Since the cable cars are standing-room only, you have the flexibility to move around the cabin to find the best angles. Be prepared for potential crowds, which might make it challenging to get unobstructed shots, but the unique vantage point is generally considered worth the effort.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit