Yangtze River Cableway

What it is

Opened in 1987, the Yangtze River Cableway was built as a practical solution to Chongqing's traffic-choked bridges, ferrying commuters between the bustling Yuzhong and Nan'an districts. For decades it was a vital link, carrying over 10,000 passengers daily. In the 2010s, as newer bridges and metro lines opened, its role shifted from commute to attraction. Today it is a beloved symbol of Chongqing's ingenuity, often called the 'air bus' by locals. The 1,166-metre crossing takes about five minutes, offering a thrilling perspective on the river that shaped the city.

The cableway connects two stations: Xinhua Road in Yuzhong, near the famous Hongya Cave, and Shangxinjie in Nan'an, close to Longmenhao Old Street. Each cabin holds around 50 people, and departures are frequent. The ride is smooth but can be crowded; our guides know the quietest times and can arrange priority access. As you glide above the Yangtze, you'll see cargo ships, the sprawling cityscape, and the dramatic topography that makes Chongqing a 'mountain city'. It's a quintessential experience that pairs perfectly with nearby attractions.

Highlights

• Panoramic river views — Soar over the Yangtze and capture sweeping shots of Chongqing's skyline, including the iconic Hongya Cave and Raffles City.
• Historic 'air bus' — Learn how this 1987 cableway evolved from a commuter lifeline to a must-do attraction, a testament to Chongqing's practical innovation.
• Effortless crossing — Skip the long ticket queues with our pre-booked passes and enjoy a smooth, five-minute ride across the river.
• Two vibrant districts — Start in Yuzhong near Hongya Cave and end in Nan'an, where Longmenhao Old Street's cafes and views await.
• Photographer's dream — Whether shooting from inside the cabin or from the stations, you'll find endless angles of the river and city.

How to get there

The cableway has two stations: Xinhua Road (Yuzhong) and Shangxinjie (Nan'an). The easiest access is by metro: take Line 1 or 6 to Xiaoshizi Station, then walk 10 minutes to Xinhua Road Station. Alternatively, taxi or DiDi from Jiefangbei takes about 15 minutes. We recommend starting from Xinhua Road, riding to Shangxinjie, and exploring Nan'an before returning. Our guide can arrange private transfers to avoid the crowds and integrate the ride into a full day of sightseeing.

Tickets & practical info

Tickets cost ¥20 per person for a single ride, or ¥30 for a round trip. Opening hours are typically 7:30am–10:30pm, but can vary seasonally. Book in advance through our guide to skip the ticket line; foreign credit cards are not accepted at the counter, but WeChat Pay and Alipay work if linked to an international card. Alternatively, our guide can purchase tickets on your behalf.

Best time to visit

The best time to ride is early morning (7:30–9am) or late evening (after 8pm) to avoid crowds and catch the city lights. Sunset offers a magical blend of daylight and illumination. Avoid weekends and Chinese holidays, when queues can exceed an hour. Spring and autumn provide comfortable temperatures and clearer skies for photography.

Tips from our guides

• Ride one way and return by metro or taxi to save time and see more of the city.
• Stand near the cabin windows for the best views, but be prepared to move as crowds shift.
• Bring your passport for ticket purchase if not booked in advance; it's required for foreign visitors.
• Combine with a visit to Hongya Cave (10-minute walk from Xinhua Road Station) for a full evening of sights.
• Use our guide's fast-track service to bypass queues, especially during peak hours.

FAQ