Yangtze River Cableway Travel Guide
Highlights, History & Visitor Information
The Yangtze River Cableway affectionately known in Chongqing as the "sky bus," is a large-scale urban transport cable car unlike any other in the world. It began operating in 1987 as a means of transportation for local residents in their daily lives and has now been reborn as one of Chongqing's most iconic tourist attractions. The 1,166-meter journey connecting the north and south banks of the Yangtze River offers a unique aerial view of the dynamic flow of the Yangtze River, the skyscrapers lining the river, and the unique cityscape clinging to the mountainside. The night view is particularly breathtaking, with a panoramic view of the neon-lit "three-dimensional city."
1. Main Highlights
🌉 Two faces from the air
You can board the cableway from either the north or south side, and each offers different views.
• Xinhua Road Station (north bank) → Shangxinjie Station (south bank):
From modern cityscapes to traditional neighborhoods: As soon as you set off, you'll be greeted by views of the majestic Yangtze River and the greenery of Nanshan Mountain on the opposite bank. Enjoy the contrasting scenery as the modern skyscrapers give way to more residential areas.
• Shangxinjie Station (south bank) → Xinhua Road Station (north bank):
Take in the iconic panoramic view of Chongqing: Starting from the south bank, you'll be treated to a more dramatic view of the skyscrapers surrounding the Jiefangbei as the cable car approaches the north side of the river. This route is especially recommended for photography.
2. Historical Stories
📜 The history and role of the Yangtze River Cableway
• From "citizens' feet" to "city landmark": In the past, it was an important means of transportation connecting the Namsan district and the city center, and was always crowded with commuters. However, as bridge construction progressed, its role as a means of transportation diminished, and in 2014 it was transformed into a facility primarily for tourism.
• Filming location for movies and TV dramas: This ropeway has also been used as a filming location for many movies and TV dramas that seek out Chongqing's unique scenery, making its presence known nationwide through film.
3. Useful Information Before Your Visit
Address：[Xinhua Road Station] No. 151, Xinhua Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing City / [Shangxinjie Station] No. 4 Shangxinjie, Nan'an District, Chongqing
Opening Hours：4/1-10/31：7:30-22:30
11/1-3/31：7:30-21:30
Closed：None (Open all year round, but may be closed temporarily for maintenance)
Fee：A one-way ticket costs 20 yuan, and a round trip ticket costs 30 yuan. Buying a tourist IC card or booking online can help you avoid the crowds.
4. Visiting Etiquette and Important Notes
• Tips for avoiding crowds: Early in the morning (before 9am) or in the evening (after 7pm) are relatively quiet and tend to have shorter wait times. During the day (10am-5pm) sightseeing tours are concentrated, and there is a high chance of long wait times (over an hour).
• What to do on board: Because gondolas carry dozens of people at a time, finding a window seat is a challenge. To enjoy the view, you'll need to use the small windows at the end of the car or be prepared to push your way through the crowds.
• Luggage restrictions: Please note that there are restrictions on bringing large luggage (such as carry-on bags).
5. Pandaland Trip's Original Tour Services
At Pandaland Trip, we offer a unique service to eliminate long waiting times and maximize the appeal of the Yangtze River Ropeway.
• Priority channel eliminates waiting times: Even during peak times, you can skip long lines and board smoothly by using the priority channel arranged by your guide.
• Suggestions for the best time to see the best views and the best riding route: Based on your preference (night view/day view), we will suggest the best time to see the best views and the best riding direction (north → south or south → north) to enjoy the best views.
• Efficient combination with surrounding tourist attractions: We offer day trip plans that efficiently combine the Yangtze River Ropeway with popular surrounding tourist attractions such as the Liberation Monument, Hongya Cave, and Huguang Guild Hall.
• Advice on the best position in the car: We'll show you where to stand in the car and tips on how to take photos to get the best view.
• Full support in your native language: From the complicated ticket purchase process to in-car guidelines, every step will be assisted in your native language. Enjoy the unique sightseeing of Chongqing's three-dimensional terrain with peace of mind.
To fully enjoy the Yangtze River Cableway, symbolizing Chongqing's "3D transportation" and avoiding crowds, Pandaland Trip’s guided tours in your native language are the best choice. A guide with extensive knowledge of the terrain and tourist information will guide you on an efficient and memorable aerial stroll.
