
Yangtze River Cableway
The Yangtze River Cableway has become a representative project in the mountainous city. The cableway starts from Chang'an Temple (Xinhua Road) in Yuzhong District and spans the Yangtze River to Shangxinjie (Longmenhao) in Nan'an District. Taking the cableway and sliding across to the other side of the river, you can see the nearby concrete jungle, the Yangtze River, and the scenery of Jiangbei and Nan'an Districts along the way. "If you haven't seen the night view, you haven't been to Chongqing." Taking the nearly one - kilometer Yangtze River Cableway is a great way to overlook the night view of Chongqing up close. The brightly lit Yuzhong Peninsula, the dazzling riverside road, the sparkling Yangtze River water, and the colorful cross - river bridges all complement each other. If you take the Yangtze River Cableway to view the night view on a misty rainy night, you can also enjoy an ink - washed painting of "Night Rain in the Ba Mountains", with the rain in the Ba area and the urban mountains in the ink painting. The Yangtze River Cableway has also become a must - visit location for many film and TV dramas shot in Chongqing. Representative works include the 2001 film *Zhou Yu's Train*, the 2006 films *Crazy Stone* and *Curiosity Kills the Cat*, the 2007 film *The Door*, as well as the variety show *Go! Bros*. Wear headphones for an upgraded experience: The smart headphones offer 120 - minute commentary, making the waiting time no longer boring. The headphones will take you on a tour of Chongqing, interpreting the magical and literary "rivers and lakes" of Chongqing, and allowing you to encounter the interesting Ba - Yu customs in time, bringing tourists an immersive audio - visual experience. With the smart commentary headphones, say goodbye to the silent movie: Fly over the mountainous city with vivid audio and visual effects, and discover the interesting stories of Chongqing. During the 22 - km - per - hour aerial journey, as the skyline and spatial scenery change, it's like watching a dynamic 3D urban movie - *Magical Chongqing*.
1. Why Visit Yangtze River Cableway?
A must-do: Glide above the Yangtze River in the world’s only urban cableway straddling a major river, offering surreal views of Chongqing’s "8D Magic " terrain.
Details: Dubbed the "Air Corridor of Chongqing," this 1,160-meter cable car isn’t just a tourist attraction but a daily commute for locals since 1987. It’s the ultimate fusion of functionality and sightseeing – a 4-minute flight between the old-world charm of Yuzhong Peninsula and the futuristic skyline of South Bank.
2. History & Construction Stories
The Bridge That Wasn’t Built: In the 1980s, Chongqing’s mountainous landscape made building bridges across the Yangtze technically daunting. The cableway was born as a creative workaround, using Swiss-designed cabins and 20-ton counterweights to defy gravity.
Fun Fact: The original cabins were painted bright yellow to mimic Chongqing’s iconic "taxi yellow," becoming an instant symbol of the city.
3. Riding Tips & Ticket Hacks
Avoid Crowds: Arrive before 8 AM or after 8 PM (open 7:30 AM–10:30 PM). Skip weekends and holidays.
Smart Tickets: Buy combo tickets (¥35 round-trip) via Chongqing Yangtze Cableway WeChat mini-program. Single-ride tickets (¥20) sold on-site.
Pro Tip: Board at Xinhua Road Station (South Bank) – shorter queues and better photo ops of Yuzhong’s skyline.
4. Highlight Experiences
a. Unique Landscape
Soar over the Yangtze with 360° views of:
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Yuzhong Old Town: Crumbling staircases, laundry-draped apartments.
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Nan’an District: Glass skyscrapers like the Raffles City Chongqing.
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Night Magic: Neon-lit bridges create a "Blade Runner" scene after dark.
b. Day vs. Night
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Daytime: Spot cargo ships and riverside mahjong players.
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Night: Capture the Hongyadong glow (2km northwest).
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Fog Bonus: November–March rides feel like floating through clouds.
c. Cultural Touches
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Visit the Cableway Museum (free, at Xinhua Station) to see vintage control panels.
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Grab tea at Tongyuanli Old Teahouse (10-min walk from Yuzhong Station).
5. Stay & Transportation
a. Chongqing Hotels Near Yangtze River Cableway
Luxury (¥1,000+):
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Niccolo Chongqing – 15-min walk, next to Guotai Art Center. Rooftop bar overlooks the cableway.
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JW Marriott – 10-min taxi ride, epic city views from Executive Lounge.
Mid-Range (¥400-800):
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Hilton Chongqing Nan’an – 8-min walk to South Bank Station, adjacent to Nanshan hiking trails.
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Holiday Inn Chongqing Jiefangbei – 12-min walk to Yuzhong Station, steps from Jiefangbei shopping.
Budget (¥150-300):
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Atour Hotel – 5-min walk to Xiaoshizi Metro, free Chongqing noodle breakfast.
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GreenTree Inn – 10-min walk to cableway, near Chaotianmen wholesale market.
b. Transportation
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Metro: Line 1 to Xiaoshizi Station (Exit 5) for Yuzhong Station; Line 6 to Shangxin Street Station for South Bank.
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Bus: 181, 261, or 0321 to Changjiang Suodao stop.
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Taxi: Show “长江索道北站/南站” to drivers. Ride-hailing apps recommended (¥15-25 from downtown).
6. Pro Tips
a. What to Wear
Non-slip shoes for steep station stairs. Light layers – cabins are air-conditioned.
b. Language Help
Download "Tencent TranSmart" for real-time translation of Chinese signs at ticket counters.
7. FAQs
b. Hours: 7:30 AM–10:30 PM (last entry 10:00 PM).
e. Rules: No tripods; backpacks must be handheld in cabins.
f. Nearby Attractions:
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Jiefangbei CBD (1.5km): Chongqing’s Times Square. Walk 20 mins or Metro Line 1.
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Hongyadong (2km): Stilted cliffside village. Taxi 10 mins (¥12).
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Eling Park (3km): Vintage European-style garden. Bus 346 from Yuzhong Station.
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Ciqikou Ancient Town (12km): Ming-era porcelain village. Metro Line 1 to Ciqikou Station.
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Raffles City (800m): Visit the Explorer’s Deck skybridge. Walk 10 mins from South Bank Station.
h. Must-Eat Nearby:
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Xiaomian (Chongqing noodles): 花市豌杂面 (Huashi Wanzamian), 8-min walk from Yuzhong Station (¥15).
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Hotpot: Nan’an Laojun Dong Hotpot (20-min walk from South Bank Station).
g. Photo Spots:
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Yuzhong Station Platform: Frame cabins with the Shibati old houses.
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South Bank Viewing Deck: Sunset shots of cabins against Dongshui Men Bridge.
8. Final Words
The Yangtze River Cableway isn’t just a ride – it’s Chongqing’s floating theater, staging an ever-changing drama of river life, urban contrasts, and misty romance. Don’t just cross the Yangtze; conquer its skies.
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