How to Experience the Yangtze Cable Car in Chongqing?

Last updated: May 2026. Fares and operating hours—confirm with operator or on site.

The Jialing and Yangtze meet at Chaotianmen; the water widens and the two rivers keep a slight color line. From the riverside walkway you can see that divide. A short way off, the Yangtze cable car crosses the river—cabins sliding from Yuzhong to Nan’an in a few minutes, both commute and sightseeing. Ride it in the evening, or walk the Chaotianmen waterfront first then join the queue. The two spots together are Chongqing’s “river city” identity in one stretch.

What Makes it Worth It

Chaotianmen is the two-rivers landmark: free, open, good for a walk and photos. The cable car is a rare “cross-river transit + view” combo that’s hard to find elsewhere. For anyone who wants to understand why Chongqing is both mountain and river city, these two in one afternoon-to-dusk run work well: see the rivers first, then the view from above. The cable car is best in the evening but queues are longest then; book ahead or go on a weekday off-peak.

What to Expect

Chaotianmen: The square and riverside walkway are free. During construction or renovation some areas may be closed—check before you go. Summer days are hot; evening is more comfortable.

Cable car: About 4–5 minutes one way; the cabin is crowded and you may have to jostle for a photo. Queues peak from dusk into the night; on holidays wait can exceed an hour. Book ahead if you can: Trip.com and some travel platforms sell tickets; your hotel can also help book. Without a booking, you can queue on site—allow extra time at peak.

Fares and operation: The cable car is ticketed; one-way and return prices differ. Hours vary by season; service stops in high wind or for maintenance—confirm with the operator.

Don't Miss

Chaotianmen riverside walkway — Walk along the river, see the two rivers meet and the opposite bank. Free; evening light is good for photos.

Cable car one-way or return — Yuzhong–Nan’an; an evening ride gives sunset and the lit-up city. One way is enough for a single experience; from the south bank you can take the metro or a taxi back.

Cable car + south-bank viewpoint — After crossing to Nan’an, you can go to Nanshan One Tree or Nanbin Road for the full Yuzhong peninsula view; taxi or bus from there.

Practical Information

Fares, booking, and suspensions: check the operator or Trip.com. Many locals book via WeChat; if you don’t use it, use Trip.com or ask your hotel to help. Without a booking, queue on site—wait can be long at peak times.

Getting There

Chaotianmen: Metro Line 1 or 6 to Xiaoshizi, then follow signs to Chaotianmen square / riverside; 10–15 min walk.

Cable car Yuzhong station: Near Xiaoshizi; walk from Chaotianmen or one metro stop. Queue entrance is signed.

Cable car Nan’an station: Shangxinjie side on the south bank; after the ride you can take Line 6 or a taxi.

A common mistake is arriving at dusk without a cable-car booking—the queue can be very long. If you want an evening ride, book a time slot in advance or be ready to wait.

Chaotianmen for the two rivers and the cable car for the crossing are the core “river city” combo. Best in evening light when the lights come on. The two are close; do them together. Book the cable car or go off-peak so you don’t spend all your time in line.

If you only pick one, the cable car gives the more unique "above the river" view. If you have time, Chaotianmen Square + cable car + Hongyadong can fill half an evening to a full evening.

Related Guides:

• Chongqing City Guide — Complete city guide