Yangtze River Cableway: Tickets, Best Views & Opening Hours

The Yangtze River Cableway in Chongqing is iconic.

Whether you want to capture the perfect skyline photo, experience old-school local transportation, or enjoy a convenient way to cross the river, this guide covers everything you need to know: tickets, opening hours, directions, viewpoints and insider tips.

Ticket Prices & Operating Hours of Yangtze River Cableway

Planning your ride on the Yangtze River Cableway is simple, but knowing the ticket types and peak hours will help you avoid long queues.

Category	Item	Details
Ticket Information	One-Way Ticket	Approx. ¥30, Most popular option for quick crossing
	Round-Trip Ticket	Approx. ¥50, Not Recommended
	Child Ticket (Under 1.3m)	Free, Must be accompanied by an adult
Operating Information	Daily Operating Hours (Dec 1, 2025 – Feb 28, 2026)	8:00 – 21:00 (Statutory holidays: 7:30 – 22:30)
	Last Ticket Purchase Time	Usually before 22:00
	Peak Hours	14:00 – 18:00

How to Get to Yangtze River Cableway

The Yangtze River Cableway has two stations, both easily accessible by public transport or taxi:

• Northern Station: Metro Line 1 or 6 to Xiaoshizi Station(‌小什字站), Exit 5.
• Southern Station: Metro Line 6 to Shangxin Jie Station(上新街站), Exit 2.
• Warning: If you have heavy luggage, book a private transfer. Navigating the steep steps around these stations with suitcases is make you exhausted.

🎫How to Buy Yangtze River Cableway Tickets

Getting to the station is easy. Getting a ticket is the hard part.

💡Since the cableway operates on strict time slots, you have two options. Choose wisely.

Option 1: Buy Tickets On-Site

Platform: Self-service machines at the station entrance.

• The Risk: In 2026, tickets often sell out 2-3 hours in advance. You might arrive at the station at 3:00 PM only to find the next available slot is 8:00 PM. Do not risk your entire itinerary on this. Only use this if you have absolutely no other choice.
• Status: NOT Recommended.

Option 2: Buy Tickets Like Locals

Platform: WeChat Mini-Program (“Chongqing Cableway” / 重庆索道公司).

• Why: You pay the exact official price (30 RMB).
• The Process: Search “重庆索道公司” → Select “Buy Tickets” → Choose “South Station”(if following our Reverse Strategy) → Pay via WeChat Pay.
• Warning: The interface is Chinese-only; have a translation app ready.

Best Time to Ride the Cableway

The Yangtze River Cableway offers stunning views all day long, but certain times create a truly unforgettable experience. Make sure you avoid the rush hours.

Sunset (Golden Hour) — The Most Beautiful Time

Best for: Photography, romantic views, soft lighting

Tip: Ride 30–60 minutes before sunset for the perfect transition.

Nighttime — Chongqing at Its Most Magical

Best for: City-lights photography, night views, dramatic skyline

This is the most popular time, so expect some queues.

Daytime (Clear Weather) — Best for Skyline Details

Best for: Seeing buildings, bridges, and riverbanks clearly.

Tip: Avoid hazy mid-summer afternoons, when visibility drops.

Yangtze River Cableway: How to Avoid Crowds

Most tourists will do this: they are in Jiefangbei, so they walk to the North Station (Xinhua Road-新华路) and queue. Do not do this. The North Station queue is extremely long.

• The Hack: Take the Metro (Line 6) or a taxi across the river to the South Station (Shangxin Jie / 上新街).
• The Benefit: While not empty, the South Station usually has significantly shorter lines than the North. You ride the cable car back towards the skyscrapers, which actually offers a more dramatic visual reveal as you approach the city density.
• The “One-Way” Rule: Buy the 30 RMB One-Way Ticket. Once you cross the river, do not turn around and queue again to go back. It is a waste of time and money (50 RMB). Take the metro or a taxi to your next destination.

Photography Tips

The cable car fits roughly 50 people. It is standing room only.

The Goal: You need a Window Spot.

The Tactic: When the gates open, do not run for the front center window (everyone goes there). Aim for the rear corners.

What If You Miss the Yangtze River Cableway

• If the queue is too long alternatively, go to Baixiangju (白象居) residential compound instead. You can photograph the cable car passing right through the buildings contrasting the river. It’s also iconic, and there is no queuing.

Riding it gives you a fleeting, cinematic glimpse of Chongqing’s vertical madness that you can’t get anywhere else.

But remember: it is just a 4-minute ride. Do not let a 3-hour queue ruin your entire afternoon. Use the South Station strategy, book your ticket online, and if the line is still too long, don’t be afraid to walk away.

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