Yangtze River Cable Car

The Yangtze River Cable Car (长江索道, Cháng Jiāng Suǒ Dào) carries passengers on a 10-minute crossing from the Yuzhong district to the south bank of the Yangtze, suspended on cables 140 metres above the river. The journey provides spectacular views of the river, the city on both banks, and the bridges spanning the gorge.

The cable car was restored as a heritage attraction and is now one of Chongqing's most popular experiences. Queues can be long, particularly on weekends; go early. The best photography opportunity is on the south bank platform, from which the towers of central Chongqing rise dramatically above the river. The return journey is equally good — both directions offer different compositions. Tickets are purchased at the Xinhualu station on the Yuzhong side.

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A story
The Yangtze River Cable Car was the only crossing between Yuzhong and the south bank for much of the 20th century. Opened in 1987, it carried commuters, workers, and schoolchildren across the river for nearly 25 years before being retired in 2011 when sufficient bridges had been built. In 2020 it was restored as a heritage attraction, though now only tourists ride it — the commuters it once served have faster options.