Travel in China
A commuter cable car that has flown across the Yangtze since 1987 - the best seat in Chongqing for views of the mountain city.
The Yangtze River Cableway (Changjiang Suodao) was built in 1987 as a genuine commuter service, carrying workers across the Yangtze River between the Yuzhong Peninsula and the South Bank. For more than 35 years, this aerial tram has been a daily lifeline for Chongqing residents - and simultaneously one of the city's best sightseeing experiences.
The 1,166-metre crossing takes approximately 4 minutes, the cable car suspended 60 metres above the river at its highest point. On a clear day, the view encompasses the entire mountain city: apartment towers climbing both banks, bridges layered into the mist, and the river flowing beneath.
The cableway is best ridden at dusk, when the city's lights begin to appear on both banks. The cabins are small (standing room for 60-80 people) and often crowded with tourists, but the view from the windows is worth any queue. The return journey from the south bank offers a different perspective back toward the Yuzhong Peninsula skyline.
Highlights
The 4-Minute Crossing
A suspended journey across the Yangtze River - Chongqing's most scenic commute.
The Mountain-City View
Apartment towers climbing both banks of the river from 60 metres up.
The Dusk Transition
The city lights appearing as you cross - best timed for sunset.
The Return Journey
The south-to-north crossing offers a different perspective on the Yuzhong skyline.
The Commuter Heritage
A working cable car that has carried workers since 1987 - now also a tourist attraction.
The Aerial Photography
Shooting the cable car from the riverside promenade with the city behind it.
Photo Gallery
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