It used to be a somewhat rickety affair. And then in recent years it got a facelift. Well, more of a complete reconstruction job, really. For many though, it’s just not the same as it was back in the good old days. For modernity has come knocking at the door of the Purple Mountain Cableway.
First built toward the end of 1993 and with a total length of 2,350 metres, Nanjing’s Purple Mountain Cableway is the longest of its kind in China.
Its official English name is the Zijinshan Telpher. But until May of 2016, a more accurate term would have been “ski lift”.
Passing over a vast forest sea and penetrating both cloud and mists, passengers could tickle the tips of tress with their feet as they passed. But those fun days are gone forever.
Over time, the entire Cableway, together with its mechanical and electrical components, had naturally become fatigued.
That’s a nice way of saying it was plain dangerous; the quality of the whole enterprise contravening every known public health and safety law. Hence, the idea for a modern cable car was born. And in July of 2017, it became a reality.
Protected from the elements, rather than it being just a couple of friends or a small family of three on a chairlift, patrons today shall be accompanied by strangers to the tune of six adults per cable car.
Together, they will enjoy the ascent to the Toutuoling Scenic Area at an altitude of 425 metres that takes just 1/2 an hour. But that’s assuming the Cableway’s passengers don’t first get off at Purple Mountain Observatory, the only stop (dare we call it that, because cable cars don’t stop for anyone) along the way.
The new Cableway also exemplifies the price of progress. For its predecessor was probably the single best journey you could make in Nanjing, despite the somewhat charming setbacks.
The Purple Mountain Cableway is open daily from 09:00-17:00. If looking to make the journey in winter, be advised that the National Cable Inspection Centre usually performs their annual inspection over a 10-day period in December, when the Cableway is closed to the public.
Access to the lower terminus is via Gangzicun Station on Metro Line 4, or buses 20 and 315 to alight at the Zijinshan Cableway stop.
