Chongqing, China
Photo: @hypocriteeeee/Unsplash

Introduction

Chongqing, the “Mountain City” of China, comes alive in winter. Famous for its fiery hotpot, misty riverside views, neon-lit skyline, and steamy hot springs, Chongqing offers the perfect mix of food, culture, and relaxation.

For Singapore travelers, this 7D6N winter itinerary is designed to balance sightseeing, food adventures, and downtime — with day trips to Wulong Karst, Dazu Rock Carvings, and plenty of hotpot nights.

From Singapore to Chongqing

Flights: Singapore (SIN) → Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport (CKG)
- Direct: Scoot (~5 hrs 10 min)
- With transit (e.g. via Guangzhou/Shanghai): 7–9 hrs total
Airfare: SGD350–650 round trip (winter season)
Getting Around:
- Metro system is extensive & affordable (RMB 3–7 per ride).
- Taxis/DiDi useful for steeper hilly areas.
- Tip: Carry Alipay/WeChat Pay — some places don’t take foreign credit cards.

Day 1: Arrival & Night at the Chongqing

Afternoon: Arrive at Chongqing Jiangbei Airport. Take airport metro Line 10 (~40 mins) to city. Check into hotel near Jiefangbei or Hongyadong.

Evening:
- Head to Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street (解放碑步行街)— bustling shopping + snack stalls.
- Dinner: Your first Chongqing hotpot! Try Qing Shan Hotpot (mild to super spicy options).
- After dinner: Walk to Hongyadong (洪崖洞)— the famous riverside stilt houses lit up at night.

💡 Tip: If you arrive late, Hongyadong stays open until ~11pm, perfect for night shots.

**Hongyadong (洪崖洞)**
Photo: @jeslynnn7/Unsplash

Day 2 – City Highlights & Hot Springs

Morning:
- Visit People’s Liberation Monument (Jiefangbei Tower) (解放碑步行街).
- Walk to Raffles City Chongqing (重庆来福士广场) (The Crystal Skywalk) for futuristic views.
Afternoon:
- Take a Yangtze River Cableway (长江索道) ride across the river (RMB 20). Great city views.
- Lunch: Chongqing spicy noodles at a local shop.
Evening:
- Relax at Chongqing Natural Hot Springs (Beibei or Ronghui).
- Dinner nearby — lighter local dishes like Suancaiyu (酸菜魚)(sour fish soup).

**Yangtze River Cableway (长江索道)**
Photo: @hypocriteeeee/Unsplash

Day 3 – Wulong Karst National Park (Day Trip)

Morning (7 AM): Take a bus or private car (~3 hrs) to Wulong Karst (武隆喀斯特), a UNESCO site.
Highlights:
- Three Natural Bridges — massive stone archways.
- Furong Cave — giant limestone cave with colored lights.
Afternoon: Hike around the park (~2–3 hrs).
Evening: Return to Chongqing. Dinner: Grilled fish (kaoyu) by the riverside.

💡 Tip: In winter, wear good hiking shoes — paths can be icy.

**Wulong Karst (武隆喀斯特)**, a UNESCO site
Photo: Klook

Day 4 – Dazu Rock Carvings (Day Trip)

Morning: 2 hr drive/bus to Dazu Rock Carvings (大足石刻).
Explore: Ancient Buddhist carvings dating back 1,200 years.
Afternoon: Visit Baodingshan Carvings — the most detailed and well-preserved.
Evening: Back to Chongqing. Dinner at Shancheng Hotpot King.

Day 5 – Ciqikou Ancient Town & Riverside Views

Morning: Stroll through Ciqikou Ancient Town (磁器口) (old tea houses, souvenir shops, local snacks).
Lunch: Try maoxuewang (毛血旺) (duck blood curd hotpot) if adventurous.
Afternoon: Walk along Liziba Station (李子坝地铁站) — where the metro runs through a residential building (viral photo spot).
Evening: Take a Yangtze River Night Cruise — best way to see Chongqing’s glowing skyline.

Day 6 – Leisure & Hotpot Farewell

Morning: Visit Eling Park (鹅岭公园) for panoramic winter views.
Afternoon: Shopping at Paradise Walk Mall or Guanyinqiao Pedestrian Street (观音桥步行街).
Evening: Last night’s feast — go all out with Yuan Lao Si Hotpot (famous for its numbing broth).

Day 7 – Departure

Breakfast with local dumplings or youtiao (fried dough sticks).
Pick up snacks like Zhongba Laozao rice wine or Chongqing chili paste as souvenirs.
Head to airport, flight back to Singapore.

Travel Tips for Chongqing in Winter

Temperatures range from 6–12°C, but humidity makes it feel colder. Carry a windproof jacket.
Hotpot can be very spicy — ask for “微辣 (wei la)” = mild spice.
Book day trips to Wulong & Dazu in advance, as transport is limited during peak CNY season.

Final Thoughts

Chongqing in winter is all about contrasts — steaming hotpot against chilly weather, neon skylines against misty rivers, modern malls beside ancient rock carvings. This 7D6N itinerary balances food, culture, and relaxation, making it the perfect introduction to one of China’s most exciting cities.

If you only have one night to remember? A hotpot dinner followed by a Yangtze night cruise — that’s Chongqing magic.

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