Introduction

If Shanghai is modern and Beijing is historical, Sichuan feels like the soul of China. Winter here is lively, flavorful, and surprisingly cozy: steaming hotpot in Chongqing, giant pandas playing in Chengdu’s chill, and snowy temples in the nearby mountains.

This 8-day itinerary blends Chengdu’s slow charm with Chongqing’s fiery energy — perfect for travelers who want something different from the usual Beijing-Shanghai route.

Flying from Singapore

Singapore → Chengdu (CTU): ~5.5 hrs direct (Singapore Airlines, Sichuan Airlines, Scoot).
Singapore → Chongqing (CKG): ~5 hrs 30 mins direct (Scoot sometimes operates, otherwise via Chengdu).
Suggested Route: Fly into Chengdu → Train/flight to Chongqing → Return to Singapore.

💡 Travel Tip: Airfare ranges between SGD450–700 return in winter, cheaper if you book Scoot sales.

Day 1: Arrival in Chengdu

Check in at a hotel near Tianfu Square (天府广场).
Evening: Visit Jinli Ancient Street (锦里) — lantern-lit alleys, teahouses, Sichuan snacks (try spicy rabbit head if you’re adventurous!).

**Tianfu Square (**天府广场)
Photo: TripAdvisor

**Jinli Ancient Street (**锦里)
Photo: @realdadalan/ Unsplash

Day 2: Panda Day

Morning: Head to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding (成都大熊猫繁育研究基地). Winter mornings are perfect as pandas are most active.
Afternoon: Visit Wuhou Shrine (武侯祠) (Three Kingdoms history).
Dinner: Chengdu-style hotpot with numbing mala peppercorns.

Day 3: Culture & Leisure

Morning: Explore People’s Park (人民公园)— locals drink tea, play mahjong, and do ear-cleaning (a quirky tradition).
Afternoon: Visit Sichuan Opera for the face-changing performance (Bian Lian).
Evening: Try Chengdu snacks at Wide and Narrow Alleys (宽窄巷子).

**People’s Park** (人民公园)
Photo: People’s Daily Online

Day 4: Mount Emei (峨嵋山) Day Trip

2 hrs from Chengdu. In winter, the mountain is dusted with snow — beautiful but chilly.
Visit Golden Summit Temple (峨眉山金顶), often surrounded by mist.
Return to Chengdu for the night.

Mount Emei (峨嵋山)
Photo: @zhangyi001/ Unsplash

Day 5: Chengdu → Chongqing

High-speed train: ~1 hr.
Afternoon: Walk around Jiefangbei CBD (步行街重庆时代广场) — futuristic lights, shopping malls.
Evening: Try authentic Chongqing hotpot — spicier, oilier, and more fiery than Chengdu’s.

**Jiefangbei CBD (**步行街重庆时代广场)
Photo: CTBY

Day 6: Chongqing Exploration

Morning: Hongya Cave (洪崖洞) — cliffside building full of shops and food stalls, especially photogenic at night with lanterns.
Afternoon: Yangtze River (长江) Cable Car ride for city views.
Dinner: Street skewers at Ciqikou Ancient Town (磁器口).

**Hongya Cave (**洪崖洞)
Photo: @jeslynnn7/ Unsplash

Day 7: Snowy Escape

If weather allows, take a day trip to Wulong Karst National Park (武隆喀斯特) (2.5 hrs). In winter, the limestone bridges and caves are covered in light snow, very cinematic.
Alternative (if short on time): Visit Three Gorges Museum (重庆中国三峡博物馆) in Chongqing.

Day 8: Departure

Morning tea house stop — locals drink tea all day long, even in winter.
Fly back from Chongqing or Chengdu to Singapore.

Final Thoughts

Sichuan in winter isn’t just about pandas and hotpot — it’s about slowing down in Chengdu, then feeling the adrenaline of fiery Chongqing. The contrast between the two cities makes this trip special.

If I had to recommend one highlight? Chongqing hotpot on a cold night — your nose runs, your lips tingle, but you’ll remember it forever.

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