Tired of the traditional Chinese New Year's Eve dinner and watching the Spring Festival Gala? Want to break free from the "old three" of visiting relatives, giving and receiving red envelopes? Having a different Chinese New Year is not difficult. For the food-loving and fun-seeking people of Chongqing, you can experience a unique and festive atmosphere this Spring Festival!
Day 1: Leaning on the rail to view the river
Recommended location: Century Cruises
This Spring Festival, why not take your family on a Three Gorges lake cruise aboard the ultra-luxury Century Cruise.
You can watch movies in the ship's large cinema, enjoy a SPA at the wellness center, or lean on the railing of your extra-large river-view balcony to enjoy the scenery... Gourmet food is also a major highlight of the cruise. The sixth floor features a sun bar and a panoramic Western restaurant with dozens of dishes for the buffet breakfast and lunch, as well as a round-table dinner with rich local flavors. During the day, you can go ashore to explore the magnificent natural scenery of the Three Gorges or its brilliant cultural relics.
Travel reference: The Century Emperor sets sail on January 23rd, with prices starting from 3180 RMB per adult. A five-day Spring Festival on the river is like a secluded paradise, offering endless fun for the whole family. Additionally, a 4-day cruise on a single, Five-Star Three Gorges cruise ship is also available.
Day 2: Visit a temple fair
Recommended location: Longmenzhen Theme Park
The 3rd Huayan·Longmenzhen Temple Fair will be held from the first to the sixth day of the Lunar New Year. It will feature intangible cultural heritage, folk handicrafts, delicacies from all over the country, Buddhist culture, carnival rides, large-scale interactive performances, and more, creating a spectacular, fun, and delicious Spring Festival temple fair.
Travel reference: While experiencing dozens of top-tier amusement rides, the temple fair also offers visitors New Year-themed interactive games. You can also visit Huayan Temple to pray for health and peace for yourself and your family.
Day 3: Tour an ancient town
Recommended location: Shouchang Ancient Town
Shouchang Ancient Town has prepared a wealth of folk activities this year. It will first feature a meticulously crafted "Fu Shou" (Fortune and Longevity) culture, starting with the award ceremony for the "Top 10 Healthiest Elders" of Shouchang District. During the Spring Festival, it will also provide various festive activities for the public.
The town's Spring Festival folk activities will continue until the 15th day of the first lunar month. Activities such as garden tours, City God processions, dragon and lion dances, waist drum performances, land boat shows, bonfire parties, ancient-style city entry ceremonies, and lantern riddles will allow visitors to feel the lively and joyous atmosphere of the Spring Festival.
Travel reference: It takes about 1 hour to drive from downtown Chongqing to Shouchang Ancient Town, with a one-way toll of 30 RMB.
Day 4: Pick tangerines and oranges
Recommended location: Jinmu Orchard
Last year, the self-driving tangerine picking event organized by our newspaper left a deep impression on many readers, and many called to ask when this year's "Chunjian" (a type of tangerine) would be ripe.
Our reporter confirmed with Jinmu Orchard that the "Chunjian" has entered its ripening period and the orchard has been open to visitors since January 1st. This Spring Festival, bring your family and friends to Jinmu Orchard in Yinglong Town, Nanan District, to pick "Chunjian" tangerines. Get close to nature and bring home a full load of sweetness.
Special reminder: This week, the first 10 readers who obtain travel information and sign up for a tour at any of the major travel agencies advertised in our newspaper will receive a special "Chunjian" gift package worth 150 RMB. Meanwhile, our newspaper's weekly event of giving away 200 RMB in cash travel subsidies is still ongoing.
Day 5: Enjoy gourmet food
Recommended location: Chongqing InterContinental Hotel
After four days of fun, are you feeling a bit overwhelmed? Then, stop by a five-star hotel for a luxurious buffet dinner. The Western restaurant at Chongqing InterContinental Hotel隆重推出 a super-luxury seafood buffet dinner every Friday, featuring air-shipped French oysters, Norwegian salmon, abalone, and various other seafood, offering an ultimate fresh taste challenge.
Travel reference: Every Friday, Chongqing Intercontinental Hotel's super-luxury seafood buffet dinner features signature dishes prepared live by chefs, accompanied by unlimited imported beer and red wine, allowing you to enjoy the freshest and most exciting culinary feast.
Price: RMB 298 + 15% service charge (for dinner)
Day 6: See beautiful scenery
Recommended location: Heishan Valley
Heishan Valley is filled with fairyland-like landscapes of ice-covered trees and rime flowers. The ancient Karst stone forest, Longlin Shihai, dating back to the Cambrian period, takes on a more desolate and vast look in the cold wind, making it especially suitable for exploring hidden wonders.
Travel reference: For your Spring Festival trip, you can experience the "Miaojiang" "Caitang" dance. At the same time, the scenic area is offering a 80% discount on entrance tickets (Heishan Valley 20 RMB, Longlin Shihai 10 RMB) and a round-trip highway fee from Wansheng for only 15 RMB (for self-driving vehicles, just 15 RMB if you get on and off at Qijiang).
Day 7: Parent-child tour
Recommended location: Fangte Sci-Fi Park
On the last day of the long holiday, take your children to Fangte Sci-Fi Park to experience the charm of technology. Amusement rides such as "Dinosaur Crisis," "Flying to the Limits," and "Origin of Life" are great choices for strengthening family bonds. The first 100 visitors each day will also receive a New Year's greeting card and a gift package.
Travel reference: Before January 31, 2012, a duo package is available for a minimum annual discount of 188 RMB (original price 240 RMB) for two full-price tickets. A student package is available for a minimum annual discount of 98 RMB (original price 120 RMB) for one full-price ticket. You can also present a newspaper with news about the park to receive a "Happy Gift Package" from the activity area in the park when purchasing two full-price tickets on the same day.