As 2012 draws near, what are your plans for this special year? Advancing in studies, getting a promotion, getting married… With these uncontrollable factors, perhaps a meaningful New Year’s self-drive trip to admire snow and soak in hot springs is more practical.
As the New Year’s bell of 2012 rings, make the most of the 3-day mini-break to commemorate the beautiful start of 2012 with a self-drive tour to enjoy snow and hot springs. We introduce six great self-drive routes tailored for Chongqing drivers, featuring medicinal hot spring baths, red rock glaciers, snowmobile rides… absolutely thrilling.
The Muguo Cuo Medicinal Hot Spring Journey
Route: Chongqing – Chengdu – Ya’an – Tianquan – Luding – Kangding – Muguo Cuo Scenic Area
One-way distance: 680 km
Toll fees: 230 yuan
Optimal travel duration: 3 days
Road conditions: Full expressway from Chongqing to Ya’an, national road from Ya’an to Muguo Cuo
Scenic area introduction: “On the running horse mountain, a drifting cloud…” The Kangding Love Song (Muguo Cuo) Scenic Area is the hometown of this timeless love ballad that has captivated people worldwide, the birthplace of Guozhuang culture, and the heart of Shangri-La. In winter, the most magical attraction here is undoubtedly the “Medicinal Boiling Springs.”
The Yanzi Gou Red Rock Glacier Journey
Route: Chongqing – Suining – Chengdu – Ya’an – Tianquan – Erlangshan Tunnel – Lengqi – Moxi Town – Yanzi Gou Entrance
One-way distance: 650 km
Toll fees: 230 yuan
Optimal travel duration: 3 days
Road conditions: Full expressway from Chongqing to Ya’an, national road from Ya’an to Moxi Town
Scenic area introduction: Located on the eastern slope of Mount Gongga, Yanzi Gou is a newly opened scenic area that welcomed visitors this October and has recently entered the Chongqing tourism market. Glaciers, Tibetan Buddhist culture, and red rocks are the three major highlights of Yanzi Gou, and also the three must-see features for winter travel.
The Fairy Mountain Snow Fairy Tale World Journey
Route: Inner Ring Expressway – Jieshi Interchange – Yu-Xiang Expressway – Nanchuan – Wulong – Fairy Mountain
One-way distance: 180 km
Toll fees: Around 80 yuan
Optimal travel duration: 1–3 days
Road conditions: Entire route via expressway
Scenic area introduction: The Fairy Mountain Ski Resort is currently China’s lowest-latitude alpine ski resort. With a variety of entertainment facilities such as alpine skiing, snowboarding, snow discs, sleds, ski chairs, snow surfing boards, snow boats, sleighs, snowmobiles, and snow bicycles, it offers an exhilarating experience in the snowy forests.
The Ski Resort on the Northern Slope of Jinfo Mountain
Route: Main city – Ring Expressway – Jieshi Expressway Interchange – Yu-Xiang Expressway Jieshui Section – Jinfo Mountain – Northern Slope of Jinfo Mountain
One-way distance: 150 km
Toll fees: Around 60 yuan
Optimal travel duration: 1–3 days
Road conditions: Entire route via expressway
Attraction introduction: The Beipo Ski Resort on Jinfo Mountain is practically a ski resort right at Chongqing’s doorstep and offers an affordable winter wonderland experience for locals. Soar through the snow on twin-tip skis, super sleds, double flying saucers, snowmobiles, and more as you indulge in snowy romance.
Journey through a Frozen Thousand-Mile Snowscape of Mount Emei
Route: Chongqing – Neijiang – Zigong – Rongxian – Leshan – Mount Emei
One-way distance: 350 kilometers
Toll fees: Around 200 yuan
Optimal travel duration: 2–3 days
Road conditions: Entire route via expressway
Attraction introduction: By mid-November, Mount Emei welcomes its first snowfall of the season. While the foothills remain as vibrant as autumn, altitudes above 2,000 meters are already blanketed in “a thousand miles of ice, ten thousand miles of snow.” On Mount Emei, marvel at the Golden Summit Snow Kingdom, ice-crystal tree hangings, rime and frost-covered forests, sacred mountain hot springs, winter sunshine, New Year blessings, world wonders, and playful ecological monkeys—countless breathtaking southern winter landscapes that will leave you thrilled.
Icefall Journey in Simianshan
Route: Chongqing – Jiangjin – Simianshan
One-way distance: 140 kilometers
Toll fees: 100 yuan
Optimal travel duration: 2–3 days
Road conditions: Expressway from Chongqing to Jiangjin, national highway from Jiangjin to Simianshan
Attraction introduction: The waterfalls of Simianshan are the most spectacular, with over 100 large and small cascades. The water plunges and surges, sending up clouds of mist and roaring with a thunderous sound that can be felt miles away. The Honghai Lake within the scenic area boasts crystal-clear, mirror-like waters, quietly winding through deep mountain valleys and vast forests. A boat ride on the lake is truly refreshing.
