Singapore Press Club Goodwill Mission to Chongqing: Discovering China's Mountain City and Wartime Capital
A 16-member delegation, led by Singapore Press Club President Patrick Daniel, embarked on a week-long (27 May - 2 June 2026) Goodwill Mission to Chongqing, China's sprawling Mountain City and one of the nation's fastest-growing economic powerhouses. Combining diplomatic exchanges, business insights, cultural exploration and tourism experiences, the visit offered members a deeper appreciation of Western China's rapid transformation, rich heritage and breathtaking natural landscapes.
The delegation was based at the iconic Ascott Raffles City Chongqing, overlooking the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing rivers. The visit began with a briefing hosted by senior executives from CapitaLand China and CapitaLand Investment, where members gained valuable insights into the development and operations of one of Chongqing's most recognisable landmarks.
SPC members briefed by Mr Lu Kai, General Manager of Raffles City Chongqing and Mr Wilfred Hee, Area General Manager of Ascott Raffles City Chongqing and Ms Cheng Nan, Manager, Mall Tenant Management and Viewing Gallery Management, Raffles City Chongqing
View of Raffles City Chongqing. Delegation touring The Crystal, Observation Deck.
The group learned about CapitaLand's longstanding partnership with the Chongqing municipality and investment in prime space to transform Raffles City into a major tourism and lifestyle destination. The Shopping Mall offers tax refunds in-mall and experiential spaces such as "The Crystal," a spectacular 300-meter-long horizontal skyscraper and skybridge suspended 250 meters in the air across four of the eight skyscrapers in Raffles City Chongqing. Highlights included a glass-floor Observation Deck and a thrilling, harness-secured open-air Skywalk/Cloud Walk and Cloud Leap, the city's first high-altitude riverside swing. We also learned about Ascott catering to the family tourist market and offering breakfasts with Chongqing specialities and Singapore favourites like Bar Chor Mee, Hainanese Chicken Rice and Bak Kut Teh. The Singapore market is ranked among its top hotel guests.
Members also enjoyed an exclusive guided tour of the China-Singapore Connectivity Initiative (CCI) gallery, Located within the Raffles City Chongqing complex, the gallery is an immersive exhibition space showcasing a decade of Singapore-China collaboration across financial services, aviation, transport and logistics.
Guided tour of the China-Singapore Connectivity Initiative (CCI) gallery
The delegation also learned more about Singapore-China relations and the growing economic significance of Western China when Singapore's Consul-General in Chengdu, Mr Joel Tan, shared his perspectives.
Delegation had a group photo with Singapore's Consul-General in Chengdu, Mr Joel Tan
Delegation at Liziba Station and took the train to Jiefangbei which took only 10 minutes.
The afternoon offered a first taste of Chongqing's unique urban landscape. The group visited the famous Liziba Station, where trains famously pass through a residential building, before exploring the bustling commercial retail district of Jiefangbei. A visit to the Chongqing Eye Observatory provided panoramic views of the city's dramatic skyline and the meeting point of its two great rivers.
The bravest and fittest made their way to the top of the Chongqing Observatory platform to view the skyline.
Delegation at hotpot dinner overlooking the Yangtze with views of Hongya Cave and the city’s night lights.
That evening, members experienced Chongqing's celebrated hotpot culture while enjoying spectacular views of Hongya Cave across the river. Perched above the riverbanks in layers of traditional Bayu-style architecture illuminated by thousands of lights, Hongya Cave offered a captivating introduction to the city's unique blend of history, culture and modernity. The synchronised lighting display created a magical backdrop to the evening's dining experience.
The second day focused on innovation, media and history. Delegates visited the Chang'an Global R&D Centre, where they gained valuable insights into China's rapidly evolving electric vehicle industry and advancements in intelligent mobility and new-energy technologies. The centre showcased a range of brands including Chang'an Auto, Nevo, Deepal and Avatr, as well as joint ventures with Ford, Mazda and JMC.
The delegation later visited the Western China International Communication Organization, where discussions centred on international communications, media development and the growing role of digital platforms in promoting Chongqing to global audiences. The group had an opportunity to pose for photos in a broadcasting studio as well.
The delegation visited WCICO - welcomed by Western China International Communication Organization (WCICO) Ms Chen Dongyan, Director and Editor-in-Chief at the (Right Photo) and Mr Huang Hong, Director of International Cooperation Department (left photo).
Next, was a visit to the Great Hall of the People and the Three Gorges Museum, gaining a deeper appreciation of Chongqing's pivotal role in China's wartime history and the significance of the Yangtze River region. A ride on the Yangtze River Cableway offered a unique aerial perspective of the city before members explored the vibrant streets and lively night atmosphere of Hongya Cave, a bustling haven of Chinese period costume rental shops, restaurants and retail stores.
The delegation visited Dazu, home to one of China's most treasured UNESCO World Heritage Sites, on day three of our visit. Members explored the extraordinary Dazu Rock Carvings at Baodingshan, where intricate Buddhist, Taoist and Confucian sculptures have been carved into sandstone cliffs for more than a thousand years. The visit was complemented by a tour of the Dazu Museum, providing historical and cultural context to one of China's greatest artistic and religious legacies.
Back in Chongqing, the group enjoyed an evening cruise along the Yangtze and Jialing rivers before witnessing the spectacular "Glamorous Chongqing" drone show. Thousands of drones illuminated the night sky in a dazzling display of technology, creativity and civic pride, creating one of the most memorable highlights of the trip.
The following day, the delegation went to Wulong, approximately three hours from Chongqing's city centre. The journey included a visit to Fairy Mountain, often referred to as the "Eastern Switzerland" for its cool climate, rolling meadows and scenic forests. The highlight, however, was the UNESCO-listed Three Natural Bridges — a breathtaking geological wonder featuring towering limestone arches spanning deep valleys. Members descended into the valley via a glass elevator before embarking on a scenic hike past waterfalls, rock formations and dramatic cliffs that have served as backdrops for major films including Curse of the Golden Flower and Transformers: Age of Extinction.
Delegation tour of Wulong - Fairy Mountain and Three Natural Bridges
On the final day, members visited Chongqing Zoo to see the city's beloved giant pandas before exploring Ciqikou Ancient Town, where traditional architecture, tea houses and local delicacies offered a charming glimpse into old Chongqing.
The cultural programme concluded with Chongqing 1949, an immersive theatrical production widely regarded as one of the city's premier attractions. Featuring rotating audience seating, elaborate sets and powerful storytelling, the production vividly brought a pivotal chapter of China's modern history to life.
Following a farewell dinner overlooking the city skyline, members reflected on a week filled with meaningful exchanges, cultural discovery and unforgettable experiences. The Goodwill Mission successfully strengthened ties with government representatives, business leaders and media professionals while providing members with unique insights into one of China's most dynamic and fascinating regions. From futuristic skylines and technological innovation to ancient heritage and natural wonders, Chongqing revealed itself as a city where tradition and modernity coexist in remarkable harmony.
Tour of Chongqing zoo to see Pandas, view of Ciqikou Ancient Town, Spectacular Chongqing 1949 Show, Tea Houses in Chaotianmen, and night lights of Hongya Cave.
