With how frequently shiny new malls are popping up all over our Little Red Dot, it’s pretty clear that we can’t get enough of them. You’ve got Pasir Ris Mall in the east, Plantation Plaza in Tengah, and New Bahru in the heart of the city. Well, our penchant for malls even extends overseas, so swing by Raffles City Chongqing for a blast of familiarity the next time you’re holidaying in China.
Yes, it shares a name with its Singaporean counterpart which sits right on the doorstep of City Hall MRT, and looks coincidentally similar to our beloved Marina Bay Sands. But, it’s by no means unoriginal; here’s what you can expect to do at this mammoth of a mall in Chongqing.
The current exchange rate is ¥1 = S$0.18 as of 15th July 2024.
Before that, where is Chongqing? The city lies in the southwestern part of China, within the Sichuan Basin. Several direct flights from Singapore will take you to Chongqing within 5 hours.
A staggering ¥24,000,000,000 was pumped into the development of Raffles City Chongqing.
Image credit: CapitaLand
Now, Raffles City Chongqing is a cluster of 8 buildings located in the Yuzhong district of Chongqing. Located smack dab in the city centre, the entire complex spans a whopping 1.2 million sqft., with its tallest buildings reaching heights of 350m. To put things in perspective, MBS’ towers stand at just over 200m.
Image credit: Safdie Architects
Raffles City Chongqing’s centrepiece is The Crystal sky bridge which rests atop 4 of the 250m towers. Dubbed the “horizontal skyscraper”, it’s an architectural marvel which resembles MBS’ iconic “boat” and SkyPark Observation Deck. It’s no superise considering both buildings were conceived by the same architect, Moshe Safdie.
The connection to Singapore doesn’t end there, as the complex is owned by CapitaLand, a Singaporean real estate investment and management firm. They’re the ones behind some of our favourite heartland malls such as Bedok Mall, Tampines Mall, and even Jewel Changi.
Raffles City Shenzhen.
Image credit: CapitaLand
CapitaLand also owns 42 other properties in China, including other “Raffles City” malls in Beijing, Chengdu, and Shenzhen, just to name a few.
Image credit: CapitaLand
Raffles City Chongqing is essentially a retail haven for shoppaholics, as it boasts a 5 storey-mall with over 400 different stores. You’ll definitely clock in your daily quota of 10,000 steps as you roam about its 235,000sqm big retail space.
Image credit: CapitaLand
Here, you’ll find the big, international names like Adidas, Fila, and Calvin Klein. Keen-eyed shoppers will also realise the directory is filled with brands which originate from Singapore like Bee Cheng Hiang and Charles & Keith.
Food-wise, you can play it safe with familiar fast-food joints like Burger King and Dairy Queen. But, do give the local restaurants a shot to dig into fare like the famous Chongqing hotpot, and grab a drink from one of the many bubble tea stores scattered around the mall.
The 2-Bedroom Premier apartment at Ascott Raffles City Chongqing and the Presidential Suite at InterContinental Chongqing Raffles City.
Image adapted from: Discover ASR, IHG
If you’re staying the night, the complex also houses 2 lavish accommodation options, in the Ascott Raffles City Chongqing (from ¥714/night) and the InterContinental Chongqing Raffles City (from ¥1,242/night). The former has 201 luxurious, serviced apartments perfect for longer stays, while the latter is a 5-star hotel decked out with swanky amenities.
Image adapted from: IHG, 曼曼的小日记 via RED
In particular, the InterContinental Chongqing Raffles City also has 5 exquisite restaurants under its roof. JING is a quintessential Chinese restaurant that whips up modern Cantonese and Chongqing-inspired dishes, while the scattered trees at Botanica makes you feel like you’re feasting on cuisine from all over the world in a forest nestled amongst the clouds.
Image credit: IHG
For the best views of the CBD, head to SHUA, a bar with a sky terrace that overlooks the sleepless city down below.
Image credit: @capitaland via Instagram
Of course, you’re gonna want to head up to walk on Raffles City Chongqing’s famed 300m-long “horizontal skyscraper”, The Crystal. Tickets to The Crystal’s Exploration Deck are going for ¥120, and grant you access to 2 exhibitions and the observation deck that you’ll want to get your cameras out for.
Image credit: @capitaland via Instagram
But, before you make your ascent, take a moment to peruse the viewing gallery on the first floor. The space was created in collaboration with National Geographic, and recounts the history of Chongqing and its evolution into the glimmering metropolis it is today.
Image credit: @capitaland via Instagram
Once you’re all set, take the elevator up to the 47th floor; the long, 52-second ride on the elevator is a testament to the building’s impressive stature. The doors open to a futuristic Mars-themed exhibition, and at the end of it, you’ll find an indoor park that serves as a tranquil backdrop for your shots.
Image credit: @capitaland via Instagram
Continue onwards and you’ll reach an open-air sky deck for a breath of fresh air. The meek might want to divert their attention away from the glass-bottom floor, as you’ll be seemingly suspended 250m above street level.
Image credit: 圈圈🍭 via RED
The aforementioned SHUA bar is located here too, so feel free to enjoy the breathtaking aerial views with a cocktail in hand.
Image credit: @nadiii_ine via Instagram, Colorful💓 via RED
Right above the observation deck, daring visitors can try their hand at the SkyWalk (¥180) attraction. Adrenaline junkies will be tethered to a railing as they walk across the roof of The Crystal sky bridge. If that’s not enough, they can also have a go on the SkySwing (¥180), where they’ll be strapped into a seat that oscillates over the building’s edge.
Image credit: @capitaland via Instagram
Should you be planning to make repeat visits to Raffles City Chongqing, perhaps a membership to The Private Club might suit your fancy. As its name suggests, it’s a discreet club that grants its members access to a section of The Crystal that’s closed off to the public.
Taking yet another page from MBS, a 50m-long infinity pool lies within The Crystal that only welcomes members of The Private Club. They can relax by the poolside cafe with seats built into the pool itself, or sweat up a storm at the private gym too. There’s also a members-only lounge where the folks mingle, clinking glasses in exclusivity.
Image adapted from: @capitaland via Instagram
Fair warning, your annual membership fee could amount to a grand total of ¥60,000, according to those who’re part of this exclusive club. We’re not sure about the formalities of signing up for the club, as there isn’t an official website to visit or number to ring up, so rumour has it that you’d need to have connections with its existing members and be invited to join.
Image credit: @intercontinental via Instagram
Whether it’s picking up on Singlish or walking past an Old Chang Kee, there’s something oddly comforting about recognising something undeniably Singaporean while on holiday. In the spirit of National Day, if you ever find yourself missing the +65 a lil’ too much when you’re over in China, simply head to Raffles City Chongqing to remind yourself of home, truly.
For more things to do in China, have a look at this 2-day Beijing-Tibet sleeper train. Nature lovers will definitely want to drop by the ethereal Zhangjiajie National Park, and here are a couple of China winter itineraries for when the end-of-year holiday season kicks in.
Cover image adapted from: @capitaland via Instagram, IHG
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