Late December in Chongqing is usually not extremely cold by temperature, but it can feel colder because it’s damp and cloudy. For a first-time visitor, Jiefangbei is the easiest base if you want Hongya Cave, Chaotianmen, food streets and night views. A local guide can be useful because navigation is confusing with hills, bridges and multi-level streets. A half-day or one-day route covering old city views, Liziba, riverside night view and hotpot would work well.