Located about 30 minutes (20km) drive from the center of Chongqing, Ciqikou Ancient Town was established in the Song Dynasty and has a history of over 1000 years.
It was once an important dock for both water and land transportation and a major distribution center for porcelain. The ancient town is well-preserved, and it wouldn't be an exaggeration to call it the only authentic old town.
Ciqikou is nestled against mountains and waters, built according to the layout of "one river, two streams, three mountains, and four streets". It is a perfect miniature and symbol of the ancient city of Chongqing, hence it is often referred to as "Little Chongqing".
Walking on the stone-paved roads of Ciqikou, it feels like stepping back in time. The ancient buildings, shop signs, red lanterns, and more all tell stories of the past, letting visitors feel the passage of time.
How to Visit Ciqikou: Best Walking Route
Getting to Ciqikou is very convenient. Besides driving, another convenient option is the Line 1 rail transit, which has a dedicated station for Ciqikou. A few steps from the station will bring you to the back street of Ciqikou.
Ciqikou in Chongqing has always had a bad reputation among tourists from other places. Many people who have visited it complain about the noise and commercialization, and feel that the hour-long subway trip from the city center is not worthwhile.
However, it's impossible for a thousand-year-old town established in the Song Dynasty to be so superficial. Most people just followed the crowd and visited a "fake" Ciqikou.
Old streets and buildings in Ciqikou Ancient TownRecommended walking route: Exit 1 of the subway station - Huangjueping Archway - Hanlin Yard - Baoshan Palace - Zhong's House - Yinglong Gate - Baolun Temple - Diaojiao Building Square - Exit the back street of Ciqikou.
If you follow this route and avoid the crowds, you will see ancient temples, ancient buildings, stone-paved roads, stilt houses, and the gateway dock of Chongqing from the old times.
- Huangjueping Archway: The main entrance of Ciqikou Ancient Town. It uses traditional Chinese stone carving techniques such as round carving, relief, and Yin line carving. It is a sign of the traditional characteristics of the ancient town.
Huangjueping Archway- Hanlin Yard: One of the only remaining ancient private schools in the main urban area of Chongqing. It preserves some ancient buildings and cultural relics, showcasing the educational culture of ancient times. It's now a teahouse.
- Baoshan Palace: A quadrangle courtyard composed of a stage, a teahouse, and a Huangjue tree. It is the most effective place in Ciqikou for praying for a marriage partner.
- Zhong's House: It is one of the best-preserved Qing Dynasty residences in Ciqikou, displaying the life scenes and architectural art of ancient Chongqing people.
- Yinglong Gate: The dock of the Jialing River in the old days, where you can enjoy the river breeze. The stilt houses along the Jialing River are particularly distinctive.
- Baolun Temple: A thousand-year-old temple in Ciqikou, where it is said that one of the Ming Dynasty emperors lived in seclusion. It's especially picturesque for photos when the ginkgo leaves turn yellow in autumn. Baolun Temple is also an excellent place to watch the sunset. The hill behind Baolun Temple is less crowded and offers a panoramic view of the ancient town.
- Diaojiao Building Square: It's popular for stilt houses, with a Republic of China vibe.
Must-Try Foods and Activities in Ciqikou
Ciqikou gathers a multitude of Chongqing's signature dishes, capturing the essence of Chongqing's cuisine. There are various traditional street snacks and drinks to satisfy different taste buds, allowing you to enjoy the flavors of Chongqing while touring the ancient town.
Besides the signature Ciqikou Chen's twisted dough strips and salt and pepper peanuts, there are also spicy hot pot dishes such as Maoxuewang (duck blood in chili sauce), chicken giblets, and hot and sour rice noodles. Don't miss out on Chongqing hot pot and Chongqing noodles.
Spicy snacks in ChongqingThe ancient town also offers a wealth of cultural activities. For instance, you can appreciate Sichuan Opera's "face-changing" performance or listen to a traditional Sichuan storytelling session in the teahouses and theaters along the streets.
During the Spring Festival, the Ciqikou Temple Fair and other festive activities are held, allowing you to deeply experience the local culture.
Opera actors in CiqikouThe ancient town is bustling with people coming and going, filled with various dialects and laughter. You can observe the daily life of local residents, and purchase a variety of special souvenirs and handicrafts, experiencing the rich flavor of everyday life.
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