Located on the banks of the Jialing River in Shapingba District, Chongqing, Ciqikou Ancient Town is a national 4A-level tourist attraction and a famous historical and cultural street in China. Founded in the Song Dynasty, the town features a unique landscape of "one river, two streams, three mountains, and four streets," covering an area of about 1.5 square kilometers with a core protected area of 0.7 square kilometers. Its highlight lies in preserving 12 Ming and Qing-style mountainous ancient streets, mainly composed of Chuan-Yu residential buildings with blue tiles, white walls, and brick-wood structures. The streets form a "T"-shaped layout, and most existing ancient buildings date from the Ming and Qing dynasties to the Republic of China era. Known as "Little Chongqing," the town integrates Bayu culture, religious culture, Shaci culture, Hongyan culture, and folk culture.
History and Culture
Originally named "Baiyanchang" (White Rock Market), Ciqikou got its name from the inscription "Baiyan" (White Rock) by Emperor Jianwen of the Ming Dynasty who once lived here in seclusion. It became a porcelain production center in the Song Dynasty and grew into a major material distribution hub in eastern Sichuan during the Ming and Qing dynasties due to the developed water transport of the Jialing River. The name "Ciqikou" (Porcelain Port) replaced the old name as the porcelain industry thrived.
During the Anti-Japanese War, Ciqikou served as an important rear area for Chongqing, the temporary capital. National Central University, Chongqing University, and other institutions relocated here, and cultural figures like Xu Beihong and Fu Baoshi once resided here, leaving numerous cultural relics. It also carried significant Hongyan culture, as the Office of the New Fourth Army in Chongqing was once located within the town.
The town preserves traditional folk cultures such as Sichuan opera singing, fire dragon performances, and night watchman rounds. Among them, the "Ciqikou Fire Dragon" has been listed in Chongqing's intangible cultural heritage, and the annual Spring Festival Fire Dragon Lantern Fair attracts tens of thousands of visitors.
Main Attractions
Cizheng Street
Cizheng Street, the main street of the town, stretches 1,278 meters with a width of 3-5 meters, paved with blue stone slabs and lined with Ming-Qing-style stilt houses and shops. Historical sites such as the Hanlin Academy, Baolun Temple, and Zhong's Courtyard are distributed along the street. The Hanlin Academy, a Qing Dynasty private school site, is a typical quadrangle courtyard covering about 800 square meters.
Baolun Temple
Founded in the Zhenguan period of the Tang Dynasty (over 1,400 years ago), Baolun Temple is one of the oldest temples in Chongqing. Perched on Jinbi Mountain in Ciqikou, it covers a construction area of about 3,000 square meters. The temple preserves ancient buildings such as the Ming Dynasty Mahavira Hall and Qing Dynasty Sutra Pavilion, with the Mahavira Hall's wooden structure entirely using mortise-tenon craftsmanship without a single nail.
Zhong's Courtyard
Zhong's Courtyard, a residential compound from the late Qing Dynasty to the early Republic of China, was once the home of Ciqikou merchant Zhong Yunting, covering about 1,500 square meters. This typical Eastern Sichuan residential style courtyard consists of a main house, wing rooms, and a central patio, preserving carved doors/windows and blue stone patios that showcase traditional residential architectural art.
Ciqikou Wharf
Once an important land-water transportation hub on the Jialing River, the existing Ciqikou Wharf was rebuilt in the Qing Dynasty, measuring about 200 meters long and 15 meters wide. It retains relics like stone steps and mooring stones, with an old teahouse by the river where visitors can experience traditional covered-bowl tea and Sichuan opera performances.
Food
Ciqikou Chen's Fried Dough Twists
A signature food of the town, Ciqikou Chen's Fried Dough Twists were founded in 1914, made from glutinous rice, sesame, peanuts, etc., in sweet, salty, and spicy flavors. Freshly fried twists are crispy and sold in 250g bags for about 15-20 yuan, a must-buy souvenir for visitors.
Maoxuewang (Spicy Blood and Offal Hot Pot)
A classic Ciqikou dish originating from wharf culture, Maoxuewang is cooked with duck blood, tripe, luncheon meat, and other ingredients in a bright red, spicy broth. The time-honored restaurant "Wang's Maoxuewang" is most representative, with an average consumption of 60-80 yuan per person.
Ancient Town Chicken Giblets
Made from chicken liver, intestines, and heart stir-fried with pickled peppers and ginger, this spicy and tangy dish is recommended at "Shuzhong Tangmen" restaurant, costing about 50 yuan per person and best served with rice or noodles.
Hot and Sour Noodles
Ciqikou's hot and sour noodles use local sweet potato noodles paired with bean sprouts, coriander, and chili oil, served in a tangy and spicy broth. Street stalls offer them for 10-15 yuan per bowl, a popular snack among visitors.
Admission
Ciqikou Ancient Town is free to enter. Some minor attractions require separate tickets: Zhong's Courtyard (10 yuan/person) and Baolun Temple (5 yuan/person).
Opening Hours
The town is open 24/7. Main street shops operate from 09:00-22:00, while minor attractions are open from 09:30-18:00 (winter) to 19:00 (summer).
Itinerary Recommendations
Recommended route: Arrive at the town at 09:30 AM, enter Cizheng Street from the main gate, and visit Hanlin Academy (30 minutes) → walk to Baolun Temple (1 hour) and climb Jinbi Mountain for a panoramic view; have lunch on Cizheng Street to try Maoxuewang or Chen's Dough Twists; in the afternoon, tour Zhong's Courtyard (40 minutes) → stroll to Ciqikou Wharf (30 minutes) to experience old teahouse culture; enjoy the Jialing River sunset by the river in the evening to conclude the trip.
Transportation
- Metro: Take Line 1 to Ciqikou Station, exit from Gate 1, and walk 5 minutes to the town entrance.
- Bus: Take buses 202, 220, 237, 503, etc., and get off at Ciqikou Station.
- Self-driving: Navigate to "Ciqikou Ancient Town Parking Lot," departing from downtown Chongqing via the Inner Ring Expressway to Shaci Avenue, about 30 minutes' drive. Parking fees are approximately 5-10 yuan per hour.
Must-See Attractions
- Cizheng Street: The core street of the town, offering Ming-Qing architecture and urban culture, with a well-preserved 1,278-meter blue stone road.
- Baolun Temple: A millennium-old temple with a 3,000-square-meter Ming Dynasty Mahavira Hall, offering a panoramic view of the Jialing River from the temple.
- Ciqikou Wharf: A Qing Dynasty ancient wharf with a 200-meter-long riverside area, featuring historical relics and a teahouse zone for Sichuan opera performances.
Travel Tips
- Wear non-slip shoes due to slippery blue stone roads; avoid peak hours during weekends and holidays due to heavy crowds.
- Compare products from multiple shops before buying snacks like Chen's Dough Twists, as some offer free samples; souvenirs are more affordable at edge-store shops.
- Stay hydrated and use fans in summer due to high temperatures; bring windproof jackets in winter as the riverside is windy.
- Recommended teahouse experience at "Baoshan Palace" (20-30 yuan/person), offering Sichuan opera face-changing and lantern rolling performances.
Notes
- Beware of pickpockets in crowded narrow alleys and keep belongings secure.
- Choose licensed food stalls to avoid unhygienic food and potential stomach discomfort.
- Maintain silence and respect religious customs when visiting sites like Baolun Temple; no loud noise or photography.
- Follow parking lot signs to avoid one-way streets when driving; arrive early on holidays as parking lots fill up quickly.
- Some sections are dimly lit at night; travel in groups and prioritize safety during evening visits.