Information
Landmark: Ciqikou Ancient TownCity: Chongqing
Country: China
Continent: Asia
Ciqikou Ancient Town, Chongqing, China, Asia
Overview
Ciqikou Ancient Town (磁器口古镇, Cíqìkǒu Gǔzhèn) sits in Chongqing’s Shapingba District, its narrow lanes and old wooden shopfronts steeped in centuries of history.People know it for its beautifully preserved ancient buildings, the lively rhythm of its street markets, and a local history that still feels alive.With more than a thousand years of history, the town lets you step into Chongqing’s rich cultural past, its narrow stone lanes drawing crowds from across the city.Ciqikou Ancient Town traces its roots to the Three Kingdoms period (220–280 CE), but it came alive during the Ming (1368–1644) and Qing (1644–1912) dynasties, when bustling markets filled its narrow streets and trade made it a key commercial hub.Long ago, the town earned its name, “Ciqikou” - Porcelain Mouth - from the fine ceramics once crafted here, and its docks bustled with boats loading goods bound for the Yangtze.The name “Ciqikou” comes from the town’s old reputation for crafting fine porcelain, the kind so smooth it almost gleamed in your hand.Back in the day, Ciqikou bustled as a ceramics trading hub, a lively stop where merchants on the Yangtze paused to load crates of porcelain.Over time, the place bustled with stalls selling handwoven textiles, fragrant street food, and traditional crafts, and that steady trade helped turn it into one of Chongqing’s cultural and economic hubs.Ciqikou Ancient Town is famous for its traditional architecture, with winding narrow lanes, weathered wooden houses, and old brick buildings that have stood since the Ming and Qing dynasties.The carved beams and tiled roofs give Ciqikou its unique charm, letting you glimpse the history and culture of ancient China.In the town’s narrow lanes, visitors can stroll past weathered shopfronts, cozy teahouses, and bustling restaurants, taking in a lively mix of old-world charm and modern flair.Most days, the streets hum with vendors calling out over tables piled high with porcelain teacups, bright paper cuttings, soft silk scarves, and smooth wood carvings.Ciqikou takes its name from its long history of porcelain making, and today you can wander through old workshops where clay dust hangs in the air and browse shops filled with finely painted teacups and vases.You’ll spot everything from tiny carved trinkets to towering porcelain vases covered in delicate, hand-painted patterns.Porcelain Museums: Tucked around the town, small museums and exhibits display the history and delicate artistry of porcelain-making, offering a glimpse into the craft that once filled its streets with the sound of clinking china.Like many historic towns in China, Ciqikou breathes tea culture-you can catch its scent drifting from old wooden teahouses along the narrow streets.You can sip a steaming cup of traditional Chinese tea in one of the town’s teahouses, where the air smells faintly of roasted leaves and many hosts share local brews through time-honored ceremonies.Many tea houses look out over the town and the rolling hills beyond, making them the perfect spot to sit back with a warm cup and take it all in.The Old City Walls: A few crumbling stone sections still stand in scattered corners of town, letting visitors picture how its defenses once wrapped tightly around the streets.Back in the Qing Dynasty, they built these walls to shield the town from invaders, stacking heavy gray stones one by one.Ciqikou Ancient Town holds several temples and sacred spots, among them the quiet Qingyin Temple, where incense drifts through the air in honor of Buddhist traditions.Perched high on a hill, the temple welcomes visitors with quiet air and a sweeping view of the town below and the rolling green beyond.Scattered through the town, you’ll find old shrines and quiet pavilions, their carved beams and incense smoke hinting at Ciqikou’s spiritual heart.One of the best parts of visiting Ciqikou is wandering past sizzling woks and stopping to taste the rich, spicy street food locals swear by.The ancient town is famous for its mouthwatering Chongqing-style snacks, from fiery hot pot that tingles your lips to chewy Dan Dan noodles, smoky grilled skewers dripping with spicy sauce, plump dumplings and fluffy baozi, and even glossy sugar-coated haws on sticks.The street food buzz pulls you in, with the smoky scent of sizzling meat and warm spices drifting through the air.Beyond its famous porcelain, Ciqikou’s bustling markets offer handmade crafts and quirky souvenirs, from carved wooden combs to painted silk fans.These might range from smooth silk scarves and intricate embroidered cloth to delicate paper crafts and graceful Chinese calligraphy scrolls.Antique shops carry treasures from the region’s past-old silver coins, worn gold rings, even paintings with faded brushstrokes.Ciqikou Scenic Area sits in a charming spot, wrapped in hills and greenery, with the Jialing River gliding past just a short walk away.From the hill above town, you can see the whole valley spread out below, and the winding paths through the fields make it ideal for a long, unhurried walk.You can hop on a boat along the Jialing River and watch the town unfold from the water, its narrow cobbled streets and old wooden rooftops glowing in the sun.The best time to explore Ciqikou is in spring or autumn, when the air feels crisp and the sun warms the old stone streets.During these seasons, you can wander the narrow stone streets, browse little shops and steaming food stalls, and step into quiet temples-without sweltering in summer’s heat or shivering through winter’s chill.Ciqikou packs with people during Chinese holidays-especially National Day and Chinese New Year-so if you want a quieter stroll past the old teahouses, aim for weekdays or other off-peak times.You can reach Ciqikou Ancient Town with ease-hop on a bus or take the Chongqing Metro, and you’ll be there before your coffee’s cooled.Visitors can easily reach the area by hopping off at Ciqikou station on Metro Line 1, just steps from the old cobblestone streets.If you’re coming from central Chongqing, it’s just a quick drive-ten minutes or so-and you can flag a taxi or book a ride-hailing car in seconds.Ciqikou Ancient Town draws you in with its rich history, vibrant culture, and the warm scent of street food drifting through its narrow lanes.With its well-preserved ancient buildings, lively streets buzzing with chatter, a proud porcelain tradition, and the aroma of sizzling local dishes, it’s a must-visit for anyone traveling to Chongqing.Wander the cobbled lanes, bite into a warm sesame cake, or just breathe in the spice-scented air-Ciqikou sweeps you into the past while giving you a clear glimpse of life in China today.
