Ciqikou Ancient Town Travel Guide
Highlights, History & Visitor Information
Ciqikou Ancient Town is Chongqing's "old town" on the banks of the Jialing River, boasting a thousand-year history. Its history dates back to the Song dynasty, and it was named after its prosperity as a ceramics production and shipping port during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Today, its cobblestone alleys, old wooden buildings, and bustling shops retain the atmosphere of the past, making it the most representative spot for experiencing the unique charm of Chongqing's "mountain town" and the vitality of its everyday people. Visitors can feel the hustle and bustle of old Chongqing firsthand as they listen to the calls of shopkeepers echoing through the back alleys, smell the mouthwatering aromas of cooking, and experience traditional handicrafts.
1. Main Highlights
🏮 How to enjoy backstreets
Ciqikou consists of one main street and numerous alleys, offering a variety of ways to enjoy the area.
• Ciqikou Zhengjie (Main Street):
This central street is the busiest for tourists. It's lined with shops selling local specialties like Chen Mahua (a fried pastry with a twist) and Guzhen Jiza (chicken innards stew), so you can enjoy sampling the food as you stroll along the street. The old brick buildings are still used as shops.
• Backstreets and hidden spots:
If you venture off the main street, you'll find steep staircases and narrow alleyways, offering a more down-to-earth experience. Spend a relaxing time mingling with the locals over a cup of tea in a traditional teahouse.
• Courtyard houses such as Zhongjiayuan:
This traditional house, built in the style of Qing Dynasty imperial court architecture, offers a glimpse into the lives of wealthy merchants of the time. It's a quiet space where you can take a break from the hustle and bustle.
• The banks of the Jialing River:
Once you leave the hustle and bustle of the alleys, you'll find the majestic Jialing River unfolding before your eyes. You'll see locals relaxing and enjoying tea on the riverbank, giving you a glimpse into another side of this ancient town.
2. Historical Stories
📜 The history and origin of porcelain mouths
• From "Longyin Town" to "Porcelain Port": During the Ming Dynasty, this area was called "Longyin Town." Later, during the Qing Dynasty, the ceramics industry developed rapidly, and at its peak, there were over 1,000 ceramic workshops. These products were transported all over the country by water on the Jialing River, so the area eventually came to be called "Porcelain Port."
• A key waterway transport hub: It was once a port town with such a thriving waterway transport that it was said, "Leaving Chongqing in the morning, arriving at Ciqikou in the evening." Even today, remnants of this past can be seen everywhere.
3. Useful Information Before Your Visit
Address：Chongqing City Shapingping District Porcelain Mouth Tower
Regular Opening Hours：The entire area is open 24 hours a day, with store hours generally from 9:00 to 22:00.
Closed：None (Open daily throughout the year).
Admission fee：Free (food, drink and purchases at the store are charged separately)
4. Visiting Etiquette and Important Notes
• Crowds: It gets incredibly crowded on weekends and public holidays. If you want a quieter experience, we highly recommend visiting on a weekday morning.
• Foodie Tips: The flavor of the famous "Chen Ma Hua" varies depending on the store. Be sure to try it at your favorite store before purchasing. If you don't like spicy food, be sure to ask for "no spicy" when ordering.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes: The cobblestone streets are uneven, and if you stray from the main streets, you'll come across steep slopes and stairs, so comfortable walking shoes are essential.
5. Pandaland Trip's Original Tour Services
Our Pandaland Trip offers a unique service that allows you to avoid the crowds, discover the deeper charm of Ciqikou beyond its surface, and experience the authentic Chongqing culture.
• Avoid the crowds - plan early in the morning: Visit the town before the tourists arrive, enjoy the natural atmosphere of Ciqikou in the quiet morning, and skip the line to shop at the most popular "Chen Mahua" shop.
• Gourmet Food Guide: Your guide will carefully select must-try local specialties, taking hygiene into consideration, and will show you how to order and eat them, as well as introduce you to hidden gems.
• Explore backstreets and scenic spots: We will take you to backstreets that tourists pass by and hidden photo spots with panoramic views of the ancient town and the Jialing River.
• A relaxing experience at a traditional teahouse: Experience the laid-back atmosphere of Chongqing at a lively teahouse bustling with locals or a quiet, relaxing hideaway teahouse. Learn how to brew and enjoy tea.
• Full support in your native language: from ordering in stores and interpretation during shopping to assistance with negotiating discounts, our staff fluent in your native language will provide reliable help.
To fully experience the vibrant and character-filled ancient town of Ciqikou while avoiding the crowds and delving deeper, the guided tour from Pandaland Trips with a guide in your native language is the ideal choice. Our guides, who are familiar with the backstreets, will take you on a memorable stroll through the original scenery of Chongqing. Please feel free to contact us for more information.
