Ciqikou Ancient Town
Ciqikou Ancient Town, nicknamed “Little Chongqing,” is a 1,000-year-old riverside settlement renowned for its Ming-Qing architecture, traditional crafts, and bustling teahouse culture. Originally a bustling porcelain hub during the Song Dynasty, it retains 12 streets of tiled-roof houses, ancestral halls, and workshops. Designated a National AAAA Tourist Attraction in 2007, it blends history with modernity through artisan studios, spicy hotpot joints, and the annual Chongqing Folk Culture Festival.
Historical Overview
Founded in 998 CE during the Northern Song Dynasty, Ciqikou thrived as a porcelain (ciqi) trading port along the Jialing River. Its prosperity peaked in the Ming-Qing periods, earning monikers like “Porcelain Capital of the Yangtze.” The town declined during the 1937–1945 Chongqing Bombardment but revived post-1949 as a state-owned factory zone. Renovations from 1998–2005 restored its ancient layout, preserving 36 Ming-Qing courtyards. Key events include the 2008 Sichuan Opera Revival Campaign and 2015 UNESCO “Creative City” nomination.
Structural Layout
The town’s 1.25-square-kilometer area follows a hillside-riverside grid:Upper Reaches (Shanchengxiang): Steep alleys with ancestral halls, including the 18th-century Wenchang Palace.
Lower Reaches (Hechengxiang): Flatlands along the Jialing River, home to wharves, teahouses, and the 1940s-style “Old Chongqing” Street.
Key structures include the 15th-century Longevity Temple, the 1920s Folk Customs Gallery, and the 2010-built Porcelain Culture Museum.
Major Attractions
Porcelain Workshop Street: Watch artisans craft “Rongchang Ware” using 12th-century kick-wheel techniques.
Ba Yuxi Teahouse: Sample Chongqing’s “Eight Treasures” tea while listening to Sichuan Opera lianghu duets.
Heng Street: 300-meter pedestrian zone lined with spicy malaxiangguo stalls and embroidered shoe shops.
Han Family Ancestral Hall: Ming-era courtyard with 108 carved wooden panels depicting Confucian virtues.
Jialing River Wharf: Replica 19th-century junks and a bronze statue of 1940s “Dock Workers.”
Folk Art Museum: Exhibits on shadow puppetry, paper-cutting, and the 200-year-old “Ciqikou Puppet Theater.”
Suggested Itineraries
Classic Route (2 hrs): Town Entrance → Porcelain Street → Han Family Ancestral Hall → Ba Yuxi Teahouse → Jialing River Wharf.
Cultural Route (3.5 hrs): Porcelain Museum → Heng Street → Folk Art Museum → Sichuan Opera Performance (2 PM daily).
Night Tour (2 hrs): 6 PM arrival for lantern-lit alleys, riverfront fireworks (weekends), and late-night hotpot at Lao Zhenggong.
Ticket Purchase
Online: Free entry; book workshops (pottery/calligraphy) via Ctrip or Fliggy (¥50–¥150/person).
On-Site: Scan QR codes at town entrances for free admission.
Prices: Free; special exhibits ¥20–¥50 (students/seniors 50% off).
Transportation
Subway: Line 1, Ciqikou Station (Exit 1), 5-minute walk.
Bus: Routes 202, 220, 224, 237, or 808 to Ciqikou Stop.
Taxi: Direct to “磁器口古镇” (Ciqikou Guzhen); avoid rush hour (7–9 AM, 5–7 PM).
Cruise: Yangtze River sightseeing boats dock nearby (transfer via shuttle bus).
Best Time & Tips
Avoid Crowds: Visit Monday–Thursday (weekends host 3x more tourists).
Weather: Morning fog adds atmosphere; evenings cooler for strolling.
- Essentials:
Wear anti-slip shoes (cobblestone streets).
Try douhua (tofu pudding) from 1947-era “Chen’s Breakfast” stall.
Photography allowed (drones prohibited).
Prohibited: Smoking, littering, and feeding riverboat dogs.
Ciqikou Ancient Town Scenic Spots Guide
More popular itineraries
FAQ
Is there an observation deck to overlook the entire Ciqikou Ancient Town?
Yes, climb to the Baolun Temple Back Hill for a panoramic view. The terraced gardens here offer a bird’s-eye look at the town’s gray-tiled roofs, winding rivers, and distant mountains.
How does a night visit to Ciqikou differ from a daytime visit?
At night, the town is lit with red lanterns, creating a romantic atmosphere. Tea houses host Sichuan opera performances, and street vendors sell warm snacks like roasted glutinous rice cakes. The riverside becomes quiet, perfect for strolling and enjoying the reflection of lights on the water.
What festivals are celebrated in Ciqikou Ancient Town, and can foreign visitors join?
The Lantern Festival (15th day of the Lunar New Year) features lantern-making workshops and dragon dances—visitors can make their own lanterns. The Tea Festival in April invites guests to pick tea leaves and learn brewing techniques. Everyone is welcome to join!
Can you drive inside Ciqikou Ancient Town, and is parking convenient?
No, the town is pedestrian-only. Park at the east gate parking lot (5 RMB/hour) or west gate underground garage—both are a 5-minute walk from the entrance.
Are there Mobility aids in Ciqikou Ancient Town, and is it suitable for visitors with limited mobility?
No motorized vehicles are allowed, but the main streets are flat and wide. For those with mobility issues, most shops and teahouses have ramps, and there are benches every 100 meters to rest.
