Ciqikou Ancient Town, a charming and historic area in Chongqing, offers visitors a unique blend of traditional culture, ancient architecture, and delicious local snacks. If you’re planning a visit to this iconic destination, here are the top 10 things you simply must do while exploring the town. Whether you’re a food lover or a history buff, there’s something here for everyone!
1. Queue Up for Chen Mahua (陈麻花)
If you do nothing else in Ciqikou, make sure to try Chen Mahua! This traditional Chongqing snack is freshly made in the ancient town, and it’s absolutely delicious! The streets are lined with many shops selling Chen Mahua, and most offer free samples. After trying a few, you’ll quickly realize that the Chen Jianping shop (陈建平麻花) makes the best version, crispy and fragrant. It’s no surprise that long lines form outside this popular shop. If you’re a fan of spicy flavors, the spicy chili and salt version is a must-try!
2. Explore Hidden Snacks in Ciqikou
Ciqikou is home to some hidden culinary gems, such as a grandmother’s handmade “Longxu Su” (龙须酥, Dragon Beard Candy) in a narrow alley, which tastes just like your childhood. There’s also a yogurt shop that has been around for 10 years, serving creamy and delicious yogurt. Don’t miss the freshly made sour and spicy noodles (酸辣粉), handmade rice cakes (手工糍粑), oily tea tofu pudding (油茶豆腐脑), and the spicy chicken offal hot pot (鸡杂毛血旺)!
3. Visit Baolun Temple (宝轮寺)
Located by the Jialing River (嘉陵江), Baolun Temple is a thousand-year-old Buddhist temple with a fascinating history. Legend has it that Emperor Jianwen of the Ming Dynasty once hid here, earning the temple its ancient name, Longyin Temple (龙隐寺). The temple is considered a sacred and spiritual place, making it a must-visit for those interested in history and culture.
4. Check Out the Hanlin Academy (翰林书院)
In a small alley just off the main street, you’ll find the Qing Dynasty Hanlin Academy, a rare surviving example of an ancient private school in Chongqing. It was once the place where scholars studied, and it produced two famous Hanlin officials. This historical site offers a glimpse into the academic and cultural traditions of old Chongqing.
5. Visit Baoshan Palace (宝善宫)
Once a Taoist temple, Baoshan Palace is now home to the famous “Baba Tea” (坝坝茶) — a local tea served in outdoor teahouses. The palace features a traditional opera stage, where you can enjoy tea while watching performances. The palace is also near the exhibition hall dedicated to Nobel Prize laureate, Dr. Ting Zhaozhong (丁肇中), making it a unique combination of history, culture, and relaxation.
6. Walk to the Jialing River from Yinglong Gate
Take a walk from Yinglong Gate (迎龙门) to the Jialing River (嘉陵江), where you can enjoy the cool river breeze and experience the peaceful atmosphere of the area. The view is perfect for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the town and embrace the natural beauty of Chongqing.
7. Explore the Lesser-Known Ciqikou Heng Street
While the main streets of Ciqikou are bustling with tourists, Heng Street (磁器口横街) offers a quieter, more authentic glimpse into the town’s past. The calm and peaceful atmosphere here will remind you of places like Lijiang and Dali, with its traditional charm and slower pace of life.
8. Visit the Chongqing Memory Museum on Back Mountain
For a deeper understanding of the history of Sha Pingba (沙坪坝) and Ciqikou, stop by the Chongqing Memory Museum (重庆记忆博物馆) located on the back mountain (后山). The museum offers a rich exploration of the town’s past, including the cultural and historical stories that have shaped this iconic area.
9. Collect Ciqikou Stamps
Ciqikou is a great place for stamp collectors! Several locations in the town, including a post office (沙磁邮礼), offer stamp collections featuring the Zodiac signs, including the Year of the Dragon (生肖龙年). You can even find many stamps within Baolun Temple (宝轮寺), adding an extra layer of uniqueness to your visit.
10. Buy Ciqikou Specialties as Souvenirs
Before leaving, don’t forget to pick up some local specialties as souvenirs. Some popular items to take home include Chen Mahua (陈麻花), spicy peanuts (怪味胡豆), Jiangjin rice sugar (江津米花糖), Hechuan peach slices (合川桃片), and Wulong’s lamb-flavored bean curd (武隆羊角豆干). These treats will help you remember your visit to Ciqikou long after you’ve left.