Ciqikou Ancient Town (磁器口古镇), located in Chongqing, stands out as the only ancient town situated within the main urban area among more than twenty such towns in the region. Originally known as Longyin Town, it gained its current name due to its renowned production of porcelain. In 1918, local merchants established the “Shu Porcelain Factory” at Qingshaopo, adopting new techniques to manufacture high-quality porcelain. As its reputation grew, the name “Ciqikou” gradually replaced Longyin Town as the official designation of the area.
The town comprises twelve streets, predominantly showcasing architecture from the Ming and Qing dynasties, with cobbled stone pathways that reflect its rich history. The saying “a stone-paved road, a thousand-year porcelain town” encapsulates its essence perfectly. Due to the hilly terrain of Chongqing, the streets are uniquely arranged into characteristic main streets and side alleys. Visitors will find an array of shops lining the streets, offering various local delights such as cotton candy, dough figurines, Sichuan opera performances, and tea houses, creating a vibrant and bustling atmosphere.
Once a significant water and land port along the Jialing River, Ciqikou was a thriving hub, described as “a thousand people bowing in daylight, and a myriad of bright lanterns at night.” This earned it the nickname “Little Chongqing.” Despite the passage of time, the ancient town retains its deep-rooted charm and cultural heritage, continuing to reflect the richness of the Bayu culture along the banks of the Jialing River.
Travel Information about Ciqikou Ancient Town
Ticket and Opening Hours
Admission Fee: Free
Opening Hours: Open all day
Best Time to Visit
Ciqikou Ancient Town is suitable for visiting year-round. It is recommended to avoid statutory holidays for a more enjoyable experience.
Transportation to the Scenic Area
Location: Along the banks of the Jialing River, Shapingba District, Chongqing
Transportation: Take Metro Line 1 and disembark at Ciqikou Station.
Scenic Rating
- Unique Features: ★★★★★
- Cultural Experience: ★★★★★
- Leisure Activities: ★★★★★
- Scenic Beauty: ★★★★
- Romantic Atmosphere: ★★★
- Excitement: ★
The “Three Abundances” of Ciqikou
Ciqikou Ancient Town takes pride in what locals refer to as the “Three Abundances,” which highlight the town’s rich cultural heritage:
1. Numerous Temples: In Ciqikou, almost everyone is familiar with the saying “Nine Palaces and Eighteen Temples.” The town is home to various temples, including Baolun Temple, Yunding Temple, and Wenchang Palace, among others. As you wander through the narrow alleys, you might come across remnants of old temple walls, often leading to the realization that “this used to be a temple.” Today, one of the best-preserved temples is the famous Baolun Temple, recognized as a significant religious site in Eastern Sichuan.
2. Famous Footprints: Ciqikou has been a gathering place for many notable figures throughout history. During the Anti-Japanese War, renowned Chinese scholar Wu Mi taught in the town and would often visit the local teahouses to sip tea and engage in conversations, gaining insight into the local culture and social issues. Additionally, Nobel Prize-winning physicist Chen-Ning Yang attended Jialing Primary School, located within the Baoshan Palace on the main street of Ciqikou. The town has also attracted many famous artists and philosophers, including Xu Beihong, Feng Zikai, and Zong Baihua.
3. Abundant Teahouses: Teahouses are a distinctive feature of the ancient town, once plentiful throughout the area. Sailors and local gangsters favored these spots for relaxation and socializing. At its peak, Ciqikou boasted over a hundred teahouses. A unique highlight is the “Shuchang Teahouse,” also known as the “Artist Teahouse,” where visitors can enjoy tea while appreciating folk art performances. Even today, teahouses remain a vibrant part of Ciqikou’s charm, with thirteen teahouses lining a mere hundred meters of the old street, all bustling with tea drinkers and steeped in ancient traditions.
Highlights of Ciqikou Ancient Town
Han Zidong Memorial Hall
Located in Ciqikou Ancient Town, the Han Zidong Memorial Hall honors Han Zidong, the inspiration for the character Huaziliang in the renowned novel Red Rock. The memorial showcases the legendary and colorful life experiences of Han Zidong, providing an in-depth look into his remarkable journey.
The exhibition is divided into seven sections, each highlighting different facets of Han Zidong’s life. Visitors can explore his fourteen years of imprisonment, his steadfast loyalty to the party during his time in confinement, and his eventual escape. The memorial also reflects on his return to Xifeng and Chongqing, where he pays tribute to fallen heroes, and the camaraderie he found after hardship. Furthermore, it emphasizes his commitment to educating future generations about the spirit of Red Rock and showcases the values of integrity and harmonious family life he upheld. The memorial also captures the community’s deep respect and remembrance for revolutionary elders like Han Zidong, making it a significant cultural landmark in Ciqikou Ancient Town.
Who is Han Zidong
Han Zidong (1909-1992) was born in Yanggu, Shandong Province. He endured a grueling 14 years of imprisonment, during which he sacrificed his dignity and endured inhumane treatment. To escape the watchful eyes of prison guards, he feigned mental illness, successfully deceiving them and escaping to the liberated areas across the Jialing River in August 1947. After the founding of the People’s Republic of China, Han Zidong frequently visited Ciqikou to share his escape stories with the public. He also paid numerous tributes at the Martyrs’ Cemetery of Gele Mountain, denouncing the brutal acts of the executioners. His extraordinary life has been depicted in various literary works and adapted into television films, cementing his legacy as a symbol of resilience and courage.
Hanlin Former Residence
The Hanlin Former Residence is located at a crossroads in Ciqikou Ancient Town, where a Hanlin Academy once stood. This space has since been transformed into the Hanlin Tea House. In the late Qing Dynasty, a family with the surname Sun operated a school here, and among their students, three achieved the status of juren (provincial degree holders), while two others, Huang Zhongyin and Duan Dazhang, became jinshi (highest degree holders) and were appointed as editors in the Hanlin Academy. This led to the saying, “One family with three juren, and two hanlin within five li,” making it a place many scholars aspired to visit.
The residence features a preserved central courtyard, complete with a small moon-worshipping platform, which served as the site for family rituals in the past. Today, the Hanlin Former Residence has become a popular spot for tea drinking and leisurely conversations, blending history with contemporary culture.
Folk Culture Village
The Folk Culture Village is situated atop Mount Ma’anshan, the highest point in Ciqikou Ancient Town. From the observation deck, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the Jialing River and the surrounding northern landscapes, as well as a bird’s-eye view of the entire town of Ciqikou. Notable attractions within the village include “Drunken Old Man Pavilion,” “Sleeping Buddha,” and “Treasure Study,” all of which are worth exploring.
In addition to the scenic views, the Folk Culture Village offers a variety of cultural experiences. Visitors can enjoy traditional Sichuan opera, ride in flower palanquins, play Go, or engage in card games, creating a uniquely relaxing and enjoyable atmosphere.
Baoshan Palace
Located next to the Folk Culture Village and separated by just a few shops, Baoshan Palace is situated in an area historically known for its porcelain production. Once a bustling port for the transportation of ceramics, it contributed to the town’s name, “Ciqikou,” meaning “Porcelain Port.” Today, Baoshan Palace continues to be famous for its pottery, offering visitors a chance to observe the pottery-making process firsthand.
Guests can engage in on-site learning about ancient ceramic art, relax with a cup of tea, and enjoy performances of traditional Sichuan opera, making it a highlight of tourism in Ciqikou Ancient Town.
Baolun Temple
Baolun Temple is nestled against the backdrop of Baiyan Mountain and faces the Jialing River. Established during the reign of Emperor Zhenzong of the Song Dynasty, it boasts a history of over 1,000 years and is one of the most renowned Buddhist temples in Chongqing. According to legend, Zhu Yunjun, the Jianwen Emperor, sought refuge at Ciqikou after the “Jingnan Campaign” and hid in this temple, which is why it is also known as Longyin Temple.
The temple underwent two major renovations during the Ming Dynasty, but sadly, it was destroyed during the late Ming wars, leaving only the Daxiong Hall intact. Built in the seventh year of the Xuande era (1432), the Daxiong Hall covers an area of nearly 400 square meters, with a construction area of approximately 250 square meters. The hall features three bays and a double-eaved hip roof adorned with brackets. Both eaves are supported by dougong (interlocking wooden brackets), and the corner eaves rise elegantly.
The hall’s wooden pillars, made from indomitable masang wood, do not use a single iron nail in their construction, making it a significant cultural relic under key protection in Chongqing. Opposite Baolun Temple, a narrow alley leads to the Jialing River wharf, where visitors can find a cultural exhibition hall dedicated to the tugboat workers of old Ciqikou, showcasing their traditional way of life.
Wenchang Palace and Bayu Folk House
Walking north from Fenghuang Pavilion, you will cross Jinbi Bridge and arrive at Fenghuang Corridor. To the left is the Bayu Folk House, while to the right leads to Wenchang Palace.
Wenchang Palace is considered a sacred site within the Ciqikou area, part of the “Nine Palaces and Eighteen Temples.” Among these, Baolun Temple is known for its abundant incense, while Wenchang Palace is the most vibrant Daoist temple. A popular folk rhyme in Ciqikou captures the essence of the area: “Ge Le Ling Yin Temple, Longyin Phoenix Terrace, Qu Fu Wenchang Water, Shi Ma Osmanthus Fragrance.”
The Bayu Folk House encapsulates the architectural essence of the ancient town, allowing visitors to transcend time and step into a corridor of memories. Here, one can appreciate the unique tranquility that comes from the combination of wood, stone, and brick in the traditional courtyard layout.
Visitor Guide for Ciqikou Ancient Town
Cuisine at Ciqikou Ancient Town
It is said that many visitors come to Ciqikou primarily attracted by the delicious street snacks. Renowned specialties such as “Three Treasures of the Ancient Town” – 毛血旺 (spicy duck blood hot pot), 千张皮 (thin bean curd sheets), and 椒盐花生 (pepper-salt peanuts) – are famous throughout the region. Among them, the ancient town’s sesame twists, known as “Chen Ma Hua,” are highly recommended. These twists have been popular since the late Qing Dynasty, celebrated for their unique flavor. Made from high-quality ingredients and crafted by hand, they are characterized by their sweet, crispy texture that melts in your mouth, making them a beloved treat among locals and visitors alike.
Accommodation Options
Ciqikou Ancient Town is conveniently located just 3 kilometers from the center of Shapingba District and 12 kilometers from Jiefangbei, making it easy to explore and return to the city for lodging. However, for those who wish to enjoy the night views of the ancient town, staying overnight is a delightful option, with quiet and rustic inns available.
Chongqing Slow Life Café Inn (重庆慢生活咖啡客栈): Located at 16 Hengjie Street in Ciqikou, this inn is just a short distance from Baolun Temple. Its decor is warm and simple, and it’s only a few minutes’ walk to attractions like Baoshan Palace, Zhongjia Courtyard, the escape spot of Hua Ziliang, Baolun Temple, and Shui Guanyin.
Chongqing Guci Inn (重庆古磁客栈): Situated on the second floor of No. 2 South Street in Ciqikou, this inn is very close to Zhongjia Courtyard, making it convenient for exploring the ancient town. The owner is known for her hospitality, and the inn offers a good balance of quality and price.
Things to Do at Ciqikou Ancient Town
Send a Postcard: Ciqikou is an ideal place for sending postcards. If you enjoy writing postcards, be sure to do it here; otherwise, you might find it challenging to locate the postcards you want throughout Chongqing. One charming spot is Sinian’s Plain Face, a postcard-themed store located on Hengjie Street, where you can send postcards to your future self.
Explore Artistic Shops: Strolling along the cobblestone paths of Ciqikou is a delightful experience, especially as this area is a hub for artistic shops. You can find a variety of classic and refreshing boutiques, making it a great destination for creative souls. Don’t miss Lazy Fish Time on Hengjie Street, which beautifully blends the vibrant atmosphere of old Chongqing with a modern, fresh aesthetic.
Enjoy Tea and Sichuan Opera: There are numerous teahouses along the ancient town’s streets. Take a moment to relax in one while enjoying tea and the opportunity to experience local folk arts, such as Sichuan Opera and Qingyin singing. The Zhuanyun Lou Old Teahouse Theatre features Sichuan Opera performances that depict folk tales, including the famous face-changing act. If you have time, it’s a unique experience to sit back, sip some tea, and enjoy the show.
Relax at a Bar: Ciqikou offers several bars where you can unwind and soak in the slow-paced lifestyle of the ancient town. Waiting for Someone Bar, located directly across from the entrance of Baolun Temple at 16 Hengjie Street, has a retro decor and often features folk music. They even brew their own plum wine, making it a perfect spot for art enthusiasts.