Ciqikou Ancient Town: A Time-Traveling Journey from a Thousand-year-old Wharf to a Microcosm of Ba and Yu

The name of the wharf - from Baiyan Field to Ciqikou
The name "Ciqikou" does not originate from porcelain but is a vivid record of a period of industrial transformation. The ancient town was originally named "Baiyan Field" because of Baiyan Temple. Emperor Jianwen of the Ming Dynasty once hid in the Baolun Temple within the town, so it was once renamed "Longyin Town". By the Ming and Qing dynasties, the ceramic industry in Qingcaopo, this area, developed rapidly. The porcelain produced locally was of high quality and large quantity, making it an important porcelain distribution center in the Jialing River Basin. Merchants gathered in large numbers and boats were busy at the wharf. As a result, the name "Ciqikou" gradually replaced its old name and has been passed down to this day, witnessing the transformation of its role from a religious holy site to a commercial hub.

The Road to Rebirth - From a Transportation Hub to a Cultural Landmark
The modern story of Ciqikou is an epic of preserving the city's memory from its functional decline to cultural revival:
The prosperity of ships (Late Qing Dynasty and Early Republic of China) : As a key distribution point for materials along the Jialing River, the docks were filled with continuous chases, and the streets were lined with numerous shops. It was the most prosperous place outside Chongqing.
- Transportation Changes (mid-to-late 20th century) : With the rise of highways and railways and the decline of water transportation, the economic function of Ciqikou gradually weakened. The bustling docks returned to calm, but surprisingly, a large number of traditional street and alley layouts and architectural styles were preserved as a result.
- Conservation and Revival (after the 1990s) : Due to its well-preserved Ming and Qing architectural clusters and profound Ba-Yu cultural heritage, it has been listed as a key historical and cultural block. The government has initiated protective renovations, adhering to the principle of "restoring the old as it was", to breathe new life into the ancient streets.
- New Generation of Culture and Tourism (since the 21st Century) : Nowadays, Ciqikou has become a golden brand of Chongqing tourism, receiving tens of thousands of tourists every day. The ancient stone-paved road welcomes footsteps from all over the world. Traditional craftsmanship and modern business coexist in harmony, continuing to write a new chapter of "A stone-paved road, a thousand-year-old Ciqikou".

> In-depth Understanding: Explore More Miracles of the Revival of Ancient Chinese Towns >> [Langzhong Ancient City, Sichuan] [Fenghuang Ancient City, Hunan]

Space Creation – A Symphony of Mountains, Cities, and Rivers
The texture of Ciqikou is a three-dimensional symphony about elevation differences, twists and turns, and integration.
Winding Paths: The Bones and Pulse of the Mountain City
- Main Street and Alleys: The main street of the ancient town, Main Street, winds its way up the slope, its bluestone pavement polished smooth by time. Its charm lies in the strong spatial contrast: the main street is bustling and noisy, but turning to the side into the steep steps called "alleys" (such as Zhongjiayuan Alley and Jinbi Alley), one is instantly plunged into a tranquil scene of residential life. Climbing up and down the slopes, one can best experience the fun of Chongqing's "magical terrain".
- Stilted Houses: Built along the river, these stilted houses are architectural masterpieces of the ancient people of Chongqing, a testament to their wisdom and harmonious coexistence with nature. Adapting to the terrain, their wooden structures rise from the slopes, creating a staggered and varied landscape that maximizes the use of limited space. Standing on the riverbank and gazing into the distance, the layered buildings blend seamlessly with the steep cliffs, creating a magnificent and awe-inspiring sight.
The Flowing Water: The Gaze and Nurturing of the Jialing River
- Wharf Remains: Most of the former "Nine Palaces and Eighteen Temples" have changed with the passage of time, but the stone steps of the wharf remain. Walking down the long stone steps and touching the cool stone slabs, you can almost hear the boatmen's shouts and the merchants' chatter. This is the starting point for experiencing the ancient town's water transport civilization.
- Riverside View: Whether viewed from the teahouse terrace high in the ancient town or from the sandy beach along the river, the experience of gazing at the wide Jialing River and the city skyline on the opposite bank is superb. On a clear day, you can see ships slowly passing by; on a misty day, it transforms into a picturesque ink painting of the mountain town.
A Building of Fusion: A Repository of Diverse Cultures
The architecture of the ancient town itself is a history book. You can see typical traditional Sichuan-style houses with timber frame construction, feel the solemnity of Buddhist architecture in Baolun Temple, and even stumble upon a small Catholic church in a deep alley. This coexistence of religion and culture is a microcosm of Chongqing's historical openness and inclusiveness as a treaty port.

Humanistic craftsmanship – a life drama flowing through the streets and alleys
Every shop and every shout here is part of the living cultural landscape.
- Established Brands and Intangible Cultural Heritage Workshops: Long queues always form in front of established food brands like Chen Mahua (a type of fried dough twist), Guzhen Chicken Offal, and Mao Xue Wang (a spicy Sichuan dish). Even more interesting are the shops where food is prepared on-site: men pulling glutinous rice cakes shout slogans, the aroma of simmering hot pot broth fills half the street, and a master chef performing "aerial ballet" while making handmade hot and sour noodles. Intangible cultural heritage shops such as Shu embroidery, batik, and wood carving are scattered throughout, allowing tourists to stop and watch, and even try their hand at it.
- Baolun Temple and its secluded courtyards: Baolun Temple, originally built in the Song Dynasty, is hidden behind the bustling city and is a rare quiet place in the town. Some of the large, secluded courtyards that charge admission (such as the Zhong Family Courtyard) offer a glimpse into the exquisite life and architectural details of a merchant family in the past.
- Emerging Spaces for Art and Culture: Beyond the bustling main street, numerous art bookstores, independent cafes, and folk music bars have quietly sprung up in some side streets and alleys. Old and new cultures collide and blend here, adding a youthful vibe to the ancient street.

Photography Tips:
The best panoramic viewpoints are on the opposite bank of the river or on a high observation deck, which can encompass the entire ancient town, the stilted buildings, and the Jialing River.
The corners and slopes of the main street are suitable for shooting street portraits that have a sense of depth and the characteristics of the mountain city;
The steps of the alley are a perfect spot to capture local light and shadow and a sense of life;
As dusk falls and the town lights begin to twinkle, it becomes the golden time for night photography.

Five must-do things to unlock a Complete Ancient Town Tour
1. Walk through the main streets and deep alleys
Route: Enter the main street from the stone archway of the ancient town, and stroll and eat along the way. Be sure to randomly turn into one or two side alleys (such as the alley where the Hanlin Academy is located) to experience the instant transition from a bustling scene to a quiet and secluded place.
- Pace: Slow down. There's no need to aim for the end; the key is to feel the atmosphere.
2. Taste a table full of authentic dock flavors
Must-order dishes: Ancient Town Chicken Offal, Maoxuewang (a representative of Chongqing street food), Douhua Rice.
- Snack Tasting: Chen Mahua (multiple options available, can be purchased after tasting), handmade glutinous rice cake, stirred candy, cold noodles and cold shrimp. For lunch, you can choose a restaurant by the river and enjoy the view while having your meal.
3. Listen to an old story from Chongqing
The key point is that ancient towns are not only rich in delicious food but also have a long history. Visit Baolun Temple to learn about the legend of "Longyin". Enter Zhongjiayuan and take a look at the traditional quadrangle courtyard architecture. Spend the price of a cup of tea in a teahouse and listen to the old tea drinkers chatting idly.
4. Bring a handmade souvenir
- Recommendation: Local chili sauce from Ciqikou, hot pot base, peach slices from Hechuan, or a small intangible cultural heritage handicraft are more meaningful than the uniform tourist products across the country.
5. Wait for the first lights to come on
- Experience: During the day, Ciqikou is a bustling market, while at night, it is bathed in a dreamy glow of light and shadow. It is recommended to arrive in the afternoon and stroll until dusk, watching the lanterns light up one by one. The Outlines of the ancient buildings appear particularly gentle under the lights, and the river breeze caresses your face, creating a unique charm.

Suggested tour route
Half-day "Highlights Quick Overview" Tour (Suitable for Those with tight Schedules)
Arrive at 2 p.m. → Enter from the stone archway, stroll along the main street, taste snacks and watch handicrafts (1.5 hours) → Turn into a side alley (such as Jinbi Lane), climb up the slope and enjoy different perspectives (0.5 hours) → Visit Baolun Temple or a characteristic courtyard (0.5 hours) → Find a tea house/coffee shop by the river or with a terrace to rest Wait for the night view (1 hour) → After 7 p.m., enjoy the night view of the ancient town and then leave.
IntoTravelChina Tips: This itinerary is tight, with the focus on experiencing the atmosphere and tasting delicious food. It is recommended to wear comfortable flat shoes.

One-day "Deep Strolling" Tour (Highly Recommended)
Arrive at 10 a.m., avoid the initial crowds → Stroll leisurely along the main street Explore all the interesting alleys and shops on both sides in depth (2.5 hours) → Have lunch at an old brand by the river or deep in the alley (1 hour) → Visit cultural attractions such as Baolun Temple and Zhongjiayuan in the afternoon (1.5 hours) → Find a quiet tea house or bookstore to read, drink tea and daydream (1.5 hours) → After dinner, Enjoy the entire night view from sunset to when all the lights are on → Leave contentedly after 8 p.m.
IntoTravelChina's advantages: We can plan the most effortless walking routes for you, recommend hidden gem stores and the best viewing spots to avoid crowds, and provide detailed transportation connection plans.

Two-day tour showcasing the essence of Chongqing (recommended for first-time visitors):
Day 1: In the morning, visit the Great Hall of the People and the Three Gorges Museum. In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the ancient town of Ciqikou until night. Overnight in Shapingba District or Yuzhong District.
Day 2: In the morning, experience the Yangtze River Cableway and visit the Huguang Guild Hall. In the afternoon, stroll along the Shibatidi or Shancheng Trail. In the evening, enjoy the night view of Hongyadong and take a cruise on the two rivers.
This itinerary effectively covers Chongqing's two core characteristics: its "magical terrain" and its "rich history."

Professional Guide: IntoTravelChina can offer you a private customized itinerary for a deep cultural tour of Chongqing. It connects Ciqikou with the Huguang Guild Hall, mountain city trails, and Anti-Japanese War sites, etc. Local experts will explain to you, allowing you to understand the layers of Chongqing's history. >> [Consult for Customization Now]

How to Get There: A Seamless Connection Guide
The ancient town of Ciqikou enjoys extremely convenient transportation and is one of the core tourist nodes in the urban area of Chongqing.
- Rail Transit (preferred) : Take Chongqing Rail Transit Line 1 to 【 Ciqikou 】 Station, exit from Exit 1, and walk for about 5 to 10 minutes to reach the main entrance of the ancient town. This is the quickest and most traffic-avoiding way.
- Bus access: Multiple bus routes (such as 202, 220, 237, 503, etc.) can reach "Ciqikou" station or "Jinbi Street" Station.
- By car or taxi: Use your navigation to "Ciqikou Ancient Town", but please note that the area around the ancient town is very congested during holidays and weekends, and parking Spaces are tight. It is more recommended to take a taxi to the area near the scenic spot and then walk in.
Important reminder: The entire ancient town is a pedestrian street. If you need to walk around, please be sure to wear comfortable shoes.

Best visiting time
- Spring and autumn (March to May, September to November) : The climate is the most pleasant, neither too cold nor too hot, making it suitable for long outdoor strolls.
- Summer (June to August) : The weather in Chongqing is hot, but the alleys in the ancient town of Ciqikou are narrow and rather muggy in the afternoon. It is recommended to visit in the morning and evening. Pay attention to heatstroke prevention and cooling down. Summer is also the flood season for the Jialing River, with a wide and unobstructed river view.
- Winter (December to February) : The weather is damp and cold, but there are relatively fewer tourists, allowing one to better experience the serene side of the ancient town. During the Spring Festival, the festive atmosphere is strong and there are often distinctive folk activities.

Accommodation options
- Characteristic homestays both inside and outside the scenic area (top choice)
- Experience: Staying in an ancient town or an area adjacent to it allows you to enjoy the quiet moments before tourists arrive in the early morning and after they have all left at night, deeply experiencing the atmosphere of life in the ancient town.
Suitable for: Tourists who wish to have an immersive experience and enjoy photography (with better light in the morning and evening).
- Shapingba Business District Hotel (Convenient Choice) :
- Experience: Shapingba is an important business district in the main urban area of Chongqing. There are many hotel options, ranging from economy to high-end types, and it is convenient for dining and shopping. It takes only about 10 minutes to travel to and from Ciqikou by Metro Line 1.
Suitable for: Most tourists, who aim to strike a balance between the convenience of sightseeing and the convenience of daily life.
- Hotels in Yuzhong District (Core Group Tour Options) :
- Experience: Staying near Jiefangbei and Hongyadong, it is convenient to connect to most of the core scenic spots in Chongqing, and the nightlife is rich. It is also convenient to reach Ciqikou by Metro Line 1.
Suitable for: Tourists who plan to visit multiple scenic spots in the main urban area of Chongqing intensively.

IntoTravelChina Accommodation Booking Suggestions
We will recommend and book the most suitable accommodation for you based on your itinerary priorities (whether to focus on Ciqikou or tour the entire city), budget and preferences for accommodation styles. By booking through our package, you can often get better room types and price guarantees. [Click to contact IntoTravelChina Travel Consultant]

Ciqikou is the first lesson to understand Chongqing, but it is by no means the end of the journey.
5-day in-depth Tour of Chongqing: Ciqikou Ancient Town (Ba-Yu Folk Customs) → Shancheng Lane and Eighteen Steps (Memories of the Mother City and Revival of the Old Street) → Three Natural Bridges in Wulong (World Natural Heritage - The Wonder of Sinkholes and Crevices) → Dazu Rock Carvings (World Cultural Heritage - The Peak of Stone Carving Art) → Wujiang River Scenic Area and Gongtan Ancient Town (Hundred-Mile Landscape and Thousand-year-old Stilt Houses). This is a profound journey that delves into the essence of Chongqing from the hustle and bustle of daily life to the wonders of nature and the treasures of culture. Check out the 5-day in-depth tour route of Chongqing

7-day Cultural and Natural Experience Tour from Chengdu to Guizhou and Chongqing: Start leisurely from the Sichuan charm of Chengdu (Kuanzhai Alley, Dujiangyan), delve into the magnificent nature and ethnic minority customs of Guizhou (Huangguoshu Waterfall, Xijiang Thousand Households Miao Village), and finally arrive in Chongqing (Ciqikou Ancient Town, Liziba Light Rail Through Buildings, Yangtze River Cableway), experiencing the magical three-dimensionality and the atmosphere of the martial arts world of the mountain city. This is a journey that spans the three provinces of Sichuan, Guizhou and Chongqing, integrating the essence of ancient capital culture, world-class waterfalls and karst landscapes, as well as colorful ethnic customs. Explore a 7-day cultural and natural experience tour

The story of Ciqikou is related to the nourishment of rivers, the rise and fall of docks, and the tenacity of the lives of the common people. IntoTravelChina is dedicated to creating in-depth, personalized and worry-free travel experiences in China. Our travel experts can help you
Tailor-made itinerary: Based on your interests and time, we will design a perfect route covering Ciqikou, Chongqing and even the entire southwest region.
One-stop service: Handle ticket sales, special accommodation, transportation connections, local cultural guides and event reservations.
Exclusive Experience: In-depth experience in intangible cultural heritage workshops, morning guided Tours avoiding crowds, guidance on the best photography positions, and recommendations for authentic private restaurants, etc.

Let your visit to Ciqikou be more than just strolling, eating and taking photos; it will be an immersive journey that allows you to have a dialogue with the history of the mountain city.
Start planning your journey right away
Welcome to contact our professional travel consultants. We will provide you with a customized itinerary plan and quotation within 24 hours. [Click to contact IntoTravelChina Travel Consultant]