Is Ciqikou Ancient Town in Chongqing worth visiting?

Ciqikou Ancient Town wasn't originally on my itinerary. I was worried that the commercialization and homogenization of ancient towns would make them all seem the same. Since I finished visiting the Chongqing Three Gorges Museum in half a day, I decided to check out Ciqikou Ancient Town, and it turned out to be quite enjoyable. Ciqikou Ancient Town is located at No. 1, Cinan Street, Shapingba District, Chongqing, nestled at the foot of the majestic Gele Mountain and along the banks of the Jialing River. Famous for its porcelain production, the ancient town is a landmark of Chongqing. Stepping into the town, the first thing that catches your eye is the winding stone-paved road, lined with various shops selling all kinds of local snacks and handicrafts. With its blue bricks, black tiles, wooden doors, and copper rings, every building exudes a rich historical atmosphere. First, the rich cultural heritage: There are many ancient buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties, such as Baolun Temple, Zhong Family Courtyard, and Baoshan Palace. Their architectural styles blend northern and southern characteristics, representing a precious cultural heritage. When we arrived at the ancient town, it was already past 4 p.m., so we went straight to Baolun Temple. It is said that the temple was first built during the Xianping period of Emperor Zhenzong of the Song Dynasty, boasting a history of over a thousand years. Emperor Jianwen of the Ming Dynasty, Zhu Yunwen, once lived in seclusion here, hence the temple's other name, Longyin Temple. The temple is filled with the aroma of incense and houses deities such as Guanyin Bodhisattva, making it a good place for prayer and blessings. Second, the charming river view: The ancient town faces the Jialing River to the east, and the rocky beach by the river is a great place to enjoy the river scenery. Order a pot of old white tea at a teahouse by the river, watch the boats come and go, and experience the water transport culture. It's very relaxing. Third, a food paradise: The ancient town is not only a place of cultural heritage but also a food paradise. The variety of local snacks is dazzling and mouthwatering. In addition to the crispy and delicious Chen Ma Hua (twisted dough), there are also sugar paintings, tofu pudding, hot and sour noodles, handmade糍粑 (glutinous rice cakes), and other delicacies, each with its own unique flavor. What impressed me most was the No. 37 hotpot restaurant, which made me truly fall in love with Chongqing hotpot. Fourth, the unique ancient town atmosphere: The residents here live a simple and peaceful life, in harmony with nature. Transportation: You can take Chongqing Rail Transit Line 1 directly to Ciqikou Station. After exiting from Exit 2, you can walk to the ancient town. Alternatively, you can take a bus or drive there. Visiting Ciqikou Ancient Town is like traveling back in time to the prosperous scene of a thousand years ago, experiencing the lifestyle and cultural heritage of Chongqing people. If you also love history, culture, and delicious food, you might as well visit Ciqikou Ancient Town yourself!