The Charm of Ciqikou, old town

Ciqikou Ancient Town, located in Shapingba District, Chongqing, has a history of over 1,700 years. Once a prosperous commercial port and porcelain production center, it has retained much of its Ming (1368–1644) and Qing Dynasty (1644–1912) architecture and culture. 📜 Origins & Early Development 📅 Three Kingdoms Period (220–280 AD) : The area where Ciqikou stands today was originally a small fishing village during the Three Kingdoms Period. Due to its location along the Jialing River, it gradually developed into an important river port. 📅 Song Dynasty (960–1279 AD) : The village grew into a small trading town known as Baiya Town, meaning “White Cliff Town.” It became a center for handicrafts and local trade. 🏺 The Rise of the Porcelain Industry 📅 Ming Dynasty (1368–1644) & Qing Dynasty (1644–1912) : The town became famous for producing high-quality porcelain, leading to its renaming as Ciqikou, meaning “Porcelain Port.” Many kilns and pottery workshops were built, making Ciqikou a center of porcelain trade in the Sichuan region. It also became a hub for tea houses, silk merchants, and spice traders, attracting business from across China. ⛩️ Golden Age as a Commercial Port 📅 Late Qing Dynasty to Early Republic of China (1800s–1930s) : Due to its strategic location on the Jialing River, Ciqikou thrived as a major shipping and trade hub. It was a stopping point for merchant boats carrying goods between Chongqing, Sichuan, and beyond. The town had over 100 tea houses, where scholars, businessmen, and travelers would gather for discussions. The famous writer Guo Moruo (郭沫若) once praised Ciqikou’s tea houses in his literary works. ⚔️ War & Decline 📅 Second Sino-Japanese War (1937–1945) : During World War II, when Chongqing became China’s wartime capital, Ciqikou played a role in supporting the resistance. The area suffered from bombings by Japanese forces, damaging parts of the town. After the war, modernization and urban expansion led to a decline in traditional industries like porcelain-making. 🏡 Preservation & Tourism Boom 📅 1998 – Present : In 1998, Ciqikou was designated as a protected cultural heritage site, leading to restoration efforts. The ancient streets, tea houses, and temples were preserved to maintain the town’s original charm. Today, Ciqikou is a top tourist destination, offering visitors a glimpse into Chongqing’s rich history and traditional way of life. 🍢Famous Local Food Ciqikou is known for its authentic Chongqing street food. Must-try dishes include: - Ciqikou Stinky Tofu (磁器口臭豆腐) – Crispy and flavorful fermented tofu. - Mala Xiaomian (麻辣小面) – Spicy Chongqing-style noodles. - Grilled Jialing River Fish (嘉陵江烤鱼) – Fresh river fish with spicy mala sauce. - Peanut Mochi (花生糕) – Traditional sweet rice cake with peanut filling. 🎭Art, Culture & Traditional Opera Sichuan Opera Face-Changing performances can be seen in old-style theaters. Many streets are filled with handicraft shops selling paintings, jewelry, and ceramics. 🏞️ Old-Town Atmosphere & Riverside Views Wander through the narrow streets filled with tea houses, antique shops, and souvenir stores. Enjoy a scenic view of the Jialing River, especially at sunset. How to get here: 🚇 By Metro (Best & Fastest Option) Take Metro Line 1 to Ciqikou Station. Exit at Exit 1, then walk about 5–10 minutes to the entrance of Ciqikou. 🚌 By Bus (Budget-Friendly Option) Several buses stop near Ciqikou Ancient Town: Bus Routes: 202, 220, 224, 237, 261, 467 Get off at Ciqikou Station and walk 5 minutes.