Ancient Town of Ciqikou

Ciqikou is an old town preserved in sprawling modern Chongqing, about one hour drive from the city center. It is a timeless ancient town built in the Ming and Qing dynasties. Firstly it was named 'Longyin'. Since 1918 the porcelain trade began due to the convenient location, gradually the trade became prospered throughout the area. Local people used Ciqikou as its name instead of Longyin which means 'porcelain harbor' in Chinese.

With a history of more than 1,800 years, it has some typical traditional and cultural characteristics featured in mountainous areas. The ancient town has only two main streets and they've been taken up by all kinds of shops. Now it has 12 streets in all and among them the Tea House plays an important role of local culture.

Travelers to Chongqing and locals alike throng to Ciqikou's steep and narrow pedestrian streets. Shops sell porcelain, other handicrafts, and gifts, while restaurants and tea shops give visitors a look at what many areas of Chongqing were like before the metropolis became the vast urban agglomeration it is today. A 1,500-year-old Buddhist temple straddles the mountain in the middle of the old town.

Recommended Chongqing Tour: 4 Days Chongqing Elite Tour
(Attractions: Dazu Rock Carvings, General Joseph W. Stewell Museum, Eling Park, Chongqing Three Gorges Museum and Ancient Town of Ciqikou)