ciqikou ancient town（磁器口）Travel Guide
Nov 12, 2024
by orient china travel
Ciqikou Ancient Town Travel Guide for Foreigners
1. Introduction
Ciqikou Ancient Town, also known as Baoyan Town or Longyin Town in the past, is a renowned historical and cultural town in Chongqing. It is a national AAAA-level tourist scenic area that offers a glimpse into the rich history and unique culture of the region. With a history dating back to the Song Dynasty, the town has witnessed the ebb and flow of time and retain much of its ancient charm.
Ciqikou Ancient Town, also known as Baoyan Town or Longyin Town in the past, is a renowned historical and cultural town in Chongqing. It is a national AAAA-level tourist scenic area that offers a glimpse into the rich history and unique culture of the region. With a history dating back to the Song Dynasty, the town has witnessed the ebb and flow of time and retain much of its ancient charm.
2. How to Get There
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- By Subway: Take Line 1 and get off at Ciqikou Station. This is a convenient and popular way to reach the ancient town1.
- By Bus: You can take buses such as 202, 220, 261, or 843 and get off at the Ciqikou West Gate Station; or take buses like 209, 215, 248, 467, 501, 504, or 805 and get off at Tongjiaqiao Station1.
3. Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Ciqikou Ancient Town is from March to May and from September to November when the weather is pleasant, making it ideal for strolling around the town.
The best time to visit Ciqikou Ancient Town is from March to May and from September to November when the weather is pleasant, making it ideal for strolling around the town.
4. Main Attractions
- Ciqikou Main Street: This is the heart of the ancient town, lined with traditional buildings and shops selling a variety of handicrafts and local specialties. You can find unique souvenirs such as wooden knickknacks, porcelain items, and traditional clothes4.
- Baolun Temple: Located on a small hill next to the main street, Baolun Temple is one of the well-preserved temples in Chongqing's urban area. It offers a great opportunity for prayer and worship. From here, you can also enjoy a panoramic view of the entire ancient town and the Jialing River4.
- Wenchang Palace: Above Baolun Temple, Wenchang Palace was a gathering place for ancient scholars and literati. Now it has become a cultural attraction where you can appreciate the ancient architectural style and exquisite carvings4.
- Bayu Folk Houses: Scattered throughout the town, these traditional residences showcase the unique residential culture of Chongqing. Some of them have been transformed into homestays or teahouses, allowing you to experience the local way of life4.
- Ciqikou Wharf: Adjacent to the Jialing River, the wharf was an important cargo distribution center in history. Nowadays, it is a great place to enjoy the river view and take photos4.
- Ciqikou Ceramic Culture Park: Here, you can learn about the ceramic-making craft and history of the Chongqing area. There are also opportunities to make ceramics by yourself and experience this traditional culture firsthand.
- Sichuan Opera Art Center: You can watch traditional Sichuan Opera performances, including the famous face-changing show, in the ancient town to gain a deeper understanding of the Bashu culture4.
5. Local Cuisine
Don't miss the opportunity to taste the local delicacies in Ciqikou Ancient Town. The famous Chen Mahua (a kind of fried twisted dough) is a must-try. There are also other delicious snacks such as spicy rabbit heads, grilled sausages, and Mao Xuewang (a spicy blood tofu dish). You can also find many teahouses where you can sit down, order a cup of tea, and relax while enjoying the local atmosphere13.
Don't miss the opportunity to taste the local delicacies in Ciqikou Ancient Town. The famous Chen Mahua (a kind of fried twisted dough) is a must-try. There are also other delicious snacks such as spicy rabbit heads, grilled sausages, and Mao Xuewang (a spicy blood tofu dish). You can also find many teahouses where you can sit down, order a cup of tea, and relax while enjoying the local atmosphere13.
6. Shopping
The town is a great place to buy souvenirs. In addition to porcelain items, which are related to the town's history, you can also find various local products such as handcrafted fans, bamboo products, and traditional handicrafts.
The town is a great place to buy souvenirs. In addition to porcelain items, which are related to the town's history, you can also find various local products such as handcrafted fans, bamboo products, and traditional handicrafts.
7. Travel Tips
- The ancient town can be crowded, especially on weekends and holidays. Be prepared for a large number of tourists and take care of your personal belongings1.
- When visiting temples and other religious sites, respect the local religious customs and traditions.
- Try to explore the side alleys and small streets to discover the more authentic and quieter parts of the town1.