Ciqikou Ancient Town, located on the banks of the Jialing River in Shapingba District, is one of the oldest and most well-preserved ancient towns in Chongqing. With a history of over 1,000 years, Ciqikou was once a busy port town and an important stop on the ancient “Tea Horse Road”. Today, it is a popular tourist attraction, known for its ancient streets, traditional wooden buildings, delicious local food, and rich cultural heritage. This guide will help you make the most of your visit to Ciqikou Ancient Town, covering its history, best snacks, shopping ideas, and travel tips.

Brief history of Ciqikou (Chongqing ancient town tour)

Ciqikou Ancient Town has a history dating back to the Song Dynasty (960-1279 AD). During the Ming and Qing Dynasties (1368-1912 AD), it became a prosperous port town, serving as an important hub for trade between Sichuan, Guizhou, and Yunnan provinces. The town’s name, “Ciqikou”, comes from the fact that it was once a major producer and exporter of porcelain (ciqi in Chinese). Merchants from all over the country would come to Ciqikou to buy porcelain, tea, and other local products, which were then transported along the Jialing River to other parts of China.

In the early 20th century, with the development of railways and highways, Ciqikou’s status as a port town declined. However, the town’s ancient streets, traditional buildings, and cultural heritage were well-preserved. In recent years, Ciqikou has been restored and developed into a tourist attraction, attracting millions of visitors every year who come to experience its traditional charm and learn about its history.

Best snacks to try (Ciqikou Chongqing tour)

Ciqikou is famous for its delicious local snacks, many of which have a history of hundreds of years. Here are the best snacks to try when visiting Ciqikou: 1. Sesame Candy: A sweet and crispy candy made from sesame seeds and sugar, a signature snack of Ciqikou. 2. Spicy Tofu: Fresh tofu fried and served with a spicy sauce, a popular savory snack. 3. Rice Cakes: Soft and chewy rice cakes, served sweet or savory. 4. Fried Dough Twists: Crispy fried dough twists, often seasoned with sesame seeds or sugar. 5. Preserved Fruits: A variety of preserved fruits, such as preserved plums, peaches, and apricots, which are sweet and sour. For more local food recommendations in Chongqing, check out our Best Local Food in Chongqing: What to Eat & Where guide.

Shopping ideas (Ciqikou Ancient Town travel)

Ciqikou is a great place to buy local handicrafts, souvenirs, and traditional products. The town’s ancient streets are lined with small shops selling a variety of items, including: 1. Porcelain: As Ciqikou was once a major porcelain producer, you can find a wide range of porcelain products, such as bowls, plates, vases, and figurines. 2. Handicrafts: Local handicrafts, such as paper-cutting, embroidery, and wood carvings, which are perfect souvenirs. 3. Tea: Sichuan is famous for its tea, and Ciqikou has many tea shops selling high-quality local tea, such as jasmine tea and oolong tea. 4. Snacks: You can buy packaged local snacks, such as sesame candy and preserved fruits, to take home as gifts. When shopping in Ciqikou, be sure to bargain with the shop owners, as prices are often negotiable.

How to plan your visit (Ciqikou Chongqing visitor guide)

Ciqikou Ancient Town is open daily from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, and it is free to enter. The best time to visit is in the morning (9:00 AM to 11:00 AM) or afternoon (2:00 PM to 4:00 PM) when there are fewer crowds. To get to Ciqikou, take metro line 1 to Ciqikou Station (Exit 1), then walk for about 5 minutes to reach the town’s entrance. If you’re following our 3 Days in Chongqing Itinerary, we recommend visiting Ciqikou on the second day of your trip, combined with a visit to Eling Park. When visiting Ciqikou, wear comfortable walking shoes, as the town’s streets are paved with cobblestones and can be uneven. Also, be sure to bring a camera to capture the town’s beautiful scenery and traditional architecture.