Name: Ciqikou Ancient Town
Address: Ciqikou, Shapingba District, Chongqing, Chongqing, China
Price range: Free
Rating: 4.0

Ciqikou ('Porcelain Port') was a major Yangtze trading hub from the Song dynasty (960 CE) into the Ming/Qing. The old town has 12 streets and 13 alleys of preserved Qing-Ming stone architecture along the Jialing River. Free to walk. Best for: traditional Sichuan snacks (peppered fish, mahua twist crackers, sticky rice in bamboo cones), hand-made local crafts, and the 1000-year-old Baolun Temple inside the town. The town is also where 1940s Chongqing-as-wartime-capital intelligence agents operated (Zhazidong + Baigongguan revolutionary museums are 15 min away). Best time: weekday afternoon. Weekends are absolutely packed.

Address

Ciqikou, Shapingba District, Chongqing

沙坪坝区磁器口

Highlights

Baolun Temple (宝轮寺)1000-year-old Buddhist temple inside the town
Mahua Crackers (麻花)Hand-twisted fried dough; Ciqikou specialty
Peppered Fish (椒盐鱼)Local Yangtze river fish, deep-fried with Sichuan pepper

For foreign visitors

English service: partial english
Cards accepted: cash_only
Booking / entry: not needed
Best time: Weekday 2-6 PM
Wi-Fi: free
Transit access: metro direct

Photos

Stunning view of the illuminated Hongyadong complex in Chongqing at nighttime, showcasing vibrant urban architecture.

Stunning night view of Chongqing with illuminated bridge and city lights reflecting on water.

Captivating view of Raffles City and skyline by the Yangtze River in Chongqing, China.

Vibrant night view of Chongqing's skyline and illuminated bridge reflecting on the river.

Vibrant display of heart-shaped wishes hanging at a Chongqing street market, China.

Illuminated Chongqing skyline with modern skyscrapers reflecting off the river at night.

Black and white image of towering skyscrapers showcasing modern architecture in a bustling cityscape.

Aerial view of Chongqing at dusk with Qiansimen Bridge and illuminated skyline.

Stunning night scene of Chongqing's illuminated skyline featuring Qiansimen Bridge.

Stunning view of Chongqing city skyline at night with illuminated buildings and bridge reflections.

Vibrant night view of Chongqing with illuminated buildings and a striking red bridge.

Vibrant night view of Chongqing cityscape featuring a brightly lit bridge and skyline reflections.

Skyline of Chongqing showcasing modern skyscrapers and traditional architecture under a clear sky.

Vibrant Chongqing skyline at night with city lights reflecting in Yangtze River.

What travelers say (5 reviews)

FoodieHistory·TripAdvisor·4/5

1000-year-old Yangtze trade port, free entry. 12 stone alleys with snacks (mahua crackers, peppered fish, sticky rice in bamboo). Weekday for fewer crowds.

2026-04-08

古镇美食·Xiaohongshu·4/5

磁器口免费！招牌麻花、椒盐花生鱼、糯米团子必吃。周末人挤死，工作日下午2-6点黄金时段。

2026-03-18

Tom K.·Google Maps·4/5

Reconstructed but with original 1000-year-old layout. The Baolun Buddhist temple inside is free + still active.

2026-04-25

OldChina·YouTube·4/5

Filmed Bayu (early Chongqing) heritage architecture — 13 alleys, 12 streets, stone steps. Weekday afternoon is the time.

2026-02-12

Chen Y.·Ctrip·4/5

1号线磁器口站直达，免费。建议工作日下午来，周末爆满。麻花$5一根别买太多。