Chongqing Ciqikou Ancient Town: Best Things to See & Do

Rich in history and cultural heritage, Ciqikou Ancient Town is both a paradise for food enthusiasts and a major Chongqing landmark. The town is filled with stone-paved alleys, ancient houses, and temples, where you can try authentic local food and shop for traditional handicrafts. Beyond the town itself, several nearby attractions make it easy to continue your Chongqing adventure. Read on to explore more about Ciqikou Ancient Town.

Ciqikou Ancient Town in Chongqing

Facts about Ciqikou Ancient Town

The night view of Ciqikou Ancient Town

Ciqikou Ancient Town is located on the bank of the Jialing River in Chongqing, about 14 kilometers from the city center. Once a thriving hub of the porcelain trade, it is now the largest ancient town in downtown Chongqing and is noted for its well-preserved Bayu (Chongqing/Sichuan) folk customs. The town has 12 streets, with most buildings dating back to the Ming (1368 - 1644) and Qing (1644 - 1912) dynasties. Often described as a living museum of Chongqing's residential architecture, this place retains old houses, stone stair alleys, and historic temples. As you walk through, the streets are lined with teahouses, snack stalls, and handicraft shops.

Opening Hours: All day

Recommended Duration: 2 -3 hours

Entrance Fee: Free

Best Time to Visit: Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to October), as the temperature is comfortable and the crowds are generally smaller.

How to Get There: You can take the metro (Line 1) or any of the following buses: 503, 533, or 224 to Ciqikou East Station.

What to See & Do in Ciqikou Ancient Town

Explore Hanlin Academy

The Hanlin Academy (Imperial Academy) was a Qing Dynasty private academy, renowned for training two Imperial Academicians who served in China's highest scholarly institution. Today, it serves as an important cultural landmark in Ciqikou Ancient Town. The structure is a beautiful example of Bayu architecture from the Qing Dynasty, distinguished by its orderly courtyard, elaborate wood carvings, and traditional elements like its central skywells and tiled roofs.

Here, you can learn about China's ancient imperial examination system and the development of private education, as well as admire the historical traces of the ancient architecture. The academy has now become a traditional folk teahouse. It's a perfect place to relax after your tour and sip on a cup of authentic Chongqing Gaiwan tea. The opening time is from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM.

Visit Baolun Temple

Baolun temple in Ciqikou, Chongqing

With a history of over 600 years, Baolun Temple is a tranquil sanctuary in the lively ancient town. The temple, also known as Longyin Temple (Temple of the Hidden Dragon), has "Long" (dragon) symbolizing the emperor and "Yin" meaning "to hide." It is built against the mountain and features many stairs, so watch your step when walking.

The main hall, Daxiong Hall, is a center of worship, featuring grand Buddha figures. On sunny days, the temple's ancient building shines, its flying eaves reflecting light with a subtle yet beautiful radiance.

The temple is free to visit and open every day from 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM. Please ensure you dress respectfully: no sleeveless tops, shorts, or flip-flops. And photography of the Buddha statues and the monks is not allowed.

Discover Zhong's Yard

The Zhong's Yard was built during the Qing Dynasty by Zhong Yunting, who had served as a steward for Empress Dowager Cixi in his youth. Upon returning home after retirement, he modeled the residence after architectural blueprints from Beijing. The courtyard features a symmetrical layout, with a main hall in the center and wing rooms on both sides, all surrounding a spacious skywell. It combines the characteristics of a northern Siheyuan (quadrangle courtyard) with the Bayu ChuanDou-style timber structure. The stone steps, wooden doors, and windows all retain their original appearance.

Inside Zhong's yard, antique furniture like old beds and ornate tables gives you a clear picture of what residential life was like 200 years ago. The courtyard is open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM (last entry at 5:30 PM).

Try Authentic Chongqing Food

Chongqing Hotpot

Ciqikou Ancient Town is a food paradise where you can taste some of Chongqing's most iconic local flavors. Here are a few must-tries:

• Guaiwei Dou (Strange Flavor Beans): Broad beans seasoned to be spicy, numbing, sweet, salty, and crispy all at once.
• Mahua (fried dough twists): Available in classic sweet, distinct spicy, and salt-and-pepper flavors. These crunchy snacks are a local favorite.
• Chongqing Hotpot: The city's signature dish with a fragrant, spicy, and numbing broth perfect for dipping various meats and vegetables.
• "Three Treasures of Ciqikou": Maoxuewang (a spicy dish with duck blood and tripe), Ruanhui Qianzhang (tofu sheets), and crispy salt-and-pepper peanuts.

Tip: Many dishes use peanuts or soy, so check the ingredients if you have allergies.

Recommended Ciqikou Ancient Town Walking Route

Map of Ciqikou walking route

Ciqikou Ancient Town offers three entry options: the Southeast Gate, the Back Street, and the Southwest Gate. We suggest starting at the Southeast Gate, so you can slowly explore the town's history and cultural landscape along the main street, feeling the bustling market atmosphere.

The first spot is the Huangjueping Memorial Archway, an intricately carved stone archway that serves as an important symbol of the ancient town. Next is the Hanlin Academy, a small courtyard that provides a sense of quiet scholarship away from the street's hustle.

Continue to Xin's Grocery, which was formerly a secret base and is now a small exhibition on Ciqikou's history and artifacts. Across the street is Baoshan Palace, originally a Taoist temple. It is now a center for tea culture, offering tea tasting, Sichuan opera, and local history displays.

Afterward, visit the Zhong's Yard for a glimpse into the layout of a Qing Dynasty residence. Then is the Baolun Temple, where the climb itself is part of the journey. Finally, you will arrive at the River Street Large Pier, the Chongqing 1949 Theater, and Diaojiaolou Square. You can take photos on the open riverbank at the pier. It's highly recommended to watch the live historical performance Chongqing 1949 at the theater and then buy some souvenirs at the stalls in the square.

Attractions Around Ciqikou

Liziba Station: You can watch the light rail pass through a building here, a unique sight perfect for photos and experiencing Chongqing's transit system. It is about 14 km from Ciqikou, taking about 30 minutes by car.

Hongya Cave: A group of stilt buildings constructed along the mountain, famous for its night view and food, and a must-visit spot in Chongqing. It is about 21 km from Ciqikou, taking approximately 1 hour by car.

Kuixing Building: A building that shows Chongqing's magical character; what you think is the first floor is actually the 22nd floor. From here, you can overlook the surrounding streetscape. It is about 20 km from Ciqikou, taking about 50 minutes by car.

Travel Tips for Chongqing Ciqikou Ancient Town

When visiting Ciqikou Ancient Town, it's highly recommended that you wear light or sports shoes. Since the streets are mostly stone steps and small alleys, comfortable shoes will make your walk much more enjoyable. After your visit, you can exit through the Houjie (Back Street) entrance right next to Diaojiaolou Square. This exit makes it easier to get to other attractions.

If you prefer not to take the public transport to Ciqikou or other attractions, you can book a private tour with China Odyssey Tours. We offer comfortable premium transfers and expert guides to handle all the details, so you can explore without the hassle of language issues or trip planning. Please feel free to leave us a message or email us at trip@odynovotours.com.