CiqiKou Ancient Town

​Ciqikou Ancient Town​​, nestled along the ​​Jialing River​​, is Chongqing’s best-preserved historical district and a living museum of ​​Bayu culture​​. With origins dating back to the ​​Song Dynasty (998 AD)​​, this former porcelain-trading hub (hence "Ciqi" meaning "porcelain") thrived as a bustling river port during the Ming-Qing eras, earning its "Little Chongqing" moniker.

​​Key Highlights​​

1. ​​Historical Legacy​​

   • ​​Name Origins​​: Initially called Baiyanchang (White Rock Field), it was renamed Longyin Town after Emperor Jianwen of the Ming Dynasty allegedly hid here post-exile. The current name reflects its ​​porcelain industry​​ dominance in the 18th century.
   • ​​Architecture​​: Cobblestone alleys, ​​stilted houses​​, and Qing-era courtyards like ​​Zhong Family Compound​​ showcase traditional Bayu design. The ​​12-lane layout​​ branches like a tree, with ​​Flagstone Street​​ as the spine.

2. ​​Cultural Treasures​​

   • ​​Temples & Museums​​: Visit ​​Baolun Temple​​ (a.k.a. Dragon Hidden Temple), ​​Huguang Guild Hall​​, and the ​​Porcelain Museum​​ to explore Buddhist relics and wartime history.
   • ​​Red Culture​​: The town housed underground Communist Party activities; the Hongyan Revolution Museum honors this legacy.

3. ​​Food & Festivals​​

   • ​​Must-Try Snacks​​: Chen Mahua (twisted fried dough), Mala Tang (spicy skewers), and Mao Xue Wang (blood curd stew).
   • ​​Annual Events​​: The ​​Spring Festival Temple Fair​​ features dragon dances and Sichuan opera.

4. ​​Modern Revival​​

   • ​​New Attractions​​: Ciqikou Backstreet now offers hip teahouses, immersive theaters (Magnetic Field Art Space), and riverside bars.
   • ​​Eco-Upgrades​​: The 2023 renovation added ​​Qingxu Wetland Park​​ and restored the ​​Jialing River promenade​​.

​​Visitor Tips​​

• ​​Best Time​​: Weekday mornings or evenings to avoid crowds.
• ​​Transport​​: Metro Line 1 to Ciqikou Station (5-min walk). Free entry; some attractions charge ¥20–50.
• ​​Hidden Gems​​: Seek out the "Living Water Well" (linked to Emperor Jianwen’s legend) and Hanfu rental shops for photos.

Ciqikou is more than a tourist spot—it’s ​​Chongqing’s timeless heartbeat​​, where every teahouse and alleyway whispers tales of dynasties past.