Ciqikou Old Town Guide

Ciqikou Old Town, an ancient cultural town in the suburbs of Chongqing, still retains the essential features of the old mountain city. Ciqikou town (formerly known as Long Yin), covering an area of some 1.2 square kilometres (291.6 acres), is 14 kilometres to the west of Chongqing Municipality. Since the Qing Dynasty, Ciqikou old town is famous in Bashu earth. In the past, it is a thriving land and sea terminals and good distribution center for the Jialing River downstream. At Ciqikou, you can experience the lifestyle of old Chongqing and all kinds of characteristic snacks. Thus it has been recognized by the State Council and in 1998 Ciqikou became a protected cultural site.

The history of Ciqikou can be traced back to more than 1700 years. During the Ming and Qing Dynasties (1368-1911), it was famous for its production of porcelain. Over twenty old kiln sites have been discovered there. It is because of the importance of the porcelain industry that the name has been changed from Long Yin to Ciqikou. It means Porcelain Village. However, the village was also an important supply post for shipping on the river. The fact that explains why there are so many shops lining the twelve lanes paved with their large flag stones forms the main routes. Here you will find many outlets for craftwork, groceries and the like as well as a horologist, photography supplies, drugstore and a tempting supply of roasted nuts and seeds. As one would expect, there are also many teashops and restaurants catering for many visitors who come to see something of a way of life that has existed here for so many centuries.

There are many historical spots in Ciqikou , such as Flagstone, Wharf Ciqikou, Han Lin Academy, BaoLun Buddhist Temple. All streets at Ciqikou during the Ming and Qing Dynasties were large and paved with green flagstones.The main street ran about 2.5 kilometers in length.The ratio between the width of these millennial streets and the height of buildings along the streets was 1:1.5 .These flagstone streets stand the test of time and remain well preserved as of today. Every flagstone tells story.

• Dazu Rock Carving
• Eling Park
• The Great Hall of People
• Chongqing zoo
• General Stewell Museum
• Liberation Monument Chongqing
• Three Gorges Museum
• Ciqikou Old Town
• The Yangtze River