Best known as one of Chongqing’s oldest shopping streets, the ancient town of Ciqikou is not only a treasure trove of history but also one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Located in Shapingba District, it is easily accessible via public transportation and offers a vivid snapshot of old Chongqing. Though now dotted with modern shops and stalls, Ciqikou retains its historic charm and never fails to captivate visitors.
While Chongqing has transformed into a bustling metropolis, Ciqikou remains a microcosm of its past—a living symbol of "Old Chongqing." In 1998, it was designated a protected cultural site, preserving its centuries-old legacy.
The name "Ciqikou" (Porcelain Port) dates back to the Ming and Qing Dynasties, when the town was a hub for porcelain production. Originally called Baiyanchang, the town boasts over a thousand years of history and is home to one of Chongqing’s oldest Buddhist temples.
Situated on the west bank of the Jialing River, Ciqikou was once a thriving port, its location considered auspicious due to its perfect feng shui. Three mountains—Jingbi, Fenghuang, and Ma’an—surround the town, while two springs, Fenghuang Spring and Qinshui Spring, flow through it.
Over the centuries, Ciqikou has been known by different names. During the Ming Dynasty, Emperor Jianwen, after being overthrown, fled the palace and became a monk. His arrival at a local temple inspired the townspeople to rename their home "Longyin" (龙隐, meaning "Hidden Dragon"), with "dragon" symbolizing the emperor. Longyin flourished in the early Qing Dynasty, driven by its booming porcelain industry. At its peak, the town housed over 70 porcelain factories.
Porcelain production was introduced around 300 years ago during the Huguang Repopulation of Sichuan, a migration movement aimed at revitalizing the region after years of war and disasters.
By the Republic of China era, particularly during WWII when Chongqing served as China’s wartime capital, Longyin had expanded beyond porcelain into a major trade center. It became a distribution hub for agricultural goods along the Jialing River, with merchants dealing in cotton, clothing, kerosene, salt, and sugar. Yet porcelain remained its primary trade, and over time, the town became colloquially known as "Ciqikou" (Porcelain Port).
Ciqikou is a living museum of Chongqing’s history, offering a wealth of cultural and historical sites.
The thousand-year-old pedestrian street is the heart of Ciqikou, lined with traditional buildings housing snack stalls, souvenir shops, and teahouses. Here, you can sip tea while enjoying Sichuan opera, listen to live music in a trendy bar, or simply wander the quiet alleys to discover hidden gardens.
At its peak, Ciqikou had over 100 teahouses—social hubs where locals relaxed and merchants negotiated deals. Some of the larger teahouses hosted Sichuan opera performances, a tradition that continues today.
Tucked away in a side alley, this former private school was established during Emperor Qianlong’s reign. Originally called Lishi Thatched Cottage, it gained fame when its students passed provincial imperial exams, earning it the nickname "Imperial Academy."
Dating back to the Western Wei Dynasty (535–556 AD), Baolun Temple (originally Baiya Temple) is a marvel of ancient architecture, constructed without a single nail.
Built in 1890, this courtyard blends northern grandeur with southern elegance. It showcases Ming and Qing dynasty artifacts, including porcelain, traditional beds, and round dining tables.
Once a bustling port during the Ming and Qing Dynasties (1368 - 1912), the wharf facilitated trade along the Jialing River. Though modern development has replaced much of it, visitors can still stroll the ancient streets leading to the old waterfront entrance.
