Ciqikou Ancient Town

🏘️ Ciqikou Ancient Town (磁器口)

A 1,000-year-old town on the banks of the Jialing River, Ciqikou is Chongqing's best-preserved historical area — and a street food paradise.

Overview

Ciqikou (磁器口, Cíqìkǒu) literally means "porcelain port" — it was a major trading hub during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Today, it's a maze of narrow stone streets, old wooden buildings, temples, and an incredible concentration of street food stalls. Think of it as Chongqing's answer to Chengdu's Kuanzhai Alley, but more chaotic and authentic.

Essential Info

How to Get There

• Metro: Line 1 to Ciqikou Station (磁器口站), Exit 1, then walk 5 minutes
• Didi/Taxi: ~¥20-40 from city center
• Bus: Multiple routes to Ciqikou stop

What to See

Main Street (正街)

The central artery — packed with food stalls, souvenir shops, and tea houses. It's touristy but fun.

Back Alleys

Turn off the main street into the side alleys. This is where you'll find:

• Quiet tea houses with river views
• Local artisans making traditional crafts
• Hidden temples and shrines
• Fewer tourists

Baolun Temple (宝轮寺)

A Tang Dynasty temple at the top of the hill. Climb the stairs for a peaceful break from the crowds and a view over the old rooftops.

The Riverfront

Walk down to the Jialing River bank. In summer, locals set up tea tables right on the rocks.

What to Eat

Ciqikou is a street food heaven. Don't eat a full meal before coming — graze as you walk.

Must-try:

• 🥜 Chen Mahua (陈麻花) — The most famous Ciqikou snack: twisted fried dough sticks, sweet or savory. There's always a queue.
• 🍡 Bobo Chicken (钵钵鸡) — Cold skewers in numbing chili sauce
• 🫕 Tofu pudding (豆花) — Soft tofu with spicy toppings
• 🍖 Grilled skewers (烧烤) — Lamb, chicken, vegetables on sticks
• 🧁 San Da Pao (三大炮) — Glutinous rice balls thrown with a "bang bang bang" — it's a performance
• 🍵 Covered-bowl tea (盖碗茶) — Sit in a traditional teahouse and watch the world go by

Pro Tips

1. Go on a weekday morning — weekends and holidays are packed with domestic tourists. You can barely move.

2. Explore the back streets — the main street is crowded and commercial. The side alleys are where the real charm is.

3. Don't buy souvenirs on the main street — they're overpriced. If you see something you like, check prices in the back alleys first.

4. Bring cash for small stalls — though most accept Alipay/WeChat, some tiny stalls prefer cash.

5. Wear comfortable shoes — the stone streets are uneven and there are hills to climb.

6. Combine with Ciqikou Metro Station — the station itself has a fun "time tunnel" design worth seeing.

FAQ

Is Ciqikou Ancient Town free? Yes, entry to Ciqikou is completely free. You only pay for food and souvenirs.

How long should I spend at Ciqikou? 2-3 hours is ideal. This gives you time to walk the main street, explore back alleys, eat street food, and visit Baolun Temple.

What is Ciqikou famous for? Ciqikou is famous for its 1,000-year history as a river port, Chen Mahua (twisted fried dough), traditional tea houses, and as one of Chongqing's best-preserved ancient areas.

Is Ciqikou too touristy? The main street is touristy, but the back alleys are still relatively authentic. Visit on a weekday morning for the best experience.

What should I eat at Ciqikou? Chen Mahua (twisted dough), Bobo Chicken (cold skewers), Tofu Pudding, San Da Pao (glutinous rice balls), and covered-bowl tea are the must-tries.

Cost Summary

Last updated: 2026-06-05 · Written by Bobby, living in Chengdu since 2023

Bobby

Living in Chengdu since 2023. Writes about practical China travel from firsthand experience. About me →