Ciqikou Ancient Town

沙坪坝磁器口古镇

Chongqing, Shapingba★ 4.4·29.7697°N, 106.9581°E

Ticket Price

Town entry free; combined attraction ticket CNY 100

Duration

2-4 hours

Rating

4.4 / 5.0

About Ciqikou Ancient Town

Chongqing's best-known ancient town, a bustling Ming-Qing riverside street on the Jialing River lined with teahouses, snack stalls and souvenir shops. Famous for its fried dough twists and folk crafts, it is a lively taste of old Chongqing.

Highlights

• Chongqings best-known ancient town, a Ming-Qing riverside street full of teahouses and snack stalls. • Famous for Ciqikou mahua (fried dough twists), tofu, and folk arts. • Lively atmosphere along the Jialing River.

Suggested Route

Enter from the main gate, stroll the central flagstone street to the riverside temple; allow 2-3 h.

Food & Lodging

Mahua, Zhang's old tofu, and riverside hotpot; stay in Shapingba or central Chongqing.

Facilities

Parking, restrooms, shops, teahouses, and a pier.

Travel Tips

Itinerary suggestions: Around Ciqikou are Hongyanhun Square, the Martyrs Sculpture group (Geleshan Martyrs' Cemetery), Bai Gongguan, Zhazidong Prison site, and Geleshan Forest Park. Except Geleshan Forest Park (10 yuan), all are now free. From Ciqikou gate, take any bus to Lieshimu, then a minivan to Geleshan Forest Park (passing Hongyanhun Square, Bai Gongguan, Zhazidong, and the Geleshan cableway). On fine days you can also hike up.

📅 Best Time & Crowds

Best season: Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November)

🏮Golden Week alert: May 1-5 and Oct 1-7 are China's biggest travel peaks — top attractions sell out days ahead. Book tickets the moment they open.

⏰Many museums and palaces close on Mondays (e.g. Forbidden City, National Museum). Plan around it.