Ciqikou Old Town in Chongqing (Tips, Photos & Map)

Plan your Chongqing tour? Ciqikou is an ace in the hand of Chongqing Municipality that they could use to beat other cities in so called keeping the old structure and respecting the local culture. Chengdu has Kuan Zhai Xiang, Hangzhou hasQinghefang, Shanghai has Yuyuan Bazaar, Tianjin has an ancient cultural street, Hohhot has Saishanglaojie and more.

Among many modern cities in China, there exists a similar tendency towards returning and idolizing the ancients by restoring the old towns or streets.

The reasons behind the massive government behaviors are various. The seek for economic results are an important impetus in the move to the restoration and gentrification of the these old and less developed areas in modern cities.

Well, like it or not, your Chongqing tour will definitely include a half day trip to Ciqikou old town, originally called Longyinzhen (dragon hidden town), approx. 12 northwest of Flying Tigers Museum ( aka Stilwell Museum), downtown Chongqong.

Ciqikou literally means "Porcelain Port". The name of the town can be traced back to porcelain production during the Ming (1368–1644) and Qing Dynasties. Ciqikou is located on the west bank of the Jialing River.

The main street packed with visitors