Ciqikou Ancient Town
“One stone-paved road, a thousand years of history.” For lovers of ancient towns and folk customs, Ciqikou is a 1,700-year-old town on the banks of the Jialing River. For food lovers,…
Ciqikou Ancient Town, Chongqing · AI illustration for China Trip
Key facts
- Time needed
- 3–4 hours
- Getting there
- Free
- Guidebook rating
- 5 / 5
From China Self Guided Travel 2025, page 420. Open in Google Maps
About Ciqikou Ancient Town
“One stone-paved road, a thousand years of history.” For lovers of ancient towns and folk customs, Ciqikou is a 1,700-year-old town on the banks of the Jialing River. For food lovers, a visit means sampling its “Three Specialties”: qianzhang (pressed bean curd sheets), mahua fish (twisted dough fish), and maoxuewang (blood curd hotpot).
Tips from the guidebook
- 1. Maoxuewang: The maoxuewang at the stall opposite Qingyun Tea House is considered the most authentic. The tofu pudding here is also unforgettable.
- 2. Sichuan Opera seated performances: Unlike a formal recital or a traditional stage show, a seated performance has no barrier beyond a single table. On one side are the audience and tea drinkers; on the other are the singers, musicians, drummers and fiddlers. The line between performer and audience becomes blurred, allowing visitors to focus more closely on the musical beauty and linguistic charm of Sichuan Opera. Seated performances can be enjoyed in many spots around Ciqikou, with the best-known venues being Zhuanyun Building, Baoshan Palace, and the Longqun Sichuan Opera Troupe on Xiahe Road’s Huawu.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get to Ciqikou Ancient Town?
Free
How long should I spend at Ciqikou Ancient Town?
Plan on 3–4 hours for Ciqikou Ancient Town.
Where is Ciqikou Ancient Town?
Ciqikou Ancient Town is in Chongqing, Chongqing Municipality, in the Southwest of China.
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