Ciqikou Ancient Town, formerly known as Longyin Town, is located by the Jialing River in Shapingba District, Chongqing. The history of Ci Qi Kou can be traced back more than 1,700 years. It is because of the importance of the porcelain industry, that it was renamed Ciqikou.

Through the archway that is the entrance to the town, most of the late-Ming buildings in this sprawling complex have been restored. Much of the two and three-story construction is made of bamboo and timber. Blue bricks and pillars set off the snow-white walls that contrast in turn with vermilion doors and lattice windows. Black tablets and lanterns adorn the gates to complete the authentic and traditional appearance of the properties. Ciqikou Ancient Town has 12 streets in total, and the roads on the streets are all paved with stone plates. Delicate specialty stores featured snack stores and old-style teahouses can be seen all over the town. Take your time to taste the local flavors, or just order a cup of tea and at the same time, watch the folk performances, like Sichuan Opera or Sichuan Qingyin, and let Ciqikou take you back to the old-time of Chongqing.

On the main street of the ancient town, there are many tourists every day, which is very lively. But away from the central street, a living village remains. It’s also worth poking your head inside the temple of Baolunsi, one of Ciqikou’s only remaining temples. Its main building is more than 1000 years old. The alley where the temple is on, Heng Jie is one of the most pleasant places to explore.