One sentence introduction
Ciqikou began in the Song Dynasty and flourished during the Ming and Qing dynasties due to the porcelain kilns and busy water docks along the Jialing River. The name "Ciqikou" came from the porcelain trade. Nowadays, the main street is commercialized, but there are still old tea houses, Sichuan opera singers, and handmade shops in the alleys, making it the closest and easiest to reach ancient town from the main city.
How to go
Metro Line 1Ciqikou Stationis about 30 – 40 minutes from Monument to the people's Liberation. Self driving parking is difficult and the surrounding area is prone to congestion. It is strongly recommended to take the subway.
Must experience
- Eat:Chen Fried Dough Twists(identify time-honored brands, make and sell now, about ¥ 15 – 25/bag), hot and sour noodles, ancient town chicken offal, tofu pudding rice, and hand-made glutinous rice cake.
- Strolling: The main street is paved with stone slabs,Baolun Temple(a thousand year old temple with a view of Jialing River from the top), and tie dyeing and pottery workshops in the alleys;; Going towards the back street of Ciqikou is less crowded and more artistic.
- Sitting: Listening to a Sichuan opera performance or storytelling in a tea house by the river or in the alley, passing the afternoon, covering a bowl of tea for about ¥ 20-40.
Avoiding pitfalls
- The main street has a high flow of people and is even more crowded on weekends; I want to take photos in the morning or on weekdays.
- Snacks are priced atscenic spots, try your best; Chen Mahua should recognize time-honored brands such as "Chen Changyin" and not buy bulk goods at mobile stalls.
- The ancient town is open for free and does not require a ticket; The roadside "fast track" and "collecting tickets for performances" are mostly tricks.
