Chongqing: Ciqikou Historical and Cultural Block

Ciqikou Historical and Cultural Block in Chongqing
重庆市沙坪坝区磁器口历史文化街区

The ancient town of Ciqikou, a crucial land and river commercial transportation center on the banks of the Jialing River, was established in the Song Dynasty (960-1279). It developed quickly into a commercial port during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), and prospered in the late Qing Dynasty (1644-1911).

It was initially called Longyin town and was later named Ciqikou, which means "porcelain harbor" in Chinese; it has been a porcelain-production and transit center since 1918.

Because of its rich and deep Chongqing culture Ciqikou is hailed as "small Chongqing" and regarded as a miniature and symbol of that ancient city, currently the largest and most developed in southwestern China.

The Ciqikou ancient town in Chongqing's Shapingba district has developed traditional skills and performances such as oil manufacturing, silk unreeling sugar refining, dough figurine making and Sichuan opera.

It also preserves a variety of traditional snacks and tea houses. Its temple fair, held every Spring Festival, is its most distinctive traditional activity and attracts tens of thousands of visitors each year.

Main attractions:
Baolun Temple, Imperial Academy, Courtyard of Zhong’s Family