Ciqikou Ancient Town: quiet lanes, Baolun Temple and tea

Ciqikou Ancient Town (磁器口古镇) grew around a trading port on the Jialing River, known for porcelain. Follow its streets down toward the old wharf to see how the town meets the water.

Know the kind of place you are visiting

The old town has timber shopfronts, flagstone paving and a lively mix of snack sellers and craft shops. Its main street, Zhengjie (正街), is the best starting stretch for older architecture. Hengjie (横街) also has plenty of food stalls. Both main lanes can get crowded by midday.

The newer backstreet area (磁器口后街) offers modern shops and teahouses. Use it as an optional finish after exploring the historic core. Tucked-away side lanes give you a quieter look at local life than sticking only to the souvenir stalls. You can easily fit this half-day walk into your three-day itinerary.

For an old-town trip with an overnight stay, choose Gongtan (龚滩古镇). Explore its salt-merchant guildhall and wooden stilt houses above the Wu River, then try rice-and-mung-bean noodles (绿豆粉) for breakfast.

Get there by Line 1

Take Metro Line 1 to Ciqikou station (磁器口). Use Exit 1 and follow the station signs toward the ancient town. The modern backstreet entrance and the historic Huangjueping Archway (黄桷坪牌坊) sit at different points around the perimeter. Head for the archway to follow the step-by-step walking route below.

Ciqikou sits in Shapingba district, west of central Jiefangbei (解放碑) and Hongya Cave (洪崖洞). Allow around 35 to 45 minutes on the metro from downtown, or about an hour including your walks to and from the platforms. Arrive around 08:30 or 09:00 for quiet photos of the lanes, or arrive mid-morning if you want to browse busy snack stalls right before lunch.

Follow a short route through the old streets

Follow this straightforward walking sequence: 黄桷坪牌坊 → 正街 → 横街 → 宝轮寺 → 凡境 → 河街大码头. Add the side lanes and the newer backstreet at the end if you want a longer outing.

1. Start at Huangjueping Archway (黄桷坪牌坊). Walk down Zhengjie (正街) under carved timber eaves and tiled rooftops. This is the classic spot to pick up a small, freshly fried bag of mahua. Look out for Zhong Family Courtyard (钟家院) near the start of the street to see preserved Qing-era courtyard architecture.
2. Continue onto Hengjie (横街). This lively lane links the old commercial street with the temple area and the waterfront. When the stall crowds pick up, duck into a side lane or head straight up to the temple.
3. Visit Baolun Temple (宝轮寺). Look for the temple gate opposite the covered walkway structure crossing the street (过街楼). Stone steps lead up into the quiet temple grounds. In the Main Hall (大雄宝殿), examine the intricate mortise-and-tenon timber joints and the coiled dragon carvings wrapping around the central columns. Continue to the Guanyin Pavilion (观音阁) for hillside views over the rooftops. Entry is free. Opening hours are 07:30 to 18:00, with last entry at 17:00.
4. Stop for tea at Fanjing (凡境·磁器口店). Located near the temple at 横街38号-1号, this teahouse provides a relaxed riverside terrace above the bustling market lanes. It opens daily from 09:00 to 20:00.
5. Walk down to the old wharf (河街大码头). Looking out across the wide Jialing River shows you why Ciqikou thrived as a protected river port for centuries. From here, you can head back toward the metro or extend your walk into the quieter residential alleys.

For more lane walking, look for lane signs pointing to 郎家巷、临溪巷、温家巷 before looping into the newer backstreet. These narrow stone alleys have small artisan studios and far fewer tour groups.

If you prefer modern tea drinks and pastries over traditional teacups, head to Miao Pin Ji Sixi Tea House (苗品记四囍茶馆·磁器口店) inside the backstreet zone at 磁器口后街C-3F-26. It opens from 10:00 to 22:00.

Try mahua and choose lunch by appetite

Ciqikou's signature snack is mahua (麻花), crisp fried dough twists. Buy a small warm bag for immediate snacking in sweet, cumin or spiced salt flavors. Pick up sealed gift boxes after you find your favorite taste. Our street food guide covers more local specialties across the city.

For a hearty sit-down lunch, try 毛血旺, a famous local stew packed with beef tripe, bean sprouts and duck blood curd simmered in a spicy, numbing broth. For a milder meal, choose pork rib noodle soup or a simple rice set. To control the spice level when ordering, say 少辣 (less spicy) or 不要辣 (no chili).

Practical tips for weather, steps and cars

Plan for about two to three hours to cover the core walk, Baolun Temple and a teahouse stop. Add an extra hour if you want a sit-down lunch or more time in the backstreet craft shops.

• Rain: Most lanes are outdoors. Covered timber eaves, cafe interiors and teahouses provide quick shelter during passing showers. Our rainy-day guide highlights more indoor options across Chongqing.
• Steps and hills: Flagstone paving, ramps and staircases run throughout the old town. The climb to Baolun Temple and several residential alleys requires walking up stone steps. If you want to minimize climbing, stay on the flatter main streets along Zhengjie and the riverside. You can also consult the visitor center at the main entrance for low-step paths. Our accessible travel guide has more advice on avoiding stairways around town.
• Taxis and ride-hailing: Have your driver drop you off or pick you up at the main parking plaza or the East Gate. The internal market alleys are strictly pedestrian zones.