Chongqing Ciqikou: A Historical and Cultural Street Renewed

Sited on the bank of Jialing River in Shapingba District, Chongqing, China, Ciqikou was built in the Song Dynasty. Covering an area of 1.5 square kilometers, it borders Jialing River in the east, Shapingba in the south, Tongjiaqiao in the west and Shijingpo in the north. Three kilometers away from the city downtown, it is a traditional block for key protection in Chongqing and a historical and cultural street in China that has survived the vicissitude of past 10 centuries.

Night View of Ciqikou  [Photo provided by Chongqing Municipal Development Committee of Culture and Tourism]

The stone road in Ciqikou has witnessed the long history of this place over the past 1800 year. Built 1800 years ago and known as the first town in Bayu region today, Ciqikou has preserved relatively complete ancient buildings.  Known for its signature Bayu styles, Ciqikou boasts antique teahouses, long-standing wharf culture, nine palaces and eighteen temples of Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism, awe-inspiring Hongyan martyr memorial site, characteristic a cappella and fire dragon performance of Sichuan Opera, unique and diversified tourist souvenirs, and three widely-known delicacies of Chongqing style boiled blood curd, bean curd sheets, and salted peanuts.

Nowadays, along the wharf of Ciqikou is a string of attractions including Longyin Square, Baiyan Square, Diecui Garden, Qingshuixi River estuary and Yinglongmen Archway, forming a unique riverside landscape. Walking along the road of the Stilted Building Square at back street of Ciqikou, you would discover an antique commercial block. Citizens and tourists can visit characteristic shops, select creative commodities, and taste the "slow life" of the back streets that blend ancient and modern genres. While the Chongqing Culture, Bayu Culture and Shaci Culture integrate here, the memory of the city is "superimposed" here.