"Ciqikou" Ciqikou by Willettsworld

Ciqikou is an ancient town located on the south bank of the Jialing River about 14km west of Chongqing. According to the history records, Ciqikou was first founded some 1,700 years ago. It then became a commercial dock both by land and water dating from Ming Dynasty. Chongqing itself has undergone many changes over the centuries, changes that have not been reflected in Ciqikou with the consequence that the town conveys an impression of what Chongqing would have been like in the distant past. This fact has been recognised by the State Council and in 1998 Ciqikou became a protected cultural site. The buildings have been restored and preserved for tourists and the main street is lined with shops, teahouses and restaurants selling local specialities. With all this in mind, the town gets very busy with Chinese tourists which make the narrow streets very busy but I stayed here in a hostel (see hotel tip) and liked it far more than if I stayed in Chongqing!