The ancient village of Ciqikou, with more than 1,000 years of history, is one of the best places to explore daily life in bustling Chongqing in southwest China.
Located along the Jialing River, Ciqikou Village was founded in the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127). It later rose to prominence during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) as a trading port and market, shipping goods both by land and water.
With local authorities’ efforts to promote the integration of cultural and tourism development and boost urban renewal, more and more tourists are flocking to this place in Chongqing to experience the authentic charm of China’s ancient villages.
A town known for its architecture and traditional culture
The village retains ancient architecture, with cobbled streets and traditional Chinese-style houses dating from different historical periods. The buildings are decorated with intricate wood carvings and curved roofs.
The houses are adorned with intricate wooden carvings depicting cultural and symbolic motifs that connect visitors to Chinese mythology. The facades of the houses, painted in bright colours, convey an air of vitality and reflect the energy of the community.
The traditionally curved roofs are not only shaped for aesthetic reasons, but also serve a practical function of diverting rainwater. The labyrinthine layout of the streets invites exploration, revealing hidden corners and inner courtyards that serve as spaces for people to rest and meet.
The village is also home to ornate Taoist and Buddhist temples. These are centres of spiritual and cultural life for the inhabitants.
Ciqikou is famous for its local culture, crafts, food and ancient village traditions. Visitors can enjoy a variety of local foods, such as the famous “mala” (spicy dishes) and traditional sweets. The village is home to numerous shops selling local crafts, souvenirs, tea and typical products of the region.
Source: https://reporteasia.com/economia/turismo/2024/07/13/conoce-encanto-antiguo-pueblo-ciqikou/
