What to Eat and See in Ciqikou Old Town?

Last updated: May 2026. Verify opening before you go.

A main street follows the slope; on both sides are old-style wooden shops—mahua (twisted dough), chili paste, hotpot base, teahouses, handicrafts. Ciqikou was once a riverside market town on the Jialing; now it’s a preserved old quarter, touristy and commercial but with flagstones, stilt buildings, and the “Chen mahua” signs still there. Mornings are relatively quiet: walk slowly, try the mahua, sit in a teahouse. Afternoon into evening brings tour groups and a crowded main street.

What Makes it Worth It

Ciqikou is one of the larger old-street areas left in central Chongqing, and the metro goes straight there. Unlike Hongyadong (which is about the night view), this is for daytime strolling, snacks, and souvenirs—Chen mahua, hotpot base, chili paste. It suits anyone who wants “half a day away from the towers, a bit of old Chongqing”; if you prefer a quiet old town, it may feel too busy. Pair with Zhazidong, Baigongguan, or other city stops; half a day is enough.

What to Expect

Crowds: The main street is very crowded on weekends and holidays; mornings or weekdays are better. Side lanes off the main street are a bit quieter.

Commercial: Mahua, hotpot base, chili, teahouses, and snacks at tourist prices. Try before you buy; you don’t need to buy everything.

Physical: The main street has slopes and steps—wear comfortable shoes. Allow 1–2 hours to walk the length; longer if you stop in teahouses or shops.

Facilities: Public toilets and rest areas exist; they can queue in peak season. Plenty of snack stalls; use your judgment on hygiene.

Don't Miss

Main street and old wharf — Enter from the main gate and walk toward the river to reach the old wharf area. The middle section has the densest shops—try mahua and the chili stores.

Chen mahua — Ciqikou’s signature; several shops. Try a few and pick one to buy as a gift.

Teahouses (optional) — Old-style teahouses on the main street and side lanes; order a cup and sit for a while. Pay per cup or per seat; no minimum.

Side lanes — Lanes off the main street are less crowded; some still have residents and small shops.

Practical Information

No single official site; shops and teahouses set their own hours and prices. Payment is mostly by phone; have How to Pay in China ready.

Getting There

Metro: Line 1 to Ciqikou, then follow signs to the old town entrance; 5–10 min on foot.

Taxi / ride-hail: Set “Ciqikou Old Town” or “Ciqikou main gate”; if the app doesn’t accept English, show a map pin or 磁器口古镇 (your hotel can write it). Traffic can back up near the entrance at peak times—get out a bit early and walk if needed.

With Zhazidong / Baigongguan: Do Ciqikou first then taxi or bus to Zhazidong, or the reverse: Zhazidong and Baigongguan in the morning, Ciqikou in the afternoon.

A common mistake is allowing only one hour—the street isn’t long but tasting, browsing, and sitting in a teahouse add up; allow at least two hours for a relaxed visit.

Ciqikou is an easy-to-reach old street in the city: half a day for strolling, snacks, and souvenirs. Mornings are less crowded and more comfortable. If you’re not chasing an “untouched” old town, it delivers old buildings, mahua, chili, and teahouses—a good counterpoint to Hongyadong and Chaotianmen’s night views.

If you prioritise river and night views, do Hongyadong and Chaotianmen only. If you want one "old street + snacks + souvenirs" run, Ciqikou is the most convenient in the city.

Related Guides:

• Chongqing City Guide — Complete city guide