Ciqikou
Ciqikou Ciqikou is an ancient town in the Shapingba District of Chongqing Municipality, People’s Republic of China. It was originally called Longyinzhen and was also known as Little Chongqing.
According to an old Chinese proverb: “One flagstone road, and one thousand years’ Ciqikou”. The name of the town can be traced back to porcelain production during the Ming (1368–1644) and Qing Dynasties. Formerly a busy port located at the lower reaches of the Jialing River, a thousand years after its foundation the town remains a symbol and microcosm of old Chongqing.
Ciqikou is located on the west bank of the Jialing River and covers an area of 1.18 square kilometres (0.46 sq mi). Three mountains, Mount Jingbi, Mount Fenghuang and Mount Ma’an lie in Ciqikou, whilst Fenghuang Quan and Qinshui Quan run across it. The geography of Ciqikou is considered to have perfect Fengshui by the local people.
The ancient town abounds in customs, many of which have lasted till now. These include baibazi, xingbang, family’s ancestral temple, Pao Brother, temple fair, dragon dance, dragon boat race, friends of Sichuan opera, chuntai drama as well as pingshu and teahouse culture.
Chongqing is known for its wide variety of local food traditions, especially the ubiquitous, spicy “hotpot”; while Ciqikou is one of the best-known places in Chongqing. Jiaoyan Peanut, Maoxuewang, and Qianzhangpi, called the three treasures of Ciqikou, as well as Douban fish, are the most popular.