Ciqikou, Chongqing, Historic port district in Shapingba, China

Ciqikou is a historic port district on the banks of the Jialing River in Chongqing, with buildings from the Ming and Qing periods. The structures sit on steep slopes and are connected by a network of stone-paved lanes.

The district was founded during the early Song Dynasty and gradually became the main center for porcelain production and river trade in the region. During the Ming Dynasty it reached its peak, attracting merchants from across the country.

The Baolun Temple is an active place where visitors can watch monks during ceremonies and see incense burning in the courtyards. The lanes around it are lined with small stalls selling local specialties like dried chilis and pressed tofu.

The district is easy to reach by public transport or taxi and is best visited in spring or autumn when the weather is mild. The lanes are steep and stone-paved, so comfortable shoes make a real difference.

The Zhong Family Compound is more than 120 years old, built by Zhong Yunting, a late Qing eunuch who served on the staff of Empress Dowager Cixi. Its design combines northern and southern Chinese architectural traditions. The site is listed among the protected old buildings of Shapingba District.