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Ci Qi Kou

The ancient village of Ci Qi Kou is situated on the bank of the Jia Ling River, not far from its confluence with the mighty Yangtze, 14 kilometres to the west of Chongqing.
It reflects an impression of what Chongqing would have been like in the distant past. In 1998, the State Council listed Ci Qi Kou as an protected cultural site.

Ci Qi Kou, covering an area of some 1.2 square kilometres, is formerly known as Long Yin. During the Ming and Qing Dynasties (1368-1911) it was famous for its production of porcelain. So the name has been changed from Long Yin to Ci Qi Kou (Porcelain Village). Over twenty old kiln sites have been discovered there now.

The many houses in Ci Qi Kou date from the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Much of the two and three storey construction is of bamboo and timber. Blue bricks and pillars set off the snow-white walls that contrast in turn with vermilion doors and lattice windows. The most famous in this village are the tea bars, the artists' studios and the Shu Embroidery workshops.

Ci Qi Kou was also an important supply post for shipping on the rive. So many shops lines the twelve lanes paved with their large flag stones that form the main routes. Here you will find many outlets for craftwork, groceries, photography supplies, drugstore and a tempting supply of roasted nuts and seeds.