CHONGQING (CQNEWS) -- Recently, the opening of Ciqikou Backstreet makes the area more vibrant, and people who love to travel cannot miss this new scenic spot. Apart from the traditional commercial area, the Backstreet also has some new and exciting places to visit. This time, we’ll reveal what’s really fun and interesting in Ciqikou Backstreet.

Photo provided by Ciqikou Backstreet

A three-dimensional tour of Chongqing stilted building

In the old days, houses were built near the water and against the mountains, resulting in a cluster of stilted buildings with local characteristics of Chongqing. As time goes by, the preservation of the stilted buildings and the inheritance of their cultural values have become a focus of attention.

With a tribute to the ancient architecture and craftsmanship, Ciqikou Backstreet has inherited the ancient method and reproduced this feature with the “Stilted Building Square”, where shops are opened on the “ground floor” along with the “underground”. On the ground floor of the stilted building, it incorporates the cultural and artistic characteristics of Sichuan and Chongqing regions, such as Sichuan opera and face-changing, as well as subcultural fashion district showcasing Han Chinese Clothing and Lolita. On the second floor, Shanghai SDX Bookstore READWAY is invited to set up an installation exhibition of “White Night Fairy Tales”, a representative IP of national culture, so that visitors can experience the rich cultural atmosphere and the unique humanistic charm of Ciqikou while shopping. On the fourth floor, the whole area is presented as an open-air area named Ciyueli, which overlooks the beautiful night view of the Stilted Building Square…

Stilted Building Square lit up at night (Photo provided by Ciqikou Backstreet)

The shops opened in accordance with the topography of the Stilted Building Square (Photo provided by Ciqikou Backstreet)

“Commerce” and “Porcelain” as the characteristics of the ancient town

It is said that Ciqikou was a major town in Chongqing’s history, where porcelain was transported to and from the city, and became a commercial dock with the convenience of land and water transportation. The Ciqikou Backstreet today is naturally full of important elements such as “Commerce” and “Porcelain”.

Photo provided by Ciqikou Backstreet

“Commerce” is arguably the deeper impression of Ciqikou among Chongqing locals. According to Ms. Zhen, who lives in a neighborhood around Ciqikou, “Ciqikou Old Street is full of people and shops. When we say we visit Ciqikou, we are actually there to buy fried dough twist and trinkets and see what’s fun, so we can come and wander around when we are free.”

Likewise, Ciqikou Backstreet also inherits the characteristics of “Commerce”, inviting Shanghai SDX Bookstore READWAY, Zhoushixiong Chongqing Hot Pot, ArTechHub Art Magnetic Field, Huali Jiahe Huafang Hotel, Han Chinese Clothing and national trendy retail brands to settle. In addition to the experience and snack-based brands on the Old Street, the Backstreet has been upgraded with a comprehensive business format to create a 24-hour entertainment circle.

Shanghai SDX Bookstore (Photo provided by Ciqikou Backstreet)

The two “Porcelain” venues in Backstreet are based around the historical and cultural attribute of “Porcelain”: ArTechHub Art Magnetic Field and Ceramic Art Avenue - Chongqing Magnetic Field.

ArTechHub Art Magnetic Field is a new digital re-creation of a famous classical Western painting, incorporating kinetic and interactive means to “move” the content of the image, interpreting the artist’s concept in naked eye 3D, and interacting with the masterpiece in 4K images.

Beautiful optical and artistic exhibits in the Time Mark Technology and Art Exhibition Hall

Ceramic Art Avenue - Chongqing Magnetic Field is the “deep obsession” with the culture of “Porcelain” in Ciqiikou. Ceramic Art Avenue - Chongqing Magnetic Field, introduced from Jingde Town, has not only exquisite porcelain products for visitors to enjoy, but also porcelain-making DIY projects for visitors to experience the simple joy of “making clay”.

The porcelain culture introduced from Jingdezhen blending in with Ciqikou

Exploring Chongqing’s history in the green hills and lucid waters

Built on a hill, Ciqikou is naturally mountainous. Banshan Dieshui Backstreet Park is an ecological mountain garden that incorporates the unique mountainous terrain of the Backstreet. It is connected to Ma’anshan Park, making it a rare place of tranquility in the hustle and bustle of Ciqikou and a green spot to visit.

Banshan Dieshui Backstreet Park (Photo provided by Ciqikou Backstreet)

Halfway up the hill, you will pass by the Chongqing Memory Museum, which has an imposing appearance as well as things representing Chongqing’s history: nearly 300-year-old Ciqikou stone road, a porcelain art installation of Sichuan opera facial masks made by famous artists... Here you can enjoy the past and present life of Ciqikou.

Exterior of Chongqing History Museum (Photo provided by Ciqikou Backstreet)

Interior of Chongqing History Museum (Photo provided by Ciqikou Backstreet)

After touring around for most of the day, you can finally sit down at one of teahouses in Ciqikou Backstreet and savor the unique atmosphere of history and culture amidst the hustle and bustle.

Ciqikou Backstreet

Address: About 200m southwest of Ciqikou Primary School, Citong Road, Shapingba District, Chongqing (Translated by Wang Huixin, Fathom Language Limited)