Chongqing Travel: Skip Ciqikou, Visit Nanshan Laojun Cave Instead
- DolphinUnion
- Sep 26
- 4 min read
Most travel blogs say you must visit Ciqikou Ancient Town (磁器口古镇) when in Chongqing. But as a local who’s lived here for 30 years and helped over 200 foreign visitors plan their trips, I’ll tell you the truth: Ciqikou isn’t worth your time.
Last month, my Australian friend begged me to take him there. After two hours walking through crowds, he said, “This is just a street of food stalls—not a real ancient town!” He was disappointed.
If you’re looking for real Chongqing hidden gems for foreigners, skip Ciqikou. Go to Nanshan Laojun Cave (南山老君洞 = Laojun Cave, a Taoist temple on Nanshan Mountain) instead. In this Chongqing Ciqikou vs Nanshan Laojun Cave travel guide, I’ll show you why one is a tourist trap—and the other is a local favorite with real culture, views, and value.
1. Why You Should Skip Ciqikou
1.1 Only 1 Small Street Is “Real”
Ciqikou’s “ancient” area is just one short street (about 200 meters long) with real old houses from the Qing Dynasty. All other “ancient-looking” buildings were built in the last 10 years. They’re fake—made for tourists.
My dad grew up near Ciqikou. He says when he was a kid, the whole town was real. Now he refuses to go. He calls it “a movie set.”
If you still want to go, only visit the main street (Zhengjie). Don’t waste time on the new buildings. They look like every other “ancient town” in China.
1.2 Too Commercialized
90% of Ciqikou’s shops sell the same snacks: spicy peanuts, sweet potato chips, and “Chongqing noodles” that taste nothing like real local food. It’s crowded, overpriced, and has no culture—just like Hongyadong.
My Canadian friend bought “handmade peanut brittle” for ¥30. Later, we found the same brand in a convenience store for only ¥10.
Don’t buy “local specialties” at Ciqikou. Most are factory-made. For real snacks, go to street stalls in residential areas. Try xiaomian (小面) or huoguo (火锅) where locals eat.
1.3 Too Far from Core Areas
Ciqikou is 18km from Jiefangbei (Chongqing’s center). It takes 1 hour by light rail (Line 1) plus a 10-minute walk—one way! You’ll spend 2+ hours on transport for a 30-minute visit.
My Brazilian friend planned a day trip. He left Jiefangbei at 10 AM and got back at 3 PM. He said, “I could’ve used that time for better things.”
Instead, use those 2 hours to visit Laojun Cave. You’ll get real views and culture—no wasted time.
2. Why Nanshan Laojun Cave Is Better
2.1 Best Panoramic Views of Chongqing
From Laojun Cave’s top platform, you can see Jiefangbei’s skyscrapers, Hongyadong’s stilt houses, and the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers. It’s the most breathtaking view in Chongqing—and there are almost no tourists.
Last spring, I took my UK friend there at 8 AM. Only 5 other people were there. He took over 100 photos. He said, “This is better than the expensive WFC observation deck!”
Go to Laojun Cave’s West Gate (Ximen). The East Gate has 300+ stairs. The West Gate is at the top. Save your energy. Tell taxi drivers: “Laojun Cave Xi Men Tingche Chang” (南山老君洞西门停车场).
2.2 Real Taoist Culture
Laojun Cave was built in the Tang Dynasty (over 1,000 years ago). It’s a real temple, not a copy. You’ll see old stone carvings, red lanterns, and monks doing rituals on weekends.
Last winter, I took my French friend during Taoist New Year. We watched monks light incense and chant. She said, “This is the real China I came to see—not food stalls.”
Entry fee is only ¥10. Don’t touch statues or talk loudly. Chat with the old monks—they love sharing stories with tourists.
2.3 Easy to Combine with Other Spots
Laojun Cave is only 12km from Jiefangbei—30 minutes by taxi. After visiting, go to Nanshan Night View Park for sunset or back to the center for dinner. No need for a “special trip” like Ciqikou.
I always recommend “Laojun Cave + Nanshan Sunset” to foreign friends: Leave Jiefangbei at 2 PM, visit until 4 PM, then watch sunset. You get culture and views in 3 hours—no wasted day.
Take bus 384 to “Laojun Cave Station” (老君洞站) if you don’t take a taxi. It drops you near the West Gate—much easier than the light rail.
Final Thoughts: Skip Ciqikou, Choose Laojun Cave
I spent 2 months testing Ciqikou and Laojun Cave with 3 groups of foreign friends. All were disappointed by Ciqikou. All loved Laojun Cave. That’s why I’m sure: skip Ciqikou, choose Laojun Cave.
Exclusive Tips (Only for Readers):① Taxi Phrase Card: Use “Laojun Cave Xi Men Tingche Chang” (南山老君洞西门停车场) to reach the West Gate easily. Most drivers don’t know the name.② Hidden Taoist Tea Houses: Small local spots near the temple serve cheap, authentic tea. You can hear monks chant while drinking. Ask me for the list!
Last week, a Canadian reader messaged me: “I skipped Ciqikou and went to Laojun Cave. I got the best photos of my trip—no crowds, and I tried Taoist tea! Thank you for saving my time.” He sent a photo of himself with Chongqing’s skyline behind.
If you want to skip tourist traps and see the real Chongqing locals love, grab our DolphinUnion Chongqing Guide. It’s like having a local friend with you—no more wasting time on overhyped spots like Ciqikou.
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