The village of Ciqikou is only a short ride from central Chongqing, but it feels like something from another era entirely. Named the "Porcelain Village" after its famed Qing and Ming dynasty porcelain producers, Ciqikou is a popular destination for locals and visitors who enjoy strolling the ancient flagstone streets and sipping tea in its many tea houses. The protected cultural site is situated along the bank of the Jialing River near its confluence with the mighty Yangtze, and its streets are lined with Sichuan-style buildings that sell artwork, apparel, and porcelain objects of all kinds. Start at the ancient wharf, where fishermen and traders have come and gone for more than 1700 years, and then stop by a few of the notable houses in town. Zhong's Compound, for example, was built by a late Qing dynasty eunuch who served Ci Xi, Empress of the Qing Dynasty, and is filled with priceless works of art and examples of traditional architecture and design. Bao Lun Buddhist Temple, meanwhile, was constructed without using a single nail, and still draws scores of visitors who pray and meditate in the Ming Dynasty chambers. Ciqikou is definitely a good spot to pick up a souvenir or two of your journey, and you'll have plenty of porcelain shops to choose from. Take your time to find what you like, and don't be afraid to haggle a little bit. Guests at Le Méridien Chongqing, Nan'an will enjoy a stroll through this ancient Porcelain town.

[image via foreignercn.com]