[2] Formerly a busy port located at the lower reaches of the Jialing River, a thousand years after its foundation the town remains a symbol and microcosm of old Chongqing (Jiang Zhou).

[citation needed] It gained prominence during the Ming dynasty as a commercial port and market town, shipping goods both by land and water.

[citation needed] Travelers to Chongqing and locals alike throng to Ciqikou's steep and narrow pedestrian streets.

[citation needed] Many well-known people lived here during the Second Sino-Japanese War, including Guo Moruo, Xu Beihong, Feng Zikai, Fu Baoshi, Ba Jin, Bing Xin, etc.

[citation needed] Visitors walking into the hall and courtyard—and across the separation of time and space—of Bayu Dwellings, built of timber, stone and brick, experience an unmistakable sense of peace.

[citation needed] The Jianwen Emperor of the Ming dynasty spent the rest of his life living at this temple after he was ousted from Beijing and went into exile.

In large part due to this reputation, the Han Lin Academy in Ciqikou brought together many local academics and students at the time.