Ciqikou is located in Shapingba District of Chongqing Municipality, about 17 kilometers away from the Liberation Monument. [Photo/Chinanews.com]

It was early morning as I strolled through Ciqikou before the ancient town became customarily festooned with tourists. Its gray-brick houses, with black-tiled roofs and carved doors and windows, nestle in the hills. Walking along the damp stone paths, I marveled inwardly at the peace and ease of this small town.

Ciqikou is located in Shapingba District of Chongqing Municipality, about 17 kilometers away from the Liberation Monument (Yuzhong District), which marks the center of the city. It is easily accessible by subway Line 1. Ciqikou Station is always busy. From there tourists do not need to ask for directions to the old town – the crowd leads the way.

At first sight, Ciqikou may appear to be another of China's commercialized tourist attractions. However, behind the buzz stands a serene town of alleys dotted with residents’ homes.