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Qikou Ancient Town
Introducing Qikou Ancient Town
from ancient-origins.net
The word ‘Qi’ in the town’s name has been translated to mean ‘sand-piled shoal’. This phenomenon occurs when sudden fluctuations in the Yellow River (which the town is situated on the east bank of) cause rip currents to occur. As a result, the river becomes much shallower during this time. In one report, it is stated that the depth of the river could “reduce from 400 (1312.34 ft.) meters to 80 (262.467 ft.) meters”. Thus, the town of Qikou was named after this natural phenomenon.
Due to its geographical location, the land around the town is not suitable for agricultural activities. The Yellow River, however, was an important route for the transportation of trade goods in ancient times. It was due to this that Qikou prospered. From Qikou, goods were transported to “Lanzhou and Wuzhou [in the] west, Baotou and Wuyuan [in the] north, Handan and Zhengzhou [in the] south, and Taiyuan, Beijing [and] Tianjin [in the] East.”
The town of Qikou thrived during the Ming and the Qing Dynasties. During these periods, it “served as a vital trading point marking the eastern terminus for river-bound freight between northwest and north China.” At this point, the Yellow River became narrower and shallower, thus making it difficult, if not impossible, for boats journeying to the east and north to pass. Thus, the trade goods had to continue their journey overland in caravans of horses or camels. This brought business for the people of Qikou, and made the town flourish.
The remnants of this past glory can be seen in the town’s many well-preserved buildings. During its heyday, Qikou is reputed to have had more than 380 shops operating in the town. These shops were likely to have catered to the needs of the passing merchants, providing them with a variety of goods and services.
One of the buildings in the town that attests to this, for example, is a shop that housed an escort agency called Shi Yi Biao Ju’, roughly translate as ‘Ten Righteousness Escort Agency’). Such agencies hired out caravan guards to merchants who wanted extra protection for their goods.
Qikou’s prosperity gradually declined during the first half of the 20th century. During the 1930s, rail transport was introduced into the region. Still, Qikou remained as a trade center connecting business from Shanxi, Shaanxi, and Inner Mongolia until the 1940s. Since then, the use of modern transportation meant that Qikou lost its role as a trade hub.
Due to the economic decline of Qikou, many young people left the town for larger cities since the 1980s. Additionally, this decline has helped to preserve the old buildings from being redeveloped into new structures. In the past two decades, efforts have been made by the local government to inject new life into the town by bringing in the tourism industry.
The town’s well-preserved structures and its scenic landscape are promoted as its greatest attractions. Whilst this industry would re-invigorate this sleepy town, it has also been warned that there are potential hazards, such as the “threats of superhighway access to Qikou and a proposed riverfront highway that would sever its historic access to the waterfront.” Therefore, it is important that a balance is struck between tourism and the preservation of the town.
Qikou Ancient Town Fast Facts
• Chinese Name: Qi Kou Zhen 碛口镇
• Best Time to Visit: April to Oct
• Recommended Visiting Hours: 2 -3 hours
• Type: Folk dwellings
• Opening Hours: 24 hours
• Entrance Fee: free
• Address: Qikou, Lin County, Shanxi.
How to get to Qikou Ancient Town
• Qikou Ancient Town is approximately 250km away from Taiyuan.
• Rent a car/bus from GGC to enjoy a hassle free private transfer from hotels in Taiyuan to Qikou Ancient Town.
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Tour Highlights
• Visit the Qikou Ancient Town, a forgotten jewel on the banks of the Yellow River.
• Admire the mighty Yellow River, the second longest river in China.
• Experienced English speaking tour guide.
• Overland round-trip transfers with private chauffeur and in-transport refreshments.About This Tour
• Departure: Daily departing from Taiyuan
• Tour Duration: Approximately 8 hours.
• Guide Languages: Chinese & English.
• Pick-up Time: Between 07:00 and 10:00, choose a departure time most suitable for you.
• Pick-up & Drop-off Place: Your accommodation in Taiyuan
• Advice on Meals: Lunch is not included in this tour, please have a big breakfast and pack snacks just in case you get a bit peckish during sightseeing. If you want to try authentic local food for lunch, please feel free to inform your guide who is always ready to help.Tour Itinerary at a Glance
• Pick up from your accommodation in Taiyuan
• Drive to Qikou Ancient Town (about 250km)
• Visit Qikou Ancient Town & Yellow River
• Lunch on your own
• Transfer back to your accommodation in Taiyuan (about 250km)
Tailor This Tour to Meet Your Needs and Requirements
• If you want to modify this itinerary, please feel free to contact GoGrandChina by WhatsApp (+86-18309280878), Wechat (+86-18309280878) or email (info@GrandChinaTravel.com), we will create a tailor-made tour package for you.Tour Prices (US$ Per Person)
1 person 2 people 3 people 4 people 5 people 6 people 7 people 8 people 9 people 10 + $438 $248 $188 $148 $138 $128 $118 $108 $98 $88
Price Remark
• Prices are not valid during China's Official Holidays (such as National Day & Chinese New Year Festival etc.).
Price Inclusions
• Professional English language speaking private tour guide
• Air-conditioned vehicle with private experienced driver
• All admission tickets to sightseeing places
• All government taxesPrice Exclusions
• Hotel accommodation.
• Your personal expenses.
• Meals are excluded allowing you flexibility on menu.
• Travel insurance is not included. Please purchase before your trip to provide for any unforeseen circumstances.
• Gratuities to guide & driver. They are customary and would be of great encouragement and reward for quality service.Additional Info
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking.
• Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately.
• The itinerary is subject to change due to traffic conditions or bad weather.
• The itinerary is flexible; changes can be made upon written request from travelers.
• IMPORTANT: It is required by the government regulations that travelers must provide their name, gender, nationality, passport number and date of birth to their tour operator upon booking a tour. Failure to do so could result in being denied access or admittance to sites and attractions during sightseeing. When you book this tour, please complete all required fields at checkout. Please bring your passport with you on the tour.Cancellation Policy
• You may cancel the booking and receive a full refund up to 24 hours prior to the date of your tour.
• Cancellation within 24 hours or after the tour begins is non-refundable.
• Cancellation request will be confirmed in 2-5 business days, you will receive your refund within 14 working days.Why Travelers Have to Choose GoGrandChina Private Tours?
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• Choose your most suitable departure time, whether you are an early bird or you prefer sleeping in.
• GoGrandChina private tours are more flexible, allowing you to adjust everything on your trip to your wishes.
• GoGrandChina tour guides will be at your service to make sure you get the most from each destination. They are there for you and are responsible for making your journey special – and your needs always come first.
• GoGrandChina offers comfortable and luxury vehicles with a private & experienced driver who’s always by your side and ready to take you to your next destination.
• No shopping stops & factory visits, no chance of getting ripped off.
• No hidden costs, rest assured that there are no nasty surprises.
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