Stories from China (Part 14)

This entry is part 14 of 40 in the series Stories from China

May 28, 2023

Stories from China (Part 14)

By Simon J. Lau

I visited Ciqikou, an ancient town that was once known for its thriving porcelain production. Those days are long gone, and there’s little, if any, porcelain made here now. What remains are the old streets and traditional buildings that reflect its history.

Today, the storefronts have mostly been converted into small shops, teahouses, and restaurants catering to visitors. In one corner, hundreds of wooden prayer plaques hung from the beams, each one carrying a handwritten wish or blessing. Small bells dangled from the strings, swaying gently in the breeze and filling the air with a soft, tinkling sound as people added their own hopes alongside those already hanging.

In the evening, I had my first taste of authentic Chongqing hotpot. Known for its fiery broth loaded with Sichuan peppercorns and chilies, Chongqing hotpot takes the intensity of Sichuanese hotpot and dials it up even further. The pot arrives bubbling, red with spices, filling the air with a heat that you can smell before you even take a bite.

I went with a friend’s cousin, who had previously studied abroad. As someone who has spent time in the West, he could readily compare Chinese and Western culture, moving easily between perspectives. We spent much of our time discussing Chinese politics, and he spoke with a candor I didn’t expect. Hearing his take on how China sees itself and how it sees the West gave me a lot to think about.

As a nightcap, I returned to Mr. Tipsy. It was much livelier this time, and I spent most of the evening chatting with the bartenders and other patrons. Sadly, the bar is closing its doors for good soon, so I’ll have to make one last visit before I leave.