Qibao Ancient Town — Attraction in Shanghai

“Tourist village, not a water town”

There are many water towns nearby Shanghai like Zhujiajiao, Tongli, Zhou zhuang which are like 1 hour journey from Shanghai and the closest one to the city is Qibao. It’s one of the main tourist spots of the city. I took the subway line 9 and got down at Qibao station and walked out for 15minutes to reach this famous landmark. It has a big Arch at the entrance and close to that there is a bell tower.

There is no entrance fee for this tourist spot. I walked past the street vendors towards the water canals. There was nothing special about this place. The canals were filled with algae and some plants growing along the sides.

There were some boats berthed along the canal to woo the tourists. It’s a good place for an evening walk and I saw many people walking their dogs and some amateur fisherman trying their luck at catching a big fish. I sat down on a bench there and just observed the life here as it passed me by. Most of them seem to be people going back home after a long day’s work.

There was no specific age limit for the people around here, all are energetic and enthusiastic. I saw a food vendor on the other side of the canal, there was a big crowd surrounding this vendor.

Apart from other unknown items I have ever seen the main item was pork as it is one of the major foods that are consumed among the people here. You can get the feet, the eyes, the nose; almost all items of pork are on sale here. All the food items here have a special kind of smell, may be because of the oil they use. Also have many items made of rice and the way use to make the item...

In reality, Qibao Ancient Town bears a closer resemblance to Zhujiajiao than to Xitang. However, I would argue that a visit to Qibao Ancient Town offers a more enriching experience compared to a trip to Zhujiajiao. Its strategic location within the vibrant city of Shanghai enhances its accessibility and appeal, making it a convenient choice for both locals and tourists alike.

Qibao is a well-preserved relic from the Song dynasty, showcasing an array of traditional architecture and cultural heritage. As one strolls through its narrow, winding streets, one can encounter an eclectic mix of charming shops, artisanal workshops, and delightful eateries, all contributing to the town's unique atmosphere. The presence of an ancient temple further enriches the cultural tapestry of the area, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in its historical significance.

In my opinion, Qibao Ancient Town encapsulates the essence of traditional Chinese culture far more effectively than many other tourist destinations. Its harmonious blend of history, commerce, and culinary delights provides an authentic glimpse into the past while allowing modern-day visitors to engage with its vibrant community. Thus, for those seeking a profound connection to the rich heritage of Shanghai, Qibao stands as an exceptional choice worthy of...

A beautiful Ancient Town dating back to around the 1200's. The town includes the Bell Temple and tons of restaurants and shops. The town is beautiful when the sun sets and everything lights up in incredible red and green hues. Qibao is a hidden gem located just off of one of the main roads in Shanghai. The shops have everything from small souvenirs and trinkets to purses, clothes, and shoes. In addition to the many restaurants, there are street food vendors mixed in with the shops of Qibao where, if you're brave enough, you can experience Chinese food that is as authentic as it gets. We were glad that we stumbled across Qibao and look forward to walking the streets of Qibao again during future visits to Shanghai. It was a wonderful experience visiting a town that's more than 500 years older than the country I call home (America). There is a bridge over the Puhui River where you can get some great photos of the shops and restaurants that line both sides of the water on either side of the bridge. Qibao is also known for their crickets and, I believe, the cricket fights in the arena. I didn't see the cricket fights, but I did see some of the crickets and they are HUGE! I've never seen anything like it. Qibao is worth the visit if for no other reason than to see the biggest crickets I've ever...