I’m Michael Zhang, a travel enthusiast from China with a passion for uncovering the rich history and culture of the places I visit. Over the years, I’ve explored countless destinations across the globe, each offering its own unique story. Today, I invite you to join me on a journey through Qibao Ancient Town, a remarkable destination in Shanghai that boasts nearly two millennia of history. This enchanting town captures the essence of Jiangnan’s charm with its historic sites, vibrant traditions, and mouthwatering local delicacies. Whether you’re a history buff or a food lover, Qibao Ancient Town has something special to offer.

Summary

Introduction to Qibao Ancient Town

Qibao Ancient Town, situated in the Minhang District of Shanghai, spans an area of approximately 65 hectares. With a history dating back 1,780 years, it is one of the most well-preserved ancient towns in Jiangnan. At its heart lies the bustling Qibao Old Street, a hub for leisure, shopping, and dining.

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View of Qibao Ancient Town with traditional Jiangnan waterway and bridge

Qibao Ancient Town Map

Illustrated map of Qibao Ancient Town showing main attractions and streets

The Rich History of Qibao Ancient Town

Qibao Ancient Town traces its origins to the Eastern Han Dynasty. Its name derives from the renowned Qibao Temple, originally known as Lubao Temple, established during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period. In the Northern Song Dynasty, the town began to flourish, reaching its peak during the Ming and Qing dynasties thanks to a thriving cotton textile industry. In 2020, Qibao Ancient Town was officially designated as a National 4A-Level Scenic Area by Shanghai’s tourism authorities.

The Seven Treasures of Qibao

Qibao, meaning “Seven Treasures,” refers to the town’s legendary relics: the Flying Buddha, Golden Lotus Sutra, Floating Bell, Golden Rooster, Divine Tree, Jade Chopsticks, and Jade Axe. These treasures symbolize harmony, integrity, generosity, kindness, courage, diligence, and loyalty.

Flying Buddha

The Flying Buddha, cast in iron during the Ming Dynasty (1573–1619), was funded by a local Buddhist devotee named Xu Pan. Its exquisite craftsmanship and lifelike design make it a revered artifact housed in Nan Jiao Temple.

Statue of the Flying Buddha in Qibao Ancient Town

Golden Lotus Sutra

This ancient Buddhist scripture was written in gold ink by the consort of King Qian Liu during the Wu Yue Kingdom in the 10th century. It signifies cultural and spiritual wealth.

Golden Lotus Sutra sculpture in Qibao Ancient Town

Floating Bell

The Floating Bell, created during the Yongle era of the Ming Dynasty (1403–1424), was transported via waterways to Qibao Temple. It is rung every New Year’s Eve to bless the community.

Floating Bell statue in Qibao Ancient Town

Divine Tree

A millennium-old catalpa tree, the Divine Tree once stood within Qibao Temple. Known for its lush canopy and seasonal yellow blossoms, it is a symbol of vitality and protection.

Divine Tree sculpture in Qibao Ancient Town

Golden Rooster

According to local lore, the Golden Rooster guards a treasure trove beneath the town. It embodies the community’s belief in unity and collective effort for prosperity.

Golden Rooster statue in Qibao Ancient Town

Jade Chopsticks

Legend has it that a pair of jade chopsticks was gifted by an emperor to a loyal subject. Though stolen over time, their symbolic imprint remains on a bridge pillar in the northern part of town.

Jade Chopsticks sculpture in Qibao Ancient Town

Jade Axe

The Jade Axe played a pivotal role in the construction of Pu Hui Tang Bridge. As the legend goes, a mysterious elder used it to stabilize the bridge, ensuring its successful completion.

Jade Axe sculpture in Qibao Ancient Town

Why You Need to Visit Qibao Ancient Town

Rich Historical and Cultural Heritage

Located in Minhang District, Shanghai, Qibao Ancient Town boasts nearly a thousand years of history. It is one of the most well-preserved ancient towns in the area. Visitors can explore historic buildings, narrow streets, and charming alleys, such as Qibao Old Street and Qibao Temple, to experience the town’s rich historical atmosphere. Walking through these landmarks offers a glimpse into the vibrant history of this Jiangnan treasure.

Culinary Delights

Qibao Ancient Town is also a paradise for food lovers, offering a wide variety of traditional snacks and dishes. Signature delicacies like Qibao Tofu, Qibao Pastries, and Qibao Duck attract countless visitors eager to savor the flavors of old Shanghai. In addition to street food, the town is home to several specialty restaurants and teahouses where you can enjoy authentic Shanghai cuisine and immerse yourself in the region’s tea culture.

Vibrant Folk Traditions

The town is known for preserving its traditional customs and lively festivals, such as the Qibao Lantern Festival and the Qibao Dragon Boat Races. These events not only showcase the area’s rich cultural heritage but also provide visitors with opportunities to experience and participate in unique local traditions. Whether you’re watching the festivities or joining in, these celebrations add an extra layer of charm to your visit.

Things to Do in Qibao Ancient Town

Main Attractions

Qibao Old Street

Qibao Old Street is the heart of the ancient town, lined with traditional shops and food stalls. The street retains its architectural style from the Ming and Qing Dynasties, offering a strong Jiangnan ambiance. Visitors can enjoy local delicacies such as Qibao Tofu and Haitang Pastries or shop for traditional crafts. It’s not only the best place to immerse yourself in local culture but also a popular spot for taking Instagram-worthy photos.

Qibao Old Street with traditional architecture and shops

Qibao Bell Tower

The Qibao Bell Tower is one of the iconic landmarks of the town, located at the entrance of the old street. Majestic and towering, it features intricate decorations and carvings that narrate the history of Qibao Ancient Town. Visitors can climb the tower to enjoy panoramic views of the town, especially enchanting at sunset.

Qibao Bell Tower with traditional Jiangnan architectural design

Pu Hui Tang Bridge

This classic Jiangnan-style stone arch bridge spans the Pu Hui Tang River and serves as a crucial pathway in the town. Over a century old, the bridge remains well-preserved. Standing on it, visitors can take in stunning views of the ancient town and the surrounding waterways, making it a must-visit for photography enthusiasts.

Pu Hui Tang Bridge over the canal in Qibao Ancient Town

Qibao Temple

Qibao Temple is a significant historical site and a key destination for exploring the town’s religious heritage. Established during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period, the temple showcases architectural elements from the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Inside, the Flying Buddha and Golden Lotus Sutra are revered treasures that reflect Qibao’s spiritual history.

Qibao Temple showcasing historic Ming and Qing dynasty architecture

Dongyue Temple and Doumu Pavilion

Dongyue Temple and Doumu Pavilion are Taoist structures with exquisite architectural details and a rich history. The temple is dedicated to the Eastern Mountain Emperor and Doumu Yuanjun, drawing devotees who seek blessings. Visitors can explore these sacred spaces to experience traditional Taoist culture and admire the stunning craftsmanship.

Dongyue Temple and Doumu Pavilion in Qibao Ancient Town

Qibao Shadow Play Art Museum

The Qibao Shadow Play Art Museum is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the ancient Chinese art of shadow puppetry. The museum displays beautifully crafted shadow puppets and offers insights into their production process. Regular performances allow visitors to experience this traditional art form firsthand.

Shadow Puppet Art Museum performance in Qibao Ancient Town

Ticket Guide for Qibao Ancient Town

Admission to Qibao Ancient Town is free, and most areas can be explored without a ticket. However, some attractions, such as the Shadow Play Art Museum, charge a nominal fee (adult ticket: 5 RMB). While it’s not necessary to visit the paid sites to enjoy the town, tickets can be conveniently purchased at the entrances of these attractions.

Guide for Touring Qibao Ancient Town

Qibao Ancient Town is easy to navigate without a guide. Visitors can stroll through the old streets and historic buildings at their own pace, soaking in the town’s rich history and cultural charm. Highlights include Jiangnan-style architecture and a variety of local snacks, such as Qibao Tofu and Haitang Pastries. Shops and small museums along the streets add diversity to the experience, making it perfect for independent exploration.

From Qibao Metro Station → Bell Tower → Cotton Weaving Workshop → Zhang Chongren Memorial Hall → Shadow Play Museum → Pu Hui Tang Bridge → Old Handicrafts → South Street → Qibao Calligraphy Art Museum → Zhou’s Micro Carving Museum → Pawn Shop → Old Communal Society → Cricket Culture Museum → Qibao Temple.

Qibao Ancient Town is a food lover’s paradise, offering a wide variety of delicacies. Must-try items include Haitang Pastries, Sweet Lotus Root, Snowy Hawthorn, Rice Cakes, Sticky Rice Dumplings, Steamed Meatballs, White-cut Lamb, Tangyuan Soup, Braised Pork Knuckles, Qibao Liquor, and Stinky Tofu from the Old Street. For more insights into Shanghai’s culinary treasures, check out the Shanghai Food Guide.

Traditional Haitang Pastries from Qibao Ancient Town

How to Get to Qibao Ancient Town from Downtown Shanghai

Metro

The most convenient way to reach Qibao Ancient Town from downtown Shanghai is by metro. Take Line 9 of the Shanghai Metro and get off at Qibao Station. From Exit 1, it’s approximately a 10-minute walk to the ancient town. Metro services run from 5:30 AM to 11:30 PM, making this a reliable and efficient option.

Bus

For those who prefer buses, you can take Route 91 or Hongqiao Hub Line 4. These routes stop near Qibao Town or Qibao Old Street, providing easy access to the area.

Taxi or Rideshare

Taking a taxi or rideshare service like Didi is another convenient choice. The journey from downtown Shanghai to Qibao Ancient Town takes around 30 minutes, with costs ranging from 60 to 80 RMB, depending on traffic and your starting point.

FAQ

Is Qibao Ancient Town stroller-friendly?

Yes, Qibao Ancient Town is generally stroller-friendly, as its main streets and attractions have flat surfaces that make navigation easy. However, some sites may have steps or narrow pathways, so extra care is needed when using a stroller.

Where can I store my luggage?

Qibao Ancient Town does not have official luggage storage facilities. You can ask nearby shops if they offer luggage storage services or make arrangements at your accommodation before heading to the town.

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