Qibao Ancient Town Travel Guide, Shanghai

#Mainland Travel Qibao Ancient Town is the thousand-year-old water town closest to downtown Shanghai. It combines the ancient charm of Jiangnan with modern commerce and is famous for "Thousand-year-old Shanghai in Qibao". The following is the essence of the strategy: Transportation Take Metro Line 9 to Qibao Station, exit at Exit 2, and walk about 10 minutes to the entrance of the ancient town. If you drive, you can navigate to "Qibao Old Street" and there are parking lots nearby. Must-see attractions Qibao Old Street: It is divided into two streets, the South Street is famous for its snacks, such as Qibao glutinous rice balls and crabapple cakes; the North Street is mostly handicrafts and antique shops, suitable for picking out special souvenirs. Puhuitang Bridge: An ancient bridge from the Ming Dynasty, it is a landmark of the ancient town. The bridge body is engraved with a relief of "Ao Yu", witnessing the history of water transport. Qibaojiao Temple: First built in the Five Dynasties, it was named after the "Golden Lotus Sutra" bestowed by the King of Wu Yue. The temple has towering ancient trees and a quiet environment. Zhang Chongren Memorial Hall: Commemorates Shanghai sculptor Zhang Chongren and displays his precious manuscripts from his collaboration with the author of The Adventures of Tintin. Food Recommendations Qibao Glutinous Rice Balls: thin skin and rich fillings. We recommend the Qibao Old Street Glutinous Rice Balls Shop on South Street of the Old Street. Begonia cake: crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, sweet but not greasy, made and sold on the street. Boiled mutton: Made from local grass-fed goats, the meat is tender and has no mutton smell. Old Shanghai Scallion Pancake: crispy and scallion-flavored, a must-try street flavor. Cultural Experience Qibao Shadow Play: An intangible cultural heritage, you can watch classic plays such as Journey to the West at the Shadow Play Art Museum. Cricket Culture: Visit the Cricket Thatched Cottage to learn about the history and craftsmanship of cricket fighting, and purchase special insect tools. Useful Information Tickets: The ancient town is open for free, and a combined ticket for some attractions is 30 yuan (including the Cotton Weaving Workshop, Miniature Carving Museum, etc.). Best time to visit: It is recommended to go in the morning or evening to avoid the afternoon crowds; the lights on the river bank at night are unique. Tips: Wear comfortable shoes as the stone roads are slippery; there are more people on weekends, so plan your visit on weekdays. A day trip to Qibao Ancient Town allows you to stroll through the water lanes, taste snacks, and feel the fusion of ancient and modern times in the "town within the city". It is an excellent place to experience Shanghai's history and the city's fireworks. #Mainland China Attractions #Shanghai