Qibao Ancient Town One-Day Tour

Qibao Ancient Town Travel Guide Qibao Ancient Town is located in Minhang District, Shanghai, China, about 15 kilometers from the city center. It is a thousand-year-old water town known for its unique Jiangnan water town scenery, traditional folk culture, and rich variety of local snacks. It is a popular tourist destination in the suburbs of Shanghai. Features and Highlights 1. Ancient Bridges and Water Town Scenery Qibao Ancient Town has many historic stone bridges, such as the "Qibao Old Street Bridge" and the "Puhui Bridge." Under the bridges are winding waterways, and along the banks are typical Jiangnan white-walled and black-tiled buildings, perfect for strolling and appreciating the traditional water town scenery. 2. Qibao Old Street The old street is the core area of the ancient town, divided into South Street and North Street. South Street mainly features traditional handicraft shops, while North Street is famous for its food and snacks. The streets are lined with buildings in the Ming and Qing styles. 3. Qibao Old Trades Exhibition Hall This museum showcases traditional Jiangnan handicrafts and old trades (such as blacksmithing, wood carving, and fabric arts), allowing visitors to learn about the history and folk culture of the ancient town. 4. Qibao Temple This thousand-year-old temple was built during the Southern Song Dynasty and is one of the landmarks of the ancient town, with a thriving incense atmosphere. Inside the temple is the towering Qibao Pagoda, from which you can overlook the entire ancient town. 5. Qibao Distillery The ancient town has been famous for its yellow wine since ancient times. The Qibao Distillery showcases traditional brewing techniques, and visitors can taste the local Qibao yellow wine. Must-Try Local Snacks Qibao Ancient Town offers a wide variety of snacks that you must not miss: • Qibao Rice Cake: Soft and sweet traditional rice cake with flavors like red bean paste, osmanthus, and sesame. • Qibao Lamb: Tender and delicious lamb cooked with a unique braising method, especially suitable for winter. • Drunken Snails: Snails braised with yellow wine and Chinese herbs, offering a unique flavor and a classic local snack. • Begonia Cake: A sweet treat similar to egg cake, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. • Tofu Pudding: Served with scallions and soy sauce, savory and delicious, especially warming in winter. Best Time to Visit • Spring (March to May): Cool weather, perfect for strolling around the ancient town. • Autumn (September to November): Comfortable temperatures, ideal for tasting local delicacies. • Winter (December to February): Experience hot lamb and yellow wine, and enjoy the warm atmosphere of the ancient town. Transportation • Metro: Take Shanghai Metro Line 9 to Qibao Station (Exit 2), and walk about 10-15 minutes to reach the ancient town. • Bus: Take bus lines 92, 91, 186, or Hongqiao Hub Line 4, and get off at Qibao Station. • Driving: Navigate to "Qibao Ancient Town Parking Lot," but parking spaces may be tight on holidays, so public transportation is recommended. Travel Tips • It is recommended to visit on weekdays as weekends and holidays can be crowded. • Suitable for half-day or one-day trips. You can visit the ancient town in the morning and other Shanghai attractions like Xintiandi or Tianzifang in the afternoon. • Wear comfortable shoes as the ancient town mainly has stone-paved roads and involves a lot of walking. • Photo spots: The water town bridges, Qibao Temple, and Qibao Distillery are great places to capture the essence of the ancient town. Conclusion Although Qibao Ancient Town is not as large as Zhouzhuang or Wuzhen, it boasts rich Jiangnan water town charm, a long history, and mouth-watering snacks. It is a great short trip destination around Shanghai. If you have limited time in Shanghai and want to experience the traditional ancient town atmosphere, Qibao Ancient Town is definitely worth a visit!