Qibao Ancient Town, Shanghai
Small traditional Chinese water town not far from Shanghai downtown. Qibao Ancient Town is an old town in Minhang District, near Shanghai. This lovely little ancient town is full of alleyways, traditional housing and surrounded by a canal which has boat rides.
This was very convenient as it’s accessible via the metro line 9 (Qibao Station). Take exit number 2, turn right and then right again. Continue for about 10 minutes through the main pedestrian shopping street and you will see the pagoda and rock formation that make up the entrance.
The traditional houses besides the river banks are amazing. The river is clean and looks peaceful. It portraits the ancient China life in the country. We can feel the cool and peaceful panorama reflecting the old-fashioned community in China.
There is plenty of small shops inside and around the town selling many stuff including foods, snack, souvenirs, clothing as well as restaurants and tea houses.
The main street was bustling with people shopping the wares and buying food items. The architecture was lovely and the atmosphere was good. The bridges over the canal make for perfect spots to take pictures.
It was somewhat crowded but once you wandered off into some not-so-busy streets along the water, it got very quiet but still beautiful.
Qibao Travel Tips:
- Get there early to avoid hordes of domestic tourists.
- Travel on weekdays and avoid weekends.
- Walking around Qibao Ancient Town is free. A combined ticket (RMB 30) allows you to visit 8 indoor sites in Qibao Ancient Town. Or you may buy any one of the sites at the entrance fee of RMB 5.
Getting here
By Metro
- Take Metro Line 9 and get off at Qibao Station. Leave from Exit 2 and walk south for about ten minutes to the old town.
By bus
- Take Bus 87, 91, 92, 92b, 186, 189, 196, 198, 709, 735, 748, 803, Hongqiao Hub Line 4, Nanjiang Line, Husong Line, Huchen Line or Minhang Line 33 and get off at Qibao Station.
