Qibao Ancient Town

Introdution
Qibao Ancient Town is a historic area of Qibao in Minhang District, located in the western suburbs of Shanghai, Covers an area of 21.3 square kilometres. The town was built in Northern Song Dynasty (960-1126) and grew into a prosperous business center during Ming (1368-1644) and Qing Dynasties (1644-1911). 

Qibao is formation can be traced back to the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period, to the Northern Song Dynasty. The name comes from the local temple, "Qibao Temple". It is the closest water town to Shanghai The town and is very small about two square kilometers in size and visitors can conveniently walk everywhere. It is crossed by two canals. Along the canals, there are a large number of traditional houses, restaurants and shops.

Today, Qibao is a tourist attraction, in the area known as Qibao Old Town by the Puhui River with traditional Chinese architecture and a number of attractions, including museums and street food. Qibao is known for its speciality cuisine, hong shao rou ("red braised pork"), cooked using a combination of ginger, garlic, aromatic spices, chilli peppers, sugar, light and dark soy and sometimes rice wine.The town was also once the residence of the noted painter Zhang Chongren, a friend of the Belgian cartoonist Hergé, on whom the character Chang Chong-Chen from "The Adventures of Tintin" was based. Qibao is also known for crickets (with a "Cricket House") in the Qibao Old Town area.

Qibao Old Street
Qibao Old Street is divided into the two sections: the southern street and the northern street. The south street features with local snack. It homes many delicious snacks all over China. The north street is given priority to with tourism souvenirs, including antiques, calligraphy and paintings. Qibao Old Street has become a busy street that combines leisure, tourism, shopping as a whole.

Attractions
Qibao Wine Workshop
Step into the Qibao Wine Workshop to experience the ancient art of traditional Chinese winemaking and immerse yourself in the town’s deep-rooted brewing culture. Inside, you can learn about every stage of the brewing process, from selecting high-quality grains to fermentation and aging, while admiring displays of vintage winemaking tools and equipment that have been preserved for generations. Knowledgeable guides share stories behind Qibao’s unique brewing traditions, offering insights into how local techniques have evolved over centuries. Visitors can also sample freshly brewed rice wine, renowned for its smooth texture and fragrant aroma, making it a must-visit spot for those who wish to savor both the flavor and history of Qibao in one unforgettable experience.

Cotton Textile Museum
The Cotton Textile Museum showcases Qibao’s long-standing history of cotton production and weaving, offering visitors a deep dive into one of the town’s most significant traditional industries. Inside the museum, you’ll find intricate displays of antique looms, handwoven fabrics, and a fascinating collection of weaving tools that reflect centuries of craftsmanship. Interactive demonstrations by skilled artisans bring the history to life, showing how raw cotton was carefully processed, spun into fine threads, and transformed into beautifully patterned textiles using time-honored techniques. Informative exhibits also highlight the cultural and economic importance of cotton weaving in Qibao’s development, making the museum not only a visual delight but also an educational experience. It’s a must-visit for anyone interested in China’s textile heritage, offering a rare opportunity to witness the artistry and dedication behind this centuries-old craft.

Cricket Hall (Xishuai Caotang)
Cricket fighting was once a popular pastime in ancient China, especially during the Tang and Song dynasties, and the Cricket Hall in Qibao offers an engaging and immersive insight into this unique tradition. Inside, you’ll find a wide range of fascinating exhibits, including delicately crafted cricket cages, miniature fighting arenas, and historical records that trace how this unusual sport evolved into an important part of local culture and entertainment. Detailed displays explain the social significance of cricket fighting, from being a leisure activity for commoners to a highly competitive sport admired by scholars and nobles. Visitors can also learn about the intricate techniques used to select, raise, and train champion crickets, from their diet and living conditions to the methods used to enhance their strength and agility. With its blend of cultural history and hands-on displays, the Cricket Hall offers a rare opportunity to discover a charming yet lesser-known aspect of traditional Chinese folk customs.

Qibao Pawnshop
The Qibao Pawnshop recreates the authentic atmosphere of an old-fashioned Chinese pawnshop, offering visitors a fascinating glimpse into the financial life of ancient times. Inside, you’ll find meticulously preserved antique counters, weighing scales, ledgers, and other original tools once used in daily transactions, bringing the historic setting vividly to life. The exhibits illustrate how locals exchanged their valuables such as jewelry, silk garments, silverware, and even household items for cash or short-term credit, reflecting the important role pawnshops played in sustaining community life and supporting small-scale trade. Detailed explanations reveal the negotiation process between pawnbrokers and customers, the assessment of goods’ value, and the social customs tied to borrowing and repayment in traditional Chinese society. By stepping into this well-preserved space, visitors gain a deeper understanding of Qibao’s economic history and its thriving trading culture, while also experiencing the rich heritage of a financial system that once connected merchants, craftsmen, and ordinary families across the region.

Old Trades Exhibition Hall
The Old Trades Exhibition Hall showcases the traditional craftsmanship and occupations that once thrived in Qibao Ancient Town, offering a rich and immersive journey into its cultural heritage. Visitors can explore fascinating displays of tools, techniques, and artifacts used by artisans such as blacksmiths, cobblers, carpenters, tailors, and silversmiths, each carefully preserved to illustrate the town’s thriving trades. Detailed panels and lifelike models recreate the bustling workshops of the past, allowing you to witness how raw materials were transformed into essential goods by skilled hands. Beyond the crafts themselves, the exhibition highlights the social and economic importance of these trades, showing how generations of hardworking locals contributed to Qibao’s prosperity. It provides a vivid glimpse into the ingenuity, dedication, and lifestyle of ancient residents, making it an essential stop for anyone seeking to understand the town’s historical roots.

Zhou’s Micro-Carving Museum
Zhou’s Micro-Carving Museum is a hidden gem dedicated to the intricate and highly demanding art of micro-carving, a traditional Chinese craft that requires extraordinary patience, precision, and unparalleled craftsmanship. The museum houses an impressive collection of breathtaking miniature sculptures, some carved on rice grains, peach pits, nutshells, and even delicate strands of hair, each pushing the limits of human skill and imagination. Through magnifying glasses and detailed displays, visitors can fully appreciate the astonishing artistry behind these creations, where entire poems, landscapes, and intricate patterns are etched into surfaces smaller than a fingernail. Each piece is not only a technical masterpiece but also a reflection of deep cultural heritage, blending artistic creativity with remarkable dedication. As you wander through the museum, you gain insight into the painstaking processes and immense concentration required by Qibao’s artisans, making this unique exhibition an unforgettable experience for anyone fascinated by traditional Chinese craftsmanship.

Doumu Pavilion
Doumu Pavilion is a serene and spiritually significant Taoist temple dedicated to Doumu, the revered goddess believed to govern the stars and bring blessings of health, peace, prosperity, and protection to her followers. Nestled within the heart of Qibao Ancient Town yet hidden away from the lively crowds, the pavilion is surrounded by centuries-old trees and adorned with intricate wooden carvings, delicate lattice windows, and traditional tiled roofs that exude an atmosphere of timeless elegance. As you step inside, the gentle scent of incense fills the air, creating a calming ambiance that invites quiet reflection and prayer. Visitors can light incense sticks, make heartfelt wishes, and observe locals performing traditional rituals, gaining insight into the enduring influence of Taoist beliefs on everyday life. Beyond its religious significance, the pavilion also showcases beautifully preserved architectural details, from symbolic sculptures to calligraphic plaques, offering a glimpse into the artistry and craftsmanship of ancient China. Whether you seek spiritual solace, cultural enrichment, or simply a peaceful escape from the bustling marketplace outside, Doumu Pavilion provides a rare moment of serenity where history, faith, and tradition harmoniously converge.

Local specialty
Jiu Niang Zao Rou (Fermented Rice Pork)
A signature delicacy of Qibao Ancient Town, Jiu Niang Zao Rou is made by slowly braising tender pork belly in a sweet fermented rice wine sauce until the meat becomes incredibly rich, soft, and flavorful. The long cooking process allows the pork to fully absorb the essence of the wine, giving it a distinctive aroma and a perfect balance of savory and sweet notes. Each bite delivers a melt-in-the-mouth texture, complemented by a glossy, caramelized glaze that enhances its taste. As one of Qibao’s most celebrated traditional dishes, it reflects the town’s culinary heritage and is an absolute must-try for food lovers seeking an authentic local experience.

Qibao Fang Gao (Qibao Rice Cakes)
Qibao Fang Gao is a traditional snack made from finely milled glutinous rice flour, carefully steamed to perfection to achieve a soft, smooth, and delicate texture. Often filled with a variety of sweet or savory ingredients, such as red bean paste, sesame, or minced meat, these rice cakes offer a delightful balance of flavors that cater to different tastes. Lightly sweet and pleasantly chewy, Fang Gao has been a beloved local treat for generations, embodying the essence of Jiangnan-style culinary traditions. Its simple yet refined taste makes it an ideal snack to enjoy while exploring the charming streets of Qibao Ancient Town, offering visitors an authentic glimpse into the region’s rich food culture.

Qibao Yang Rou (Qibao Mutton)
Renowned for its exceptionally tender texture and rich, inviting aroma, Qibao Yang Rou is a celebrated local specialty that perfectly exemplifies the culinary traditions of Qibao Ancient Town. Prepared using time-honored slow-braising techniques, the mutton is cooked gently over low heat for several hours, allowing it to absorb the full depth of flavors from a carefully balanced mixture of herbs, spices, and seasonings. The result is a dish that is deeply flavorful yet remarkably light and not greasy, with each bite melting effortlessly in the mouth. Especially popular during the colder months, Qibao Yang Rou is cherished for its warming and nourishing qualities, providing both comfort and sustenance. Beyond its taste, the dish also embodies the artistry, patience, and cultural heritage of Qibao’s local cuisine, making it a must-try for visitors who wish to experience an authentic taste of Jiangnan’s rich culinary legacy.

Qibao Lao Jiu (Qibao Rice Wine)
Qibao Lao Jiu is a traditional handcrafted rice wine with a rich history deeply rooted in the culinary culture of the region, representing generations of brewing expertise passed down through time. Carefully brewed using ancient techniques and high-quality glutinous rice, the wine undergoes a meticulous fermentation process that gives it a mellow aroma, a smooth texture, and a slightly sweet, lingering taste. Known for its versatility, Qibao Lao Jiu is not only enjoyed as a drink on festive occasions or casual gatherings but is also widely used in local cooking to enhance flavors, tenderize meats, and enrich the depth of traditional dishes. As one of the signature tastes of Qibao Ancient Town, it captures the essence of Jiangnan’s culinary heritage and continues to delight both locals and visitors seeking an authentic cultural experience.

Qibao Ancient Town is an enchanting place, taking visitors back to the older centuries with its local people, architecture, culture and history. A day spent in this unique and historic town will be very rewarding and is highly recommended.

How to get there
You may take Subway Line 9 and get off at Qibao Station, take exit 2 out of the station, walk towards the road junction and take a left turn. The entrance to Qibao ancient town is a huge gate, hard to miss. It takes approximately 30 minutes by metro from Shanghai downtown. Or you can take Bus 87, 91, 92 or 911 to get to the town.

Information
Admission Fee: Free