Qibao Ancient Town
七宝古镇
Jiangnan ancient town reachable by metro from the city, with old-street snacks, a cricket hall and a cotton-weaving workshop; the most convenient half-day trip.
Qibao Ancient Town is in Minhang District, with a history dating back to the Northern Song dynasty. The town is small. Centered on Puhui Creek, its North and South Streets are lined with local snacks such as Qibao fanggao (square rice cakes), lamb dishes and tangyuan (glutinous rice balls), along with the Cotton Weaving Workshop, Cricket Hall and Qibao Jiaosi Temple. Entry to the town is free, though some exhibition halls charge admission. It is about a 10-minute walk from Qibao Station on Metro Line 9, making it the most convenient way to experience a Jiangnan water town within the city. It gets crowded on holidays.
Opening hours
All day (shops approx. 09:00–21:00)
Nearby sights
- Shanghai Zoo
- Shanghai Botanical Garden
- St. Ignatius Cathedral (Xujiahui)
- Soong Ching-ling's Former Residence
- Longhua Temple
- Wukang Road / Hengfu Historic Area
- Yuyuan Road
- Jing'an Temple