A Millennium Shanghai to Its Glorious Times: Qibao Ancient Town

Qibao Ancient Town - "A Natural Painting Blended with Millennia of History" There's a saying in Shanghai: "Ten years of Shanghai, see Pudong; a hundred years of Shanghai, see the Bund; a thousand years of Shanghai, see Qibao." Qibao Ancient Town seamlessly blends millennia of Shanghai's history, culture, and local charm. If you want to truly witness Shanghai's historical transformation, following this motto is a surefire way to explore. ❗️ 📚Historical Evolution: ~Eastern Han Dynasty~ This is the period when Qibao Ancient Town took shape. The historically renowned Lu Xun was enshrined in the Qibao Jiao Temple here. However, during this period, the temple was not yet known as "Qibao Jiao Temple"; it was simply a small local temple. ~Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms~ During the ancient town's true formation, Lu Xun's descendants established a family ancestral hall here to honor their ancestors. ~Northern Song Dynasty~ As the ancient town gradually developed and prospered, Emperor Zhenzong of Song bestowed the name "Qibao Jiao Temple" on the local temple, officially establishing it as such! The Ming and Qing Dynasties were the most prosperous period of the ancient town, with merchants and scholars flocking to it. 🧠 Legends of Qibao Ancient Town: Legend has it that there are seven treasures in Qibao Ancient Town: the "Flying Buddha," the "Bai Lai Bell," the "Golden Lotus Sutra," the "Sacred Tree," the "Golden Rooster," the "Jade Axe," and the "Jade Chopsticks." This is how the town got its name. The "Bai Lai Bell" can be seen prominently under the signboard on Qibao Old Street. Locals regularly ring the bell and pray for blessings during festivals every year. 🙏 ✨Must-See Highlights: ~Zhang Chongren Memorial Hall~ This is the site of a Sino-French confederation in Chinese history. Zhang Chongren, a pioneer of cultural exchange, is a renowned local painter. He studied in Belgium early in his life, excelling in painting and sculpture. After the outbreak of the Anti-Japanese War, he returned to China to join the army. Afterward, he taught at a local university. Not only is he a renowned painter, he's also a hero to many. ~Cricket Thatched Cottage~ Qibao Ancient Town is famous for its crickets, which are said to be more aggressive and combative than those in other areas. Here, you can observe numerous cricket specimens and learn about them. Visitors can also try out the fun game of "cricket fighting"! September is also designated as the local "Cricket Festival." Isn't that cool?! ~Qibao Temple~ The name was officially established during the Northern Song Dynasty, when it was bestowed by Emperor Zhenzong of Song. It served as a place of worship for Lu Xun and his descendants. Currently, the temple's main deities are Sakyamuni Buddha, Medicine Buddha, and Amitabha Buddha. 🍜 Must-Try Foods: ~Qibao Square Cake~ Think of it as a sweet rice cake. Available in flavors like red bean paste, osmanthus, and sesame, it has a soft and chewy texture. ~Qibao Lamb~ The lamb itself isn't particularly special, but the local special sauce adds a touch of flavor! Perfect for winter. ~Zaibao Snails~ Braised in rice wine and Chinese herbs, these are worth a try for those who are adventurous; they're actually quite delicious. ~Begonia Cake~ It's a dessert similar to egg cake, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Children will love it! ~Tofu Pudding~ It's similar to tofu pudding, but with a salty flavor! Served with scallions and soy sauce, this dessert is quite heartwarming. 🚴Transportation: Take Metro Line 9 to Qibao Station, then walk for about 10-15 minutes. 🕰️Opening Hours: The entire ancient town is an old street with no fixed closing hours; hours vary depending on the shop. 🎟️Average Cost: Free, which is great! 💞Recommended for: 1. Those who want to learn about Shanghai's history and culture 2. Those who enjoy tasting a variety of snacks 🗓️Itinerary: Qibao Ancient Town (weekday morning visit recommended) - Xintiandi - Tianzifang 📍Address: Qibao Town, Minhang District, Shanghai (Qinian Pedestrian Street, Minhang District, Shanghai) #200Ways to Travel #ShanghaiTravel #QibaoAncientTown #QibaoTemple #ZhangChongrenMemorialHall #CricketCottage