It is one thing to learn about history through books and museums and another entirely to experience it preserved in the form of places shielded from the passage of time so that one gets a glimpse into the past with their own eyes. So, it is true for many old towns across China, where the Government has stepped in to ensure authenticity remains for bygone eras displayed there. Qibao (literally ‘Seven Treasures’) Ancient Town is one such place, close to Shanghai’s city center with its fancy latticework doors and fences and well-preserved dated architecture.
About 20kms away from downtown Shanghai, the Ancient Qibao is easy to reach with public transport. Line 9 of the Shanghai subway will drop visitors off at Qibao station from where it is a short walk. Getting in is free though certain attractions within are charged at rates of RMB5 or RMB10. A combo ticket of RMB30 gives you full-range access to all such sights. Recommended to avoid public holidays and weekends for risk of suffocation in the jam-packed streets!
Spanning a small area, tourists can get a fill of the place by dedicating a half day to the activity. There are only two streets and a central town square. One street is essentially food galore and the other is lined with souvenirs and the likes of calligraphy and other indigenous art work and antiques. There are two water lanes with charged boat rides for tourists.
The main attraction in Qibao, for which it earned its name, is the temple dating back to the Northern Song dynasty almost a 1000 years ago. Allegedly there were 7 treasures here of which only two (the Ming dynasty bell and the Gold Script Lotus Sutra) have made it through the ages and still remain in the temple. The rest have vanished in myth. The temple itself is a thing of beauty and much revered.
Some interesting features of the town are the Shadow Play theater; which tells tales of folklore and historical events in a unique way and the Cricket Museum; that has nothing to do with a bat and ball and everything to do with the little insects which flourish in the fertile soils of this town. With interesting species like Iron Sand, locals and guests flock to the place to witness the thrill of watching these tiny critters fighting it out and learn the history of the sport.
Paid attractions include the Bell Tower at the start, going on towards the Cotton Textile Mill and then rounding up to Shadow Puppets Museum (This is where the Shadow Play takes place) and the Memorial Hall of Zhang Chongren (notable artist and bust-maker and friend/ influencer to Herge of Tintin Adventures fame). Onwards tourists can check out the Cricket Museum, the Qibao Calligraphy Art Room and Zhou’s Miniature Museum. Before ending up at the Pawn Shop and the centuries old Trade Houses. A picture on the scenic river bridge is a must have for legit bragging rights back home!