Qibao is a small canal town in Minhang district, about eighteen kilometres from the centre of Shanghai, and it is the easiest old water town to reach from the city - a metro ride rather than a day trip. Its history goes back to the Northern Song dynasty, and its name, which means seven treasures, refers to a set of legendary objects associated with the place.
What it looks like
The old street runs along a canal of modest width, with stone bridges crossing it at intervals, whitewashed houses with dark tiled roofs on both banks, and narrow lanes leading off towards a temple and a small garden. The best-known bridge is the single-arch stone bridge at the centre, and the view from the top of it - canal, boats, tiled roofs - is the photograph everyone takes. There is also a temple, Qibao Temple, with its own halls and courtyard, and a memorial hall for a local figure of the Ming period.
Eating here
Qibao is known for its snack food, and the old street is lined with stalls selling it. Look for qibao fangao, a firm steamed rice cake cut into squares, tangyuan glutinous rice balls in sweet soup, stinky tofu fried to order, and smoked fish or braised pork sold by weight. It is essentially a street-food visit with a walk attached, and the portions are small enough to graze through four or five stalls.
Being honest about it
Qibao is heavily commercialised and small - the core can be walked in forty minutes - and it is crowded at weekends. Set expectations accordingly. It works well as a relaxed half day, especially with children, or as a substitute for a full-day water town trip if your schedule is tight. For a larger, prettier and quieter canal town, Zhujiajiao or Fengjing are better choices.
Practical information
Take Metro Line 9 to Qibao station and walk about ten minutes; there is no admission fee for the streets, though the temple and the garden charge small amounts. Go on a weekday morning if you can, and arrive before 11 a.m. to eat before the crowds build.
