Nestled in southwest Shanghai, Minhang district blends ancient history and modern vibrancy. With a rich history spanning over 4,000 years, this district is a pivotal transportation hub and a thriving center for industry and innovation. Among its many treasures, Qibao Ancient Town stands out as a cultural gem, offering visitors a window into the past.

A glimpse into history

Qibao Ancient Town traces its roots back to the Eastern Han Dynasty (25-220). The town's name originates from the Qibao Temple, established during the Five Dynasties period (907-960).

The name "Qibao" translates to "seven treasures" in Chinese, inspiring the town's legendary "Seven Treasures" tale. These treasures — an iron Buddha, a bronze bell, a gold script Lotus Sutra, a Chinese catalpa tree, a jade axe, a gold cockerel, and a pair of jade chopsticks — are steeped in legend and continue to enchant visitors.

Cultural traditions such as shadow puppetry and cricket culture retain the town's traditional essence, offering visitors a journey back in time.

Recommended tour routes

Qibao Ancient Town offers a delightful mix of ancient charm, culinary experiences, and cultural highlights, making it an ideal destination for a weekend tour. Explore these carefully curated routes, each offering a unique experience.

Route 1

• Itinerary: Qibao Old Street (south street + north street) → Puhuitang Bridge → Qibao Temple
• Ideal for: Traditional culture enthusiasts
• Duration: 2 to 3 hours
• Highlights: Experience slow-paced local life as you wander through Qibao Old Street, with its white walls, black tiles, and riverside houses. Enjoy the dappled sunlight on bluestone paths and the aroma of tea from old teahouses.

South street: A hub of local snacks, offering nostalgic flavors to satisfy your palate.

North street: Features handicrafts and cultural shops. Visit Post Coffee for a postcard with a special postmark.

Puhuitang Bridge: An ancient bridge perfect for photos, especially beautiful at dusk with the lights on.

Qibao Temple: Features Tang Dynasty (618-907)-style architecture with red walls and black tiles, ideal for peaceful reflection and prayer.

Route 2

• Itinerary: Qibao Vanke Mall → Qibao Old Street (south street) → Qibao Temple
• Ideal for: Food lovers
• Duration: Half a day
• Highlights: Qibao is a paradise for foodies, boasting a diverse array of local specialties that each promises a delightful culinary adventure.

Recommended local food: Qibao Tangtuan (glutinous rice balls), Lao Wu Congyoubing (scallion pancakes), Haitanggao (begonia cakes), Baiqie Yangrou (plain boiled mutton), Xiehuang Tangbao (crab roe soup dumplings), A Mao Fanggao (square rice cake).

Route 3

• Itinerary: Minhang Cultural Park → Minhang Museum → Haipai Art Museum → Powerlong Museum
• Ideal for: Art-loving youth
• Duration: One day
• Highlights: This route offers a journey through one park and three museums, connecting the depth of history museums with the avant-garde feel of art galleries, a dynamic art museum, and the park's poetic charm.

Minhang Cultural Park: Discover fairy-tale-like buildings crowned with blue domes, providing a perfect backdrop for photographs at dawn or dusk. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the Puhuitang River, adorned with willows, arch bridges, and small boats. The park also offers a camping picnic area with a large lawn for tents.

Minhang Museum: This museum highlights the historical evolution of Minhang district and celebrates its rich culture, particularly focusing on its diverse array of ethnic musical instruments.

Haipai Art Museum: Experience free exhibitions that showcase Haipai painting and crafts, a unique cultural style that originated in Shanghai. The museum offers interactive images and realistic restorations, providing an engaging cultural experience.

Powerlong Museum: Known for its distinctive sculptures, spiral walkways, and stunning glass dome, this museum is a photographer's paradise, offering numerous opportunities to capture unforgettable photos.

Route 4

• Itinerary: Maikejiang Cultural and Creative Park (Taobebe Ceramics → Guaiyouqu Creative Crafts → Carton King → Forest Adventurer → Qilin Flower and Plant)
• Ideal for: Families who enjoy crafts, art, and sports
• Duration: One day
• Highlights: Enjoy a fun-filled family weekend at Maikejiang Cultural and Creative Park with DIY crafts, trendy creations, and unique delicacies. Explore pottery at Taobebe Ceramics, quirky products at Guaiyouqu Creative Crafts, and the paper fantasy world of Carton King. Kids can get some exercise at Forest Adventurer, while Qilin Flower and Plant offers a blend of floral art and aesthetics.

Sources: Official WeChat account of the publicity department of the CPC Minhang district committee at "minhangnews", official WeChat account of Minhang district administration of culture and tourism at "shmhtrip"