Qibao Old Street
Qibao Old Street
4
About
Qibao Old Street offers a glimpse of traditional China, with buildings that have been refurbished offering museums, shops, restaurants, gardens, and tea houses.
Suggested duration
More than 3 hours
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The area
Neighborhood: Minhang
How to get there
- Qibao • 8 min walk
Best nearby
Restaurants
669 within 3 miles
Attractions
185 within 6 miles
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
4.0
463 reviews
Excellent
95
Very good
214
Average
114
Poor
36
Terrible
4
LoveTravelling1116
Singapore, Singapore769 contributions
Aug 2019
Qibao old street felt like a slight disappointment as compared to YuYuan old street. If one has a hectic travel schedule, it is advised to just head YuYuan and skip Qibao. Unlike other old street, Qibao has a rather short line of shops selling mainly souvenirs at one area, and food at another area. The variety and exquisiteness of its souvenirs are not comparable with YuYuan old street. In its food section, there is just one stall selling vegetarian snacks, which was deep fried vegetarian duck – quite unhealthy. I encountered the stall that sells scorpions, to my disgust really.
The only takeaway from Qibao is its scenic bridge that is a photographic hot-spot and the main attraction. But it was rather full of people standing to take selfies. I managed to purchase some interesting magnets in one of the souvenir shops, and had a lengthy chat with its stall owner, whose son came to Singapore to study. On our day of visit, Qibao was not really bustling with visitors, and most of the shops were rather quiet.
The only takeaway from Qibao is its scenic bridge that is a photographic hot-spot and the main attraction. But it was rather full of people standing to take selfies. I managed to purchase some interesting magnets in one of the souvenir shops, and had a lengthy chat with its stall owner, whose son came to Singapore to study. On our day of visit, Qibao was not really bustling with visitors, and most of the shops were rather quiet.
Written July 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andrew M
7,174 contributions
Jul 2015 • Family
My son and I took the subway (line 9) to Qibao Old Town and got out at exit 2. Turn right, and walk for a few minutes, then turn right on Qibao Old street. All tourist street signs are in brown, so look out for these. There is also a mural at the turn onto Qibao Old Street. There is a ticket office near the entrance to the street on the right side. The tickets to see all the museums i.e. cricket, shadow puppets, traditional. sculpting etc. are for 30 yuan each. If you decide to see each museum individually, you can pay 5 yuan each for entry. Many persons walk past the ticket office as they are interested in shopping and not museums.
Turn left after the ticket office, and after a short walk on a shopping street you will see the main entrance to the water city (temple and gate) on the right. We went straight to the distillery which is on the lane in front of the entry bridge and a short walk, please look to your left. the distillery did not seem to be operational, and there were few items for sale and even fewer exhibits. I tasted a few brands of Baiju and made a selection. The jars are made of clay, and make a great souvenir. The cheapest bottle was 65 yuan.
We were particularly interested in the cricket musem, but it was disappointing, although we did learn about cricket fighting and the cages used for the crickets. We spent an hour walking around looking into shops and tasting different foods. The boat rides did not seem popular, and should probably be avoided. If you are interested in shopping and experiencing the local food and culture, you would need 2-3 hours here.
Turn left after the ticket office, and after a short walk on a shopping street you will see the main entrance to the water city (temple and gate) on the right. We went straight to the distillery which is on the lane in front of the entry bridge and a short walk, please look to your left. the distillery did not seem to be operational, and there were few items for sale and even fewer exhibits. I tasted a few brands of Baiju and made a selection. The jars are made of clay, and make a great souvenir. The cheapest bottle was 65 yuan.
We were particularly interested in the cricket musem, but it was disappointing, although we did learn about cricket fighting and the cages used for the crickets. We spent an hour walking around looking into shops and tasting different foods. The boat rides did not seem popular, and should probably be avoided. If you are interested in shopping and experiencing the local food and culture, you would need 2-3 hours here.
Written July 28, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kpmirk
New York50 contributions
Jul 2018
I honestly don’t understand some of the negative reviews about this wonderful place. I have visited some of the more “important” water towns on past trips, and I found Qibao more interesting and fun. I understand it can get crowded on weekends, I came during the week. It’s so easy to get to on Metro line #9, way more relaxing than getting a van and driver for the other water towns. If you tire of the crowds and shops, just take a walk down a side alley and look at the quieter part of town. I highly recommend a visit to Qibao Temple, it is gorgeous and peaceful. Walk along the canal just over the scenic bridges in the middle of town to get there. You can climb to the top of the 7 story pagoda, well worth the walk. And the main temple is amazing. Take time to look around the main hall of the temple, and peek around the back of the shrine to see some amazing wood carving. And also look for the pavilion with the dozens of deities, and find the one for your birth year. There is no entrance fee and the people are very kind.
Not much English is spoken anywhere in Qibao, but a smile will help you get what you want in any shop. I will definitely come back on my next trips to Shanghai and skip the other towns. They are not worth the extra hassle.
Not much English is spoken anywhere in Qibao, but a smile will help you get what you want in any shop. I will definitely come back on my next trips to Shanghai and skip the other towns. They are not worth the extra hassle.
Written July 4, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
pat1011
Singapore, Singapore32 contributions
Nov 2015 • Solo
If you have more time in Shanghai, I recommend visiting Zhujiajiao Ancient town instead. It is about an hour bus ride away and it is way better than this water town. However, due to its proximity to the city, it is still worth a visit if you would like to experience being in an ancient water town. Take subway line 9 to Qibao station and get out from exit 2. Turn right once you exit and turn right again at the traffic junction.
Written November 13, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TobySimkin
Shanghai, China588 contributions
Yes, QiBao is closer to downtown Shanghai, but ZhouZhuang is QiBao on steroids with far better photo pops, much larger village, and experience is 100 times better. I find that QiBao is like only 1 of the streets/canals of ZhouZhuang. If you only have a few hours, then QiBao is your only choice -- if you have 8 hours, ZhouZhuang is a must for any tourist.
Written January 6, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Harry L
Raleigh, NC73 contributions
Oct 2011 • Couples
I went to Qi bao during a recent visit to Shanghai.
It's tucked away in the suburbs of Shanghai.
Qi bao features a bunch of small museums, a bunch of souvenir shops, street food vendors with a scenic canal running down the center of the neighborhood.
If you just wish to shop and eat, Qi bao is free. If you wish to see the various small museums, you'll need to buy a cheap ticket for each (5-10 RMB each) or a combo ticket for all of them for 30 RMB.
The miniatures museum was amazing.
The street food was tasty.
Qi Bao is a short walk from the Qi Bao metro station on line 9 of the Shanghai Metro ... real easy to get to.
It's tucked away in the suburbs of Shanghai.
Qi bao features a bunch of small museums, a bunch of souvenir shops, street food vendors with a scenic canal running down the center of the neighborhood.
If you just wish to shop and eat, Qi bao is free. If you wish to see the various small museums, you'll need to buy a cheap ticket for each (5-10 RMB each) or a combo ticket for all of them for 30 RMB.
The miniatures museum was amazing.
The street food was tasty.
Qi Bao is a short walk from the Qi Bao metro station on line 9 of the Shanghai Metro ... real easy to get to.
Written October 31, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AlwaysTime2Travel
Massachussetts64 contributions
There are better examples of old water towns, but none are closer or easier to get access.
If you look closely in between the trinket selling booths one can find a specialized artisan or two.
The cricket museum, with its' 5¥ admission is small, smelly ...and well... a museum all about crickets and cricket fighting. Since you won't ever be at a cricket museum again, shell out the $0.75 and look
around.
There is a newly restored (or perhaps constructed) ancient pagoda. You can climb to the top for a bit of a view. A Buddah is conviently located on each level.
The food is unique, and if you are a less than eager culinary explorer perhaps you should bring your own water and arrive on a full stomach.
Have a good day!
If you look closely in between the trinket selling booths one can find a specialized artisan or two.
The cricket museum, with its' 5¥ admission is small, smelly ...and well... a museum all about crickets and cricket fighting. Since you won't ever be at a cricket museum again, shell out the $0.75 and look
around.
There is a newly restored (or perhaps constructed) ancient pagoda. You can climb to the top for a bit of a view. A Buddah is conviently located on each level.
The food is unique, and if you are a less than eager culinary explorer perhaps you should bring your own water and arrive on a full stomach.
Have a good day!
Written August 22, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Warren J
Shanghai, China68 contributions
Jun 2019 • Family
Qibao is a water town inside sprawling Shanghai. As such, it is easy to get to on Metro Line 9. It has old streets, canals and the usual small tourist shops. It also has a Cricket Museum where you can learn the history of these little insects and their place in Chinese history. There are various other attractions too. Beware the ticket booth as you walk from the Metro. The lady inside pounces on tourists, especially foreigners and you get the impression you need a ticket to get in and that this will cover the entry to many attractions. This is not so! There is no entry fee to the town and her ticket only gets you in to 1 attraction - you have to pay extra for the others. Better to skip this ticket lady and just pay for the attractions you want.
Written June 8, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jennefer N
Canberra, Australia291 contributions
Oct 2017 • Solo
This lovely little ancient town if full of alleyways, traditional housing and surrounded by a canal which has boat rides.Plenty of places to eat and also souvenir shops.Metro Qibao station Line 9 Exit 2 turn left from the station walk about 500 metres and then left again at the 1st road another 500metres there will be an arch on your right.No signs in English.
Written October 29, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Scottie96
Frisco, TX221 contributions
Mar 2013 • Family
Quaint river town in the suburbs of Shanghai. Take the 9 line to Qibao. When you come out of the station at exit 1 cross the street and go straight for 1 minute and your there. Its mostly chinese touriosts and locals that are there so be prepared to be a complete mionority. Not for the nervous dispositioned!!! great day out with different snacks and feel of the city
Written March 15, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Дмитрий Федоров
Novosibirsk, Russia200 contributions
Сколько ехать на метро от аэропорта Пудун?
vulpesaa
39 contributions
около 2-х часов, 1.30 если взять Маглев
What time does it open and close both on weekends and weekdays?
Peffer
Ranong Province, Thailand295 contributions
I am not so sure but the ensure not go too early
Qibao Old Street (Shanghai) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Qibao Old Street
- We recommend booking Qibao Old Street tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 13 Qibao Old Street tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Qibao Old Street:
- Half-Day Private Qibao Water Town Food Tour including Tea Tasting from Shanghai (From $105.20)
- Private Shanghai Layover Tour to Qibao Ancient Town with Spa Option (From $160.00)
- Private Layover Tour: Shanghai Zoo with Panda, Oriental Pearl Tower & the Bund. (From $238.26)
- Private Layover Tour of Shanghai Zoo, Oriental Pearl Tower, the Bund and More (From $238.94)
- Private Qibao Ancient Town Walking Tour with Tea Tasting and Calligraphy Experience (From $100.00)
- Hotels near Qibao Old Street:
- (0.33 mi) Le Méridien Shanghai, Minhang
- (0.18 mi) Home Inn Shanghai Hongqiao Shuniu Qibao Ancient Town
- (0.18 mi) Tianyi Hotel Qingnian Road
- (0.26 mi) Coinfamily Hotel
- (0.99 mi) Holiday Inn Shanghai Hongqiao, an IHG hotel
- Restaurants near Qibao Old Street:
- (0.02 mi) YiXin Restaurant
- (0.03 mi) Flamingo Craft Beer
- (0.05 mi) QiBao GuZhen Mutton
- (0.15 mi) WangZhongWang Ji Dian (QingNian Road)
- (0.15 mi) TangQiao Restaurant