Qibao Ancient Town, Shanghai

Real touristy and usually always packed with people. It's accessible by subway and so it's easy to get to at least. The main road is crowded but the side roads are much less traveled.

A beautiful Ancient Town dating back to around the 1200's. The town includes the Bell Temple and tons of restaurants and shops. The town is beautiful when the sun sets and everything lights up in incredible red and green hues. Qibao is a hidden gem located just off of one of the main roads in Shanghai. The shops have everything from small souvenirs and trinkets to purses, clothes, and shoes. In addition to the many restaurants, there are street food vendors mixed in with the shops of Qibao where, if you're brave enough, you can experience Chinese food that is as authentic as it gets. We were glad that we stumbled across Qibao and look forward to walking the streets of Qibao again during future visits to Shanghai. It was a wonderful experience visiting a town that's more than 500 years older than the country I call home (America). There is a bridge over the Puhui River where you can get some great photos of the shops and restaurants that line both sides of the water on either side of the bridge. Qibao is also known for their crickets and, I believe, the cricket fights in the arena. I didn't see the cricket fights, but I did see some of the crickets and they are HUGE! I've never seen anything like it. Qibao is worth the visit if for no other reason than to see the biggest crickets I've ever seen (by far).