The City of the Seven Treasures

Do you need a break from urban chaos? No problem - even in Shanghai it is possible to find an oasis of peace. Among these is the charming and emblematic city on the water of Qibao. It’s only 20 minutes from the centre of city and an easy jaunt on Line 9 of the metro. The name Seven Treasures that denotes this town comes from seven legendary relics kept in the main temple - a statue of Buddha, the sacred Texts of the Lotus Sutra, the Great Bell, the Magic Tree, the Golden Rooster and the Jade Axe and the Chopsticks. It’s unclear if these are mere legend or true archeological possibilities though it is claimed that the sacred Texts of the Lotus Sutra and the Bell were actually rediscovered here. Regardless, there certainly are real treasures abounding in Qibao - such as the absence of traffic, the charming characteristic buildings on the sides of the canals, the gardens, temples and the droves of shops. But, most of all, it is a true paradise for those who love to eat - along the Old Street that runs right through the centre of town, there are wonderful food stands offering every imaginable treat - the exquisite stinky tofu, meat skewers of every sort, baozi, spicy potatoes, chicken, basted duck, rice snacks and all sorts of desserts. Along with the Cricket Museum, dedicated to one of the oldest pastimes in China which is still quite popular and the local Shadow Theatre, Quibao has sites to offer that make it a perfect place to enjoy truly authentic local flavours of all kinds.