Qibao is a town in Minhang District, in the western suburbs of Shanghai, and its centrepiece for visitors is Qibao Old Town, a cluster of traditional Chinese architecture along the Puhui River with museums and street food. It is also known for crickets, with a Cricket House in the Old Town area, and it was once the home of the painter Zhang Chongren.
For a visitor, the practical geography is simple: the Old Town is the focus, and the rest of the town spreads out around it as a largely residential area. Qibao is reached on Shanghai Metro Line 9 to Qibao Station, which is how most people connect to the rest of Shanghai. This guide covers which areas make sense as a base, and what to expect at each price level.
Best areas to stay in Qibao
1. Qibao Old Town
This is the historic heart of Qibao, set by the Puhui River, with traditional architecture, museums, street food and the Cricket House. Staying here puts the town's main sights within walking distance and suits first-time visitors who want to step out of their accommodation and straight into the Old Town.
Because it is the tourist focus of the town, expect the area to be at its busiest during the day and quieter in the evening. It is the obvious choice if the Old Town is the reason for your visit.
2. Around Qibao Station
Qibao Station on Shanghai Metro Line 9 is the town's connection to the rest of Shanghai. Basing yourself near the station suits travellers who plan to spend time in central Shanghai as well as in Qibao, and who value a straightforward onward connection over proximity to the Old Town.
The trade-off is that you are not in the Old Town itself, so you will need to travel between your base and the sights rather than walk.
3. Hongmei Lu area
Hongmei Lu is a fairly popular choice in Minhang because it has a good range of both restaurants and hotels. It is near Hongqiao Airport and is connected by Metro Line 10 to both the airport and downtown.
This area suits travellers who want more choice of places to eat and drink, and who value easy access to the airport and to central Shanghai. It is not in Qibao itself, so treat it as a Minhang base from which to reach Qibao rather than a Qibao base.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: simple hotels with listed rates for doubles starting at the lower end, such as those found along Humin Road and Huaxiang Road.
- Mid-range: three-star hotels with listed rates for doubles in the mid hundreds of yuan, such as those along Dongchuan Road and Chunshen Road.
- Splurge: higher-priced hotels with listed rates for doubles running into the high hundreds and above, such as those along Kunyang North Road and Wuzhong Road.
Best area for a first visit
Qibao Old Town is the best base for a first visit. It is the area with the traditional architecture, the museums, the street food and the Cricket House, so you can walk to what you came to see. If you would rather be near the airport or want a wider choice of restaurants, the Hongmei Lu area is the practical alternative.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get to Qibao?
Take Shanghai Metro Line 9 to Qibao Station. The town sits in the western suburbs of Shanghai, in Minhang District.
What is there to see in Qibao Old Town?
The Old Town, by the Puhui River, has traditional Chinese architecture, museums and street food. It is also where you find the Cricket House.
Should I stay in Qibao or elsewhere in Minhang?
Stay in Qibao Old Town if the Old Town is your priority. Consider the Hongmei Lu area if you want a good range of restaurants and hotels, easy access to Hongqiao Airport, and a Metro Line 10 connection to both the airport and downtown.
Are there hotels at different price levels?
Yes. Minhang has budget hotels, three-star mid-range hotels and higher-priced hotels, with listed rates for doubles ranging from the low hundreds of yuan to over a thousand.
Compare live prices with the booking tools on this page before you decide where to base yourself.