(Written by a friend who lives in Shanghai)

          Last week we went to Century Park and had a very happy time so we decided to go to Qibao Town this past weekend.  It's a famous and very ancient part of Shanghai that was built in the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1126) and grew into a prosperous business center during the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties.  With over a thousand years of history, Qibao is more than just a living fossil of old Shanghai.  Everyone interested in the history of the city goes there.

          A little town - only two square kilometers in size - it's in the south of Shanghai and is crossed by two canals.  Many of the houses along the canals have been converted into shops and restaurants that can be reached by walking down two very narrow, old streets. 

          Qibao's snacks are very famous, and the colorful and appetizing foods served there attract thousands of people every day.  You'll find all kinds of traditional Shanghai food - Yipinggao, Xialong Baozi, Meihuagao, Qibao mutton, and Choudoufu.

            Yipinggao and Meihuagao are both made of polished glutinous rice.  Meihuagao is made with plum flowers and its stuffing is sweetened bean paste.  Yipinggao has sesame in it and is cut into squares.  Choudoufu is a kind of bean curd with an unusual odor.  Though you might not like the scent, it tastes delicious so it's not surprising to see lots of people waiting in long lines in front of that particular snack shop.  All the snacks that one can buy along those old street in Qibao are very cheap.  You can play knife and fork there on very little money.

                   In addition to the snacks, there are three other main attractions in Qibao:

          The Qibao Temple was built during the Five Dynasties and Ten States (907-960) and renovated and extended during the Ming Dynasty.  It is held in high regard by locals - not only because it was said to contain the seven treasures, but also for the part it played in fostering the development of Qibao Town.  The temple was rebuilt in 2002 and the buildings and grounds display ingenious designs.  It also provides visitors with an insight into the unique architectural styles of the Han and Tang Dynasties.

   A second attraction is a special museum that has been established to show the history of cricket fighting.  That was one of the most popular folk activities in ancient China, and even now cricket fighting still draws the interest of local people.  The museum is well worth visiting.

          Qibao's Shadow Plays are the third attraction.  For the first time, I was able to hear one of the plays, but it wasn't possible to see one so I'll have to return.  The plays are based on widely known historical event, and a local dialect is used to give the shows a truly local character.  Colorful drawings and expressive music are used to illustrate the action of the characters.

          I'll have to visit Qibao again - not only because of the delicious food, but also for the unique culture.  The Qibao temple, cricket museum and show plays will be waiting there for my enjoyment.