Qibao Ancient Town

Decent photo spot if you come on a clear day, especially around the old bridge with the willow trees. But the town feels very commercialized – so many shops with neon signs that ruin the historic vibe. Also, some areas were under construction when I visited, which was disappointing. Glad I went but probably won't revisit. A solid 4 stars for the handful of nice angles.

A paradise for street food lovers! I went on a weekday morning and it was peaceful. The stuffed steamed buns (shengjian) were perfectly crispy on the bottom, and the handmade rice cakes are a must. I loved watching the locals making noodles in an open kitchen near the east gate. Great value for money – most snacks are under 15 RMB. Highly recommend!

Honestly a bit underwhelming. It's nice to look at for 10 minutes but every shop sells the exact same snacks and souvenirs. The food was average and overpriced – paid 20 RMB for a small bowl of wonton soup that tasted like it came from a frozen bag. The toilets were dirty and hard to find. Wouldn't go out of my way for this.

Charming but extremely crowded on weekends. The narrow alleys were packed shoulder-to-shoulder, which took away from the experience. That said, the traditional architecture is well preserved and there are some lovely little teahouses. I just wish management would limit the number of visitors or set up a one-way system. Still a nice half-day trip if you go early.

Absolutely loved this place! The blend of old-school charm and lively street food stalls is unbeatable. I tried the sticky rice balls with red bean paste from a tiny shop near the bridge – best decision ever. The canals are picturesque, perfect for a lazy afternoon stroll. It's free to enter and feels like stepping back in time. Definitely coming back with friends!