Historical Shanghai

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kirsty-whyte-shanghai-qibio (32) Among the skyscrapers, high rise living and neon, I discovered you don't have to travel far to see some of old shanghai that remains.

A few stops away from my apartment is Qibao a little pocket of shanghai past.

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Qibao was built in the Five Dynasties Period around one thousand years ago, although it doesn’t feel that allot of the original features are left.

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Mini pet shop.

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Crickets 70p each ready for fighting.

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Arriving early was a great idea, the bargain hunters were already gathering.

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After braving the narrow alleyways and negotiating your way around stall vendors and coachloads of tourists; you work up a hunger, but what to have…

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Bird on a stick?

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Sweet rice, cooked in side bamboo (I recommend this over the pig parts on the neighbouring stall).

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Baked eggs.

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If there’s nothing there that takes your fancy the ‘supermarket’ has freshly prepared skinned frogs (still moving).

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The streets are bustling with food stalls and tourist tat, but there are still some little nuggets to find like post office cafe where you can buy your postcards and write them, then the cafe posts them for you as a designated date in the future.

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I picked up a selection, no idea what I’m going to do with them.

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As well as walking over the river on the historical bridges you can also take a little trip on the river for 10RMB (£1).

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A luck terrapin on board.

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The uniform isn’t quite a cool as the gondoliers in Venice.

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bamboo baths.

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I love all the old run down houses, they are so full of character and deserve a blog of their own. Although I think the local Chinese population think them old and unsightly so newer 'mock-shanti' style buildings are popping up; a bit like the mock Tudor buildings of suburban London.

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Love a luck cat, or two.

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As well a traditional wears there are also some stalls selling more modern items. STICKERS! I loved stickers as a kid and this little shop had a huge selection, from hello Kitty to transformers. Needless to say the Nephews and Nieces got several sheets bought for them. The best think of all is they printed your name on.

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OK, I still love stickers and got some with “mini-me’s” on.

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