In the outskirts of Shanghai is the little ancient town of Qibao 七宝镇. The name means "Town of Seven Treasures".
According to legend, the seven treasures are
- iron Buddha made in the Ming Dynasty
- a bronze bell that came out of nowhere
- Gold Script Lotus Sutra written by a 10th century concubine
- 1000-year-old catalpa tree
- jade axe
- gold cockerel
- jade chopsticks
The place has been inhabited for over 1000 years and is the only ancient town in central Shanghai. It's easy to get from downtown, just take the subway.