1933 Old Millfun
A hauntingly beautiful former slaughterhouse, now a Brutalist architectural marvel with shops and galleries.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds for photos
1933 Old Millfun
Best Time
Fewer crowds for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A hauntingly beautiful former slaughterhouse, now a Brutalist architectural marvel with shops and galleries.
"A building with a walkthrough of bauhauism and art deco style. Every hallway and passage has a purpose."
📸 Perfect Photo Spot
This place is a photographer's paradise! Explore every nook for unique angles.
🚶♀️ Get Lost Exploring
Embrace the labyrinthine layout; it's part of the charm and completely free to wander.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Aerial Bridges
Throughout the building
Intricate concrete walkways crisscross the interior, creating a dizzying, multi-layered effect. A true architectural marvel.
The Circular Interior
Central atrium
The building's unique square exterior hides a fascinating circular core, a testament to its industrial past.
Brutalist & Art Deco Fusion
Exterior and interior
Marvel at the striking blend of raw concrete and elegant Art Deco elements, a style often compared to Gotham City.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Labyrinth
Timing is Key for Photos
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Perfect Photo Spot
This place is a photographer's paradise! Explore every nook for unique angles.
🚶♀️ Get Lost Exploring
Embrace the labyrinthine layout; it's part of the charm and completely free to wander.
☕ Grab a Coffee Break
Several cafes offer a respite amidst the architectural exploration.
💡 Understand the History
Knowing it was a slaughterhouse adds a unique layer to the experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Perfect Photo Spot
This place is a photographer's paradise! Explore every nook for unique angles.
🚶♀️ Get Lost Exploring
Embrace the labyrinthine layout; it's part of the charm and completely free to wander.
☕ Grab a Coffee Break
Several cafes offer a respite amidst the architectural exploration.
💡 Understand the History
Knowing it was a slaughterhouse adds a unique layer to the experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
1933 Old Millfun is lauded for its incredibly unique and bold architecture, a striking example of Brutalist and Art Deco styles that offers a fascinating glimpse into Shanghai's past. Visitors appreciate its labyrinthine layout and photogenic qualities, though some find the limited number of shops and cafes a drawback for extended visits.
"A building with a walkthrough of bauhauism and art deco style. Every hallway and passage has a purpose, you enter the era of 1900. Although it was an old slaughterhouse but now turned turned into series of modern occupancy of artistsic shops. This is a great example of ageless and successful architecture. Absolutely bold and elegant, every space and alley is well designed and picturesque. It is worth your visit if you are an architect or architecture student."
Lisa Tang
"The architecture of this building is quiete unique for Shanghai. Its build in brutalist style and used to be a slaughterhouse however after years of abandonment it was refurbished and now its host restaurants, cafes, shops and offices. It’s also very popular for people to come and use it as photoshoot location.
The narrow stairs are bit like a small labyrinth and it’s fun to explore this place and it’s completely free."
Phil Stone
"Maybe it’s because I am not an architecture student that I rate this 2/5. But there literally was nothing to do, the building has an eerie feeling. Mostly office spaces and a few cafes. I don’t recommend going here."
stepp Blanco
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
1933 Old Millfun is easily accessible via public transport. The closest metro station is Hailun Road Station (Lines 4 & 10), just a short walk away. Many visitors find it convenient to take the metro to explore Shanghai's diverse attractions.
Located in the Hongkou District, 1933 Old Millfun is situated in a historically significant area of Shanghai, offering a unique architectural experience away from the busiest tourist hubs.
Yes, taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available in Shanghai and can drop you off directly at 1933 Old Millfun. It's a convenient option if you prefer door-to-door service.
The Shanghai Metro system is extensive and efficient, making it the best way to connect 1933 Old Millfun with other popular sites like The Bund or Yu Garden.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, exploring the main architectural spaces of 1933 Old Millfun is generally free. However, some specific venues or events within the complex might require separate tickets or bookings.
While the building itself is accessible for exploration, individual shops, cafes, and galleries within 1933 Old Millfun will have their own operating hours, typically from morning to evening. It's best to check specific venue times if you have particular places in mind.
The architectural exploration of 1933 Old Millfun is free of charge, allowing visitors to wander through its unique corridors and spaces without an entry fee.
While self-exploration is popular, guided tours might be available for those seeking a deeper understanding of the building's history and architecture. Inquire locally or check online for potential tour operators.
1933 Old Millfun often hosts various events, exhibitions, and performances. It's advisable to check their official website or local event listings for current happenings.
📸 📸 Photography & Experience
Absolutely! 1933 Old Millfun is renowned for its unique Brutalist and Art Deco architecture, making it a prime spot for photography enthusiasts. The maze-like corridors and aerial bridges offer endless creative possibilities.
The building's dramatic lines and shadows are perfect for architectural photography, cyberpunk-inspired shots, and even fashion photoshoots.
Visitors describe the atmosphere as eerie, haunting, yet hopeful, with a strong sense of history. It's a unique blend of industrial past and creative present.
Besides photography, you can explore the various shops, cafes, and galleries housed within the building. Some visitors also enjoy the unique experience of simply wandering through its labyrinthine structure.
Yes, it's highly recommended for architecture students due to its significant architectural style and historical context. It offers a fantastic case study in adaptive reuse.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
1933 Old Millfun houses several cafes and restaurants, offering a range of dining experiences. While not a culinary destination in itself, you can find places to eat and drink while exploring.
Yes, there is at least one Starbucks and other cafes within the complex where you can grab a coffee or a snack.
The dining options are varied, typically including cafes and restaurants offering local and international cuisine. It's best to check specific establishments for their menus.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
The building offers endless opportunities for capturing unique architectural shots, from wide-angle vistas to detailed textures. Weekdays are best for fewer crowds, allowing you to compose your shots without obstruction. 🏛️ Architecture Buffs
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Architectural Marvel: A Fusion of Styles
The sheer scale and intricate design, including its famous aerial bridges and ramps, make it a fascinating subject for architectural study and admiration. The building's layout is intentionally maze-like, with every corridor and passage serving a purpose, transporting visitors back to the early 20th century.
Many visitors, especially those with an interest in architecture, find the building to be a timeless and bold masterpiece.
From Slaughterhouse to Creative Hub
The building's imposing concrete structure was designed for efficiency and scale, a stark contrast to its current identity. After years of disuse, the Shanghai government undertook a significant renovation in 2006, preserving its unique architectural character while repurposing it for contemporary use. Today, the Old Millfun is a thriving creative hub housing a diverse array of artistic shops, galleries, cafes, and offices.
This transformation represents a successful example of urban regeneration, breathing new life into a historically significant, albeit somber, site. The juxtaposition of its past as a place of industry and its present as a center for creativity is a key element of its appeal. Visitors often remark on the surprising vibrancy that has replaced the building's former function.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit