This vast concrete former abattoir is one of Shanghai's unique buildings, today converted to house a number of boutiques, galleries and restaurants (though, sadly, none are of much interest). An extraordinary place built around a central core, its structure is a maze of flared columns, sky-bridges (across which cattle would be led to slaughter), ramps, curved stairwells and jostling photo opportunities.
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
1.95 MILES
With its shaded alcoves, glittering pools churning with fish, plus pavilions, pines sprouting wistfully from rockeries, and roving packs of Japanese…
1.19 MILES
Symbolic of concession-era Shanghai, the Bund was the city’s Wall Street, a place of feverish trading and fortunes made and lost. Originally a towpath for…
2.94 MILES
One of Shanghai’s few active Buddhist monasteries, this temple was built between 1918 and 1928. The highlight is a transcendent Buddha crafted from pure…
1.69 MILES
China’s tallest building dramatically twists skywards from its footing in Lujiazui. The 121-storey, 632m-tall, Gensler-designed Shanghai Tower topped out…
3.48 MILES
Tianzifang and Xintiandi are based on a similar idea – an entertainment complex housed within a warren of lòngtáng (弄堂, alleyways). Unlike Xintiandi,…
2.58 MILES
With its own namesake metro station, Xintiandi has been a Shanghai icon for over a decade. An upmarket entertainment and shopping complex modelled on…
2.11 MILES
This must-see museum escorts you through the craft of millennia and the pages of Chinese history. It's home to one of the most impressive collections in…
2.64 MILES
Shanghai may be known for its glitz and glamour, but it's got an edgy subculture too. The industrial M50 art complex is one prime example, where galleries…
Nearby attractions
0.48 MILES
Dating from 1923, this is the church where Chiang Kaishek married Soong Meiling. It’s generally closed to the public, but the caretaker may let you in.
0.5 MILES
Young Allen Court is a distinctive brick building constructed in 1923. Walk down the side of the alley for views of its three stories and the rear of the…
0.74 MILES
Also known as Fitch Memorial Church, this 1928 brick temple is an interesting structure for architecture fans. It was built in a Chinese style with…
0.77 MILES
Looming over Suzhou Creek, this classic brick pile (resembling a Ministry of Truth) was built to great fanfare in 1934 as an apartment block and was later…
0.82 MILES
This bell tower at the bend of Duolun Rd is a main feature of the street, right next to the Old Film Café.
0.82 MILES
This museum in the Main Post Office building explores postal history in imperial China, which dates back to the 1st millennium BC. The system used an…
0.83 MILES
Overlooking Suzhou Creek, this supremely grand building dates from 1924. It's topped with a cupola and clock tower, and ornamented with bronze statues…
8. Duolun Road Cultural Street
0.84 MILES
This pleasantly restored but sleepy street of fine old houses, just off North Sichuan Rd, was once home to several of China’s most famous writers (as well…