This British-built jail was once Shanghai’s biggest. Used by the Japanese during WWII, it’s still functioning as a prison (renamed Tilanqiao Prison) and is probably as close as you’ll get, or would want to get, to a Chinese detention facility.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

2. Xiahai Buddhist Monastery

0.07 MILES

The name of this large Buddhist temple means 'Going Out to Sea Temple'. It was built during the Qing dynasty, during the rule of the Qianlong emperor (r…

3. Former Broadway Theatre

0.19 MILES

Look above the convenience store to admire the magnificent art deco former Broadway Theatre building, located in the Jewish Quarter.

4. 1933

0.98 MILES

This vast concrete former abattoir is one of Shanghai's unique buildings, today converted to house a number of boutiques, galleries and restaurants …

5. Shanghai Ocean Aquarium

1.09 MILES

Education meets entertainment in this slick and intelligently designed aquarium that children will love. Join them on a tour through the aquatic…

6. Oriental Pearl TV Tower

1.2 MILES

This 468m-tall globe-on-a-tripod tower is the most iconic contemporary building in the city, and its image is omnipresent around town – from postcards to…

7. Shanghai Stock Exchange Building

1.27 MILES

Shanghai's stock exchange used to run in the Peacock Hall of the Astor House Hotel before moving to new custom-made digs in Pudong.

8. Wu Changshuo Memorial Hall

1.28 MILES

The lack of English captions badly hobbles the displays of this small museum detailing the life and work of artist, poet, calligrapher and seal carver Wu…