1933 Old Millfun
7.5Friend Score / 10free
A 1933 former slaughterhouse turned creative complex in Hongkou - all concrete ramps, spiral stairs, and cathedral-like Art Deco geometry. Free to enter, now full of shops, cafes, and event spaces. A photographer's dream. Open roughly 9am to 10pm daily.
Key facts
| Hours | Mon-Sun: 09:00-22:00 (individual shops vary) |
|---|---|
| Price | free |
| Phone | — |
| Website | — |
| Nearest transit | Hailun Road Station (Metro Line 4/10), ~8 min walk |
| Time needed | 1-1.5 hours |
| Best time to go | Daytime for natural light through the concrete lattice |
| Last verified | July 15, 2026 |
Friend Score
7.5/10- Value8.5
- iconic7.0
- Freshness9.3
- excellence7.5
- Crowd level7.5
- Authenticity7.5
- Accessibility6.0
Frequently asked questions
- Is 1933 good for photos?
- It is one of the most photogenic interiors in the city - the funnel ramps, spiral staircase, and geometric bridges are endlessly shootable. Come on a weekday morning for empty frames.
- What was 1933 Old Millfun originally?
- It was the Shanghai Municipal Abattoir, built in 1933 and designed by a British firm - one of the few such buildings of its kind left in the world. The web of concrete bridges and animal ramps is now the whole attraction.
- How do I get there?
- It is at 611 Liyang Road in Hongkou. Take Metro Line 4 or 10 to Hailun Road Station, then walk about 8-10 minutes. A taxi or Didi drops you at the door.
- Is it worth visiting?
- For architecture and photography lovers, absolutely - the interior is unlike anything else in Shanghai. If you are not into design or photos, there is less to actually do, since much of the retail is quiet.
- Are there restaurants or cafes inside?
- Yes, several cafes and restaurants operate within the complex, though the tenant mix shifts over time and some floors feel underused. It is fine for a coffee break but not a dining destination on its own.
- Is 1933 Old Millfun free to visit?
- Yes, entry to the building is free and you can roam the ramps and walkways for as long as you like. You only pay if you buy from the cafes, shops, or a ticketed event or exhibition inside.
- How long should I spend?
- About an hour to 90 minutes is plenty to explore the ramps, climb to the upper levels, and grab a coffee. Photographers can easily linger longer chasing angles and light.
- What are the opening hours?
- Generally 9:00am to 10:00pm daily for the complex, though individual shops keep shorter hours. Daytime is best for photography, when light filters through the concrete lattice.
Nearby in Ask Shanghai
- HongkouNeighborhood0.98 km · 12 min walk
- Wuzhong Road Wholesale Food MarketMarket1.02 km · 13 min walk
- Rockbund Art MuseumMuseum1.72 km · 22 min walk
- Lu Xun ParkPark1.83 km · 23 min walk
- The BundAttraction1.9 km · 24 min walk
Where to stay near 1933 Old Millfun
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