How do I get to 1933 Old Millfun, and is it free?

It sits at 611 Liyang Road in Hongkou District and has direct metro access, so most visitors take the subway and walk a few minutes. Entry to the complex is completely free, and you can explore the ramps and rooftop on your own. The cafes inside charge normally and accept WeChat Pay or Alipay.

How long should I spend at 1933 Old Millfun?

Plan on one to one and a half hours. The building is compact but vertically complex, so most of your time goes to climbing the ramps, finding photo angles, and pausing for coffee. Architecture fans may linger longer; if you only want a few photos, 45 minutes is enough before moving on.

1933 Old Millfun, Shanghai: Map & Visitor's Guide (2026)

Repurposed 1933 Art Deco slaughterhouse — now spiral ramps, exposed concrete, and creative tenants.

At a glance

What it is: Landmark
Also known as: 1933老场坊 (1933 Lǎo Chǎng Fāng)
Opening hours: 9 AM – 10 PM
Time needed: 1-1.5 hours
Best time to visit: Weekday afternoon for fewer photographers
Getting there: Metro to the door
English: Some English signage
Cards accepted: Cash only
Entry: Walk-in — no booking
Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi
Address: 611 Liyang Road, Hongkou District, Shanghai · 虹口区溧阳路611号

See 1933 Old Millfuntickets & tours

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Built in 1933 as the Shanghai Municipal Slaughterhouse by British architects, this five-story Hongkou complex is one of Asia's most architecturally striking examples of Bauhaus-meets-industrial design. The interior is a labyrinth of spiral ramps, narrow bridges, and umbrella columns that once moved livestock. After a 2007 restoration, the building now hosts independent cafés, design studios, events, and short-term art exhibits. Free to enter and wander; coffee shops accept WeChat/Alipay. Allow an hour for photos and a coffee.

Highlights

Spiral Ramps & BridgesWander the labyrinth of ramps and narrow bridges that once moved livestock.
Umbrella ColumnsIconic Bauhaus columns; best photographed from multiple angles.
Rooftop ViewsAccessible via ramps; great for skyline photos.
Independent CafésGrab a coffee; accept WeChat/Alipay.

What Chinese travelers actually do here

Distilled from Chinese-language travel notes — the practical tips most English guides miss.

▸The umbrella columns and ramps look best under soft overcast light; harsh midday sun blows out the pale concrete in photos.
▸Climb to the top first, then work your way down the ramps so crowds and tour groups are behind you.
▸The central air bridge on the upper floors is the signature shot most visitors miss while staring at the ground level.
▸Tenant cafes and studios come and go, so do not arrive expecting a specific shop; treat it as a building, not a mall.
▸Weekday afternoons are noticeably quieter than weekends, when wedding and fashion photographers occupy the best corners.
▸Wear flat, grippy shoes; the polished ramps get slick and there are many short steps and uneven thresholds.

Photos

A historic building in Shanghai with an arched brick facade, typical of traditional Chinese architecture.

Close-up view of a red brick building with air conditioners and greenery on a balcony in Shanghai.

What travelers say (3 reviews)

ArchFan·TripAdvisor·4/5

Brutalist heaven. The spiral ramps and umbrella columns are unlike anything else in Shanghai.

2026-04-25

Emma K.·Google Maps·4/5

Loved the contrast — slaughterhouse history meets contemporary cafés. Free to wander.

2026-03-08

建筑控·Xiaohongshu·5/5

上海最神秘的建筑之一。光影绝美，拍照超出片。1933 不只是个数字。

2026-02-20

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10 Best Places to Visit In Shanghai 2026 - FIRST TIME IN SHANGHAI

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1933 Old Millfun, former slaughterhouse, now architectural g

Frequently asked questions about 1933 Old Millfun

Is 1933 Old Millfun worth visiting in Shanghai?: Yes, if you like architecture or unusual photo spots. It is a 1933 Art Deco slaughterhouse rebuilt by British architects, now a maze of spiral ramps, narrow bridges, and umbrella columns. There is little to actually buy or do, but wandering the concrete labyrinth is free and unlike anything else in the city. Budget about an hour.
How do I get to 1933 Old Millfun, and is it free?: It sits at 611 Liyang Road in Hongkou District and has direct metro access, so most visitors take the subway and walk a few minutes. Entry to the complex is completely free, and you can explore the ramps and rooftop on your own. The cafes inside charge normally and accept WeChat Pay or Alipay.
How long should I spend at 1933 Old Millfun?: Plan on one to one and a half hours. The building is compact but vertically complex, so most of your time goes to climbing the ramps, finding photo angles, and pausing for coffee. Architecture fans may linger longer; if you only want a few photos, 45 minutes is enough before moving on.