Shanghai | 1933 Old Market: A Former Slaughterhouse Transformed into a Hipster Community

#SeptemberBestPlaces2025 Shanghai 1933 Old Market Square, once the largest livestock slaughterhouse in the Far East during the Republican era, was originally known as the "Shanghai Municipal Council Slaughterhouse." Designed and completed in 1933 by British architect Balfour, the building's exterior is constructed entirely of concrete, showcasing a unique exposed concrete style. The bare walls and hard lines of this old building once evoked a gloomy and otherworldly feeling. Its defining feature is its labyrinthine structure: a complex network of winding corridors and staircases, perfect for exploration and photography, especially in the afternoon when the sunlight refracts through the space, creating stunning photographic effects. Today, 1933 Old Market Square has been successfully transformed into a cultural and creative park and shopping mall. This successful modern renovation not only preserves the building's historic feel but also showcases the novelty of postmodern architectural spatial reconstruction. This seamless fusion of the two creates a strikingly unique and stylish interpretation of functional needs and architectural aesthetics, creating a strikingly unique and modern aesthetic. Although the park is currently sparsely populated with shops and lacks site guidance, with visitors mostly exploring on their own, it remains a popular destination for Shanghai's cultural and creative industries. Whether you're interested in learning about its history or simply admiring the distinctive architecture and capturing the unique spatial light and shadow, 1933 Old Market Square is well worth a visit.