Explore Shanghai's 1933 Old Millfun Art Deco Maze and Hauntings

The 1933 Old Millfun, located in Shanghai, is a remarkable blend of Art Deco and Bauhaus architectural styles, serving as a vibrant cultural hub for both art enthusiasts and coffee aficionados. Originally built as an abattoir, this evocative structure is the last of its kind, reimagined to capture the city's artistic spirit.

On a rainy day, the entrance to 1933 Old Millfun slows the fast pace of Shanghai, casting the city in shades of gray. As I step inside, the atmosphere envelops me, a sensation akin to being drawn into an enchanting narrative rich with historical echoes and modern creativity.

The design of the building is not only striking but purposeful. Spiral ramps accommodate the passage of livestock, while the twisting corridors were crafted to quell any panic. Now, those very halls resonate with the footsteps of photographers, artists, and curious visitors.

This site exemplifies Shanghai's commitment to adaptive reuse, where remnants of the past are revitalized rather than discarded. Such an approach resurrects the ghosts of history and shapes them into modern expressions of art and community.

The interior of 1933 Old Millfun is characterized by silence punctuated by my echoing footsteps. With a soft drizzle creating pools beneath the spiral staircases, the atmosphere feels otherworldly, as if shadows linger just out of sight.

Wandering deeper into the complex, I encounter a woman in a vibrant red qipao, seemingly captured in a timeless moment. Moments later, she vanishes, leaving me questioning the boundary between reality and the surreal charm of the building.

The rich aroma of coffee leads me to a cozy café nestled among the concrete and greenery. Here, the comforting scent mingles with the petrichor, allowing a temporary escape from the rain while echoing the harmonic integration of art and nature.

As I explore further, I encounter nooks filled with whispers and shadows, each corner beckoning with the promise of discovery. Exhibitions of projections and social gatherings within the building suggest a complex narrative unfolding behind an air of mystery.

Upon reaching the top floor, the view of sprawling Shanghai offers a moment of respite. Yet, beneath the calm lies an uncanny sensation of time slipping away, further deepened by a heavy, iron-laden sky.

Finally, I face a solitary guard, his presence anchoring the surreal experience. With a serene smile, he gestures toward the exit, a portal back to a city that resumes its indifference to my disorientation.

Upon stepping out into the bright post-storm sunlight, the familiar tempo of the city resumes, contrasting the otherworldly experience I had inside. Yet, as I review the moments captured in photographs, a sense of nostalgia envelops me, and the memories linger, suggesting I might not have left completely.

The allure of 1933 Old Millfun lies not just in its beauty but in the profound experience it offers, transforming a simple visit into a journey through time and emotion, compelling each visitor to reflect on the memories they take away.