Old Millfun Shanghai Art Deco Maze and Urban Hauntings

Old Millfun, a striking testament to architectural brilliance in Shanghai, was constructed in 1933 and has emerged as a vibrant hub for art and culture, nestled within the walls of what was once an abattoir. The structure exudes an impressive blend of Art Deco and Bauhaus elements, serving as the last remaining facility of its kind in the city.

As I discovered the entrance to Old Millfun during a rain-soaked day, it seemed to transform Shanghai's modern pace into a slower, gray-toned ambiance. This venue, originally designed with wide spiral ramps for the efficient movement of livestock, now captivates art enthusiasts, photographers, and creatives in search of inspiration.

My curiosity drew me to this site, intrigued by its role as a reflection of Shanghai's evolving urban narrative. It symbolized a city that chooses to repurpose its historical structures rather than erase them, exemplifying the concept of adaptive reuse. I was eager to experience this transformation first-hand.

From the moment I entered, it became clear that Old Millfun was more than a mere artifact; it enveloped me in its surreal atmosphere. Inside, the quiet echoed faintly, as if the very space was alive, and I could sense an ethereal presence following me through the labyrinthine corridors.

The interior revealed little pools of water collecting under the spiraling staircases, droplets tracing time into the cracks of weathered concrete. Looking up from the central atrium, I found uneven bridges crisscrossing above me, and the air felt denser, softened by the scent of stone and metal.

As I continued exploring, I glimpsed a woman clad in a traditional red qipao, seemingly untouched by the rain, capturing the essence of a bare concrete wall. When I raised my camera, she vanished without a trace, leaving behind a haunting stillness.

The journey through Old Millfun led me to unexpected encounters—mysterious murals seemed to change with every glance, and even the wafting aromas of coffee drew me into a quaint café where patrons appeared lost in their contemplations.

Eager to uncover hidden corners, I meandered through gradually tilting corridors, following the pull of whispers and seeking artistic spaces alive with black and white projections. Each room felt like an invitation into a narrative that blurred the boundaries between art and perception.

Upon reaching the open-air terrace on the top floor, the sprawling city of Shanghai unfolded before me, a powerful reminder of the passage of time. The sound of dripping water accompanied my reflections as I pondered the ethereal nature of my surroundings.

Reaching the exit, I found a solitary guard whose quaint demeanor spoke volumes, a guardian of a realm where the past and present intertwine. As I stepped back into the sunlit world, the vibrant city surged around me, bustling and profound, yet tinged with the enigmatic experiences that lingered.

Indeed, Old Millfun is not just a place to visit; it is an experience that engulfs its visitors. While I departed with twenty photos chronicling my journey, I couldn't shake the sensation that the building had altered my perception, quietly reminding me: you can check out any time you like, but you can never leave.