Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
one of the city's last surviving street markets, with mountains of fruit, vegetables, poultry, fish
and street food - a real adventure. It's crowded, so watch your belongings and keep travel
companions close.
From here, retrace your steps to Huoshan Road, from where it's a short walk to the Ocean
Hotel for the Revolving 28 restaurant, see 1 .
Tilanqiao Prison
Tilanqiao Prison was constructed in 1903 by the Shanghai Municipal Government as
the Ward Road Jail. With 3,000 cells, it was the largest prison in the Far East, earn-
ing the nickname 'Alcatraz of the Orient'. Today, it is said to be China's largest prison.
Tilanqiao has six prison blocks, including one for juveniles, a hospital, workshops, an
administration block, a kitchen and laundry block, and an execution chamber. First
administered by and for foreigners under the Shanghai Municipal Council, it was
used by the Japanese when they occupied China, Chiang Kai-shek's Nationalist gov-
ernment after that, and, since 1949, the People's Republic of China. Tilanqiao has
housed prisoners of war, American Navy personnel, priests, Chinese dissidents and
European civilians. Despite the urban renewal all around it, Tilanqiao remains a solid
presence in the area, which suggests that it will remain Shanghai's main lock-up for
some time to come.
1933
Built in 1933, the former Shanghai Abattoir, now simply called 1933 (10 Shajing Road;
www.1933shanghai.com ) became Asia's most prolific slaughterhouse - not to mention an
era-defining example of industrial design. Behind a palatial stone façade punctured with geo-
metrical art deco lines, squares and portholes, the impressive conical interiors feature criss-
crossing sloped concrete bridges brilliantly designed for the mass transportation of cattle,
capped by a central dome. After ceasing slaughter operations, it was converted into a medi-
cine factory in 1970, then restored and reopened in 2007 as a 'creative lifestyle hub'. Al-
though the shops and restaurants that occupy its varied spaces are a mixed bag, it's worth a
visit if you're in the area to witness this fine piece of historic industrial art.
A short ride away, towards the riverfront, luxury cruise ships now dock at the Shanghai
Port International Terminal in Hongkou's historic dock area, which is being transformed into a
high-end enclave of hotels, shops, restaurants and offices. A pretty landscaped park traces
the waterfront affording lovely views and tranquil rest stops.
 
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