Shanghai's Old Factories, Reimagined: Discover the City's Latest Hotspots →

Shanghai's old factories are reappearing in city life in new forms. Sites that once produced audio equipment, textiles, instruments or processed grain now house cafés, art spaces, trendsetting venues and creative parks. Their brick walls, steel frames, silos and factory structures have survived—and become their most striking features. With autumn bringing pleasant weather, it is a good time to explore these traces of the industrial past.

CHAPTER 1

An audio factory becomes a stylish urban quarter

WYSH Feiyueli

This was once the site of Feilo Acoustics, the first listed company in the People's Republic of China. A major part of Wuyi Road's urban renewal, the project was designed by architect Liu Yichun.

The renovation retained the old factory's industrial structure and red-brick textures while restoring two century-old garden villas at 174 and 188 Wuyi Road. Industrial heritage, historic homes and contemporary architecture come together in an open pedestrian quarter linking Wuyi Road with Zhaohua Road.

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Courtyard plazas, a large lawn, elevated walkways and rooftop terraces give the quarter a varied layout.

Designer boutiques, high-end furniture showrooms, restaurants making their Shanghai debut, specialty coffee shops and art exhibition spaces share the site.

Visitors can explore Shanghai's industrial history, see an exhibition, enjoy a meal or watch the sunset from a terrace. It is an essential stop on a walk along Wuyi Road.

📍 Address: 168 Wuyi Road, Huayang Road Subdistrict, Changning District

⏰ Hours: Public areas open 24 hours; individual shop hours vary

CHAPTER 2

A grain silo finds new life as a popular café

Yichi Garden · Silo Café

Yichi Garden's Silo Café was once a grain store at Qingpu's No. 2 Rice Mill. Its cylindrical industrial structures have been preserved and paired with an airy glass pavilion to create a distinctive café.

The substantial silos, plain concrete walls and light glass spaces complement one another, balancing industrial character with an easygoing atmosphere.

If you are visiting Zhujiajiao Ancient Town, consider making a detour here.

Silos once filled with grain now offer room for a cup of coffee and a peaceful afternoon.

📍 Address: Building 9, Lane 339, Kezhiyuan Road, Qingpu District

⏰ Hours: 10:00–21:00

CHAPTER 3

A navigation-instrument factory reimagined

An urban quarter with an eye for design

EKA Tianwu

EKA Tianwu in Jinqiao, Pudong, also preserves memories of an industrial past.

The site formerly housed the Customs Pudong Factory and Shanghai Navigation Instrument Factory. Following redevelopment, the old industrial buildings now serve as dining, art and retail spaces.

Industrial features such as blue-gray brick and concrete walls remain, complemented by varied architectural styles and interior designs.

Today, visitors can have coffee, enjoy a meal, see an exhibition or simply wander around the grounds at their own pace.

A former place of production has become a place for everyday life.

📍 Address: Ground floor, Building 2, 535 Jinqiao Road, Pudong New Area

⏰ Hours: 9:00–24:00

CHAPTER 4

A cement factory becomes a new Huangpu riverside landmark

Gate M West Bund Dream Center

Formerly the Shanghai Cement Factory, West Bund Dream Center is now a cultural and commercial complex bringing together performances, fashion, dining and leisure.

The scale of the industrial buildings has been retained, with the distinctive domed arts center preserving a visual link to the site's past.

On a fine day, stroll along the river or settle into an outdoor seat for a meal or coffee with waterfront views.

From cement factory to riverside cultural and retail destination, this industrial heritage continues to play a part in city life in a new form.

📍 Address: 2266 Longteng Avenue, Xuhui District

⏰ Hours: 10:00–22:00

CHAPTER 5

An old granary becomes a cultural landmark in Songjiang

Yunjian Granary

Built in the last century, Yunjian Granary has been redeveloped while retaining its original industrial spaces. Restaurants, art galleries, small theaters and cafés now occupy the site.

Visit for coffee and exhibitions during the day, or performances and dinner in the evening.

📍 Address: 10053 Songjin Highway, Songjiang District

⏰ Hours: 9:00–21:00