#old millfun

I love taking photos like this.

Model: Aneliese Ryan

ⓒ Paweł Lappo Photography

I knew that the 1933 building was a slaughterhouse before I went there so I was prepared mentally but seeing these definitely put me on edge. There were indeed normal concrete paths and then these wide, very rough looking slopes that went up and I didn’t realize what and why the difference was until I read the sign. 

Monochrome version is even better

Model: Aneliese Ryan

1933 the Old Millfun Here’s the concept: think New York’s meatpacking district compacted into a single building.

In this ex-slaughterhouse, architecturally inspiring sky walkways are underlined by dark stairwells and hallways to create a maze for you, the elite customer. At the ends of these inter-connecting walkways are different restaurants, clubs, bars, and high-end stores.

Walking through the concrete passageways where millions of animals were once slaughtered gives you the feeling that you’ve stumbled into somewhere forbidden, somewhere that you’re not supposed to be. This feeling makes everything slightly more dangerous, but it’s the kind of danger that thrills you. You like the grunge, the history, and most of all the edginess.

Inside 1933

The 'Old Millfun,' was first built as a slaughterhouse in the early 20th century and was one of three, the other two being in the United States and London. Up until 1945 it served as the main source of meat for the British Concession and then later for all of Shanghai. It fell into the possession of the GMD and later the CCP until finally being privatized and redone into the retail space it is today.

The rooftop

While I think the concept behind 1933 is amazing (just look at how successful NYC's Meatpacking district is on any given night) I think that Shanghai’s compact version has a long way to go. As of now most of the spaces are vacant. Yes there is a Ferrari shop, a nightclub that I’ve never heard of before, and some random restaurants (Russian) but I was really hoping for more. At the moment the space is probably its best when it’s rented out by luxury companies for their colossal functions.

The sky walkways That isn't to say that 1933 isn't worth a visit, after all in some respects the emptiness adds to the atmosphere of the place. For now go to the 'Old Millfun' to learn about the history, appreciate the one-of-a-kind architecture, and snap some photos. If everything goes to plan this place won't be 'unknown' for too much longer, so head over now while its still more slaughterhouse than mall.

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