GOOD VIEWS: 1933 Shanghai Slaughterhouse, "Tinty" Garden, and Kungfu Komedy
- Ally Zhu
- Jun 5, 2018
- 3 min read
My best friend Leina and I do a thing where we take turns planning hangouts. Last Sunday, she took me around Shanghai to discover beautiful "pockets of magic" (as another friend of mine, Claire, would say), including the art deco styled space 1933 Shanghai Slaughterhouse, a cafe in the sky called "Tinty" Garden, and a stand up comedy show at Kungfu Komedy.
1933 Shanghai Slaughterhouse
Located in the Hongkou district of Shanghai, the 上海1933老场坊 is a curious intersection of art deco meets vintage abattoir. According to Randomwire, it was designed originally by British architects, and built in 1933 by Chinese developers. Originally intended for use as a slaughterhouse, it has served a number of purposes over the years from medicine factory, cold storage facility, to its current incarnation as a ‘commercial hub for creative industries’.
Entering from the embellished entrance hall, you will find yourself in winding pathways and narrow skybridges reminiscent of the ancient Greek Labyrinth. Lining the sides are cutesy studios and cafes on the more expensive side, but then again, you're not just paying for the drink but also for the view. Climbing the twisting staircases, you will find countless nooks and crannies perfect for that instagram shot (the grey really contrasts with any outfit), and rounding every corner you feel like a young child exploring an ancient castle.
You can find 1933 Shanghai, otherwise known as “Old Millfun” at No. 10 Shajing Lu.
The walkway leading into the Tinty Garden.
Tinty Garden
Our next stop was a cafe on the edge of the 1933 complex. Situated on the ground floor is the cafe at which you can buy your drinks, but taking a ladder-like set of stairs up leads you to the "Tinty" garden that overlooks the abattoir labyrinth.
I ordered a latte for around 40 RMB, and it came in a decently large quantity with satisfying taste (surprising for a fancy cafe where probably most of your payment is going into maintenance of the rose shrubs and gilded gates). The weather was slightly overcast, but it was perfect for a breezy afternoon of just chilling and chatting.
Isn't my bff the cutest and most gorgeous person on the face of this earth??
However, it was only later that we really discovered pockets of magic: in Shanghai's streets, alleyways, and even on its walls.
Pockets of Magic
On our way to the Italian restaurant- taken on JiuLong road (九龙路）
Taken on Liyang road (溧阳路）
We even found (remnants of?) an art bombing session in the process of finding our restaurant. It's a jumping carp!! Location: No. 751 Liyang road, Peninsula bay (创意园）
We even found this huge music-making machine (what's the word for it? a something-graph?) that plays music when a coin is inserted.
Afterwards, we ate dinner at an Italian restaurant around the bend right next to the Peninsula Bay 创意园. I don't know about you, but whenever I'm in Shanghai and I eat western, I get this guilty twinge like "why indulge in a culture that isn't even native to this place when you could be taking advantage of the local cuisine? You'll miss this stuff in college." But then again, sometimes I'm just not feeling 麻辣烫 (MaLaTang) so I guess it'll just be a perpetual struggle.
Kungfu Komedy
A ton of beef carpaccio, Long Island Iced tea and Truffle linguini later, Leina and I headed to our final destination (she kept it a secret). I was surprised with some really good stand up comedy at Kungfu Komedy on Xiangyang North road (襄阳北路, right below Kartel)! This was my first time watching stand-up comedy in person and I had a crazy relaxing and entertaining night. Not gonna lie though, do expect the night to be sprinkled with a decent amount of second hand embarrassment (I had to squeeze Leina's hand to relieve some of that pressure when badly delivered rape jokes came on) but overall, I found myself laughing throughout the evening to recounts of weird teaching experiences, hilarious Chinglish T-shirt slogans, and an Indian man's marriage to a cow. Definitely 10/10 would recommend, but do bring someone you can share some of that cringing burden with (and also a good laugh!).
Let me know below or direct message me on instagram if you decide to hit up any of these cool spots, and tag me @allywaytalk on insta if you decide to flaunt it!
Happy exploring!
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