The Old Port

The Old Port

The Old Port is a national AAA-level tourist attraction.

• A trendy new landmark on the South Bund, transforming abandoned factories into creative workshops, with an array of bars and restaurants.

Attraction Introduction

The Old Port is situated along the Huangpu River on the Puxi side. It was originally the “Shiliupu Wharf,” extending from Waibaidu Road in the east to Zhongshan South Road in the west, Maojiayuan Road in the north, and Xinmatou Road in the south. The riverside alleys and traditional Shikumen building clusters here carry the stories of Shanghai’s tycoons. After renovation, former boiler rooms, workers’ bathhouses, and dilapidated factories have been transformed into distinctive bars, themed restaurants, unique retail spaces, and creative workshops, completely revitalizing the area as a fashionable and cutting-edge destination on the South Bund.

The Old Port is currently divided into two areas: the plaza and the creative park. The plaza is somewhat similar to Xintiandi, where you can see foreigners from all over the world, but fortunately, the overall layout is more spacious, and it’s generally less crowded and noisy on regular days. The old Shanghai charm combined with some modern and unique creative elements has made this place a popular spot for many stylish young people to take wedding photos or hold weddings, while also attracting numerous photography enthusiasts for shoots.

Throughout the plaza, you can find creatively designed small landscapes, such as benches carved in the shape of English letters, a large red human-shaped sculpture, oversized kettles, and wooden tea tables. Most notably, there is a fountain in the center of the park whose water can be drained, turning the middle pathway into a catwalk where numerous fashion shows have been held.

The creative park area incorporates elements such as workshops for creative product design, studios for avant-garde artists, and business offices. It has now attracted many uniquely distinctive creative fashion shops and art galleries. Of course, due to its uniqueness, the overall pricing of goods is relatively high.

During the day, The Old Port is relatively quiet, with mostly visitors taking tours. You can take photos within the park, or stroll along the railing by the dock, enjoy the river breeze, and gaze at the Lujiazui Financial and Trade Zone across the river. When you’re tired, you can choose an open-air café, order a coffee, and savor a slow-paced lifestyle.

If it’s summer, you can also visit the artificial sunny beach here, play a game of beach volleyball, build sand sculptures with friends, lovers, or children, put on a bikini, apply sunscreen, comfortably lie on a lounge chair, sip an ice-cold drink, and enjoy the refreshing summer. There are changing rooms and shower facilities at the entrance to the beach, and you may bring your own clothes to change.

Of course, the nighttime scenery is also not to be missed. When the lights come on, you can choose restaurants with terraces like Mythos or LongHouse, enjoy delicious food while taking in the panoramic view of the Huangpu River, with the Oriental Pearl Tower and Jinmao Tower fully visible. The food options here are endless, featuring cuisines from all over the world that are sure to leave a lasting impression. When night falls, if you still have energy, you can stop by some small riverside bars, order a cocktail, sway to the live music, and experience Shanghai’s nightlife.

Address: No. 505, Zhongshan South Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai

Type: Themed Street

Recommended Visit Duration: 3–4 hours

Phone: 021-61526618

Opening Hours:

Open all day

Ticket Information:

No admission fee.

Transportation:

Take bus routes 65 or 736, or first take Metro Line 10 to Yuyuan Station, then walk along the Bund to reach The Old Port.