Old Wharf Creative Park

老码头创意园区

Named one of the top ten creative industrial parks in 2008, the Old Wharf Creative Park is a trendy new landmark on the South Bund. Renovated from the former Shiliupu area, the Old Wharf Creative Park retains the iconic Shanghainese "Shikumen" architectural style while cleverly incorporating modern elements of glass and steel, transforming the seemingly plain space into a sophisticated and elegant space. The area is now home to many high-end restaurants, offering an elegant ambiance but a more expensive price point.

Introduction

  • Attraction Location: 79 West Dapu Road, Putuo District, Shanghai, China (中国上海市普陀区大浦路79号)

  • History: Originally a shipping and warehousing area along the Huangpu River, Laoma Tou has been transformed into a creative cultural hub, preserving elements of industrial heritage while promoting modern arts and design.

  • Architecture: Industrial-style buildings with exposed brick, steel beams, and high ceilings. Renovations have converted warehouses into art studios, exhibition spaces, cafés, and boutique shops, combining traditional industrial aesthetics with contemporary design.

  • Cultural Value: Laoma Tou Creative Park is a center for Shanghai’s emerging art and design scene. It hosts exhibitions, workshops, fashion pop-ups, and cultural events, attracting artists, designers, and creative entrepreneurs.

  • Other Information: The park blends heritage preservation with modern creativity, offering a unique place to explore art, photography, and Shanghai’s industrial past.

Visiting Information

  • Opening Hours: 10:00 – 20:00

  • Ticket Price: Free entry to public areas
    Special exhibitions or workshops: 50–150 RMB depending on the event

  • Best Photo Spots:
    Industrial warehouse interiors with murals
    Outdoor graffiti walls
    Riverside walkways along Huangpu River
    Café terraces with skyline views

  • Time Reference: 2–3 hours for casual visit; 4–5 hours if attending exhibitions or workshops

Where to Sleep (Nearby Hotels & Stays)

  • Luxury:
    Renaissance Shanghai Putuo Hotel (上海普陀万丽酒店)
    Pullman Shanghai Changfeng Park (上海昌凤浦尔曼酒店)
  • Mid-range:
    Ji Hotel Shanghai Putuo (锦江酒店普陀店)
    Vienna Hotel Shanghai Changfeng Road (维也纳酒店长风路店)
  • Budget & Boutique:
    Shanghai Blue Mountain Hostel (蓝山青年旅舍)
    Local boutique guesthouses (本地特色客栈)

What & Where to Eat

  • Must-Try Dishes:
    Shanghai-style Xiaolongbao (上海小笼包)
    Noodles with Soy Braised Pork (红烧肉面)
    Creative café desserts (创意咖啡甜品)
  • Famous Spots:
    Café Maan Coffee (咖啡漫) – creative café
    Old Wharf Bistro (老码头酒吧餐厅) – riverside dining
    Local street food stalls nearby Laoma Tou

What Souvenirs to Buy

  • Handmade crafts and art pieces from local studios (手工艺品、艺术作品)
    Limited edition posters or prints from exhibitions (展览限量海报)
    Creative stationery and design products (创意文具)

Transportation

  • Metro: Line 3 to Changshou Road Station (长寿路站), then 10-min taxi or 15-min walk
  • Bus: Bus 46, 72, 911 stop at Dapu Road West (大浦路西站)
  • Taxi/Car: Accessible via Wanhangdu Road (万航渡路) or West Dapu Road (大浦路西段)
  • Bicycle/Walking: Shared bikes available near metro stations and along main streets

Nearby Attractions

  • Changfeng Park (长风公园) – 1.5 km, 5 min by taxi or 20 min walk
  • Shanghai Putuo District Cultural Center (普陀区文化中心) – 1 km, 10 min walk
  • Zhabei Riverside Walkway (闸北江边步道) – 1.8 km, 5–10 min taxi

Tips for Visitors

  • Wear comfortable shoes; some areas have cobblestone paths and industrial flooring.
  • Check for exhibitions and workshops online before visiting, as schedules vary.
  • Photography is generally allowed; be respectful in active studio spaces.
  • Evening visits are recommended for riverside photos and café experiences.
  • Bring cash for small stalls and independent shops; some do not accept cards.
  • Combine with a visit to nearby Changfeng Park for a relaxed day.

Recommended Itineraries

  • Half-Day Art & Culture Tour:
    Laoma Tou Creative Park (老码头创意园区) → Riverside walkway (江边步道, 5-min walk) → Café Maan Coffee (咖啡漫, 3-min walk)
  • Full-Day Experience:
    D1 – Laoma Tou Creative Park (老码头创意园区) → Changfeng Park (长风公园, 1.5 km by taxi) → Shanghai Putuo District Cultural Center (普陀区文化中心, 1 km by taxi)
  • Weekend Creative Immersion:
    D1 – Laoma Tou Creative Park (老码头创意园区) → Attend workshop or exhibition → Explore art studios and boutique shops → Dinner at Old Wharf Bistro (老码头酒吧餐厅)

User Reviews

By Yan Niu |

The "Old Wharf," formerly Shiliupu, holds the most legendary Shanghainese charm. Its riverside alleyways and traditional Shikumen (Shikumen) houses tell the stories of Shanghai's tycoons. Sit back on the European-style rooftop terrace and gaze at the roaring Huangpu River. Downstairs were once the warehouses of Huang Jinrong and Du Yuesheng. Today, the Old Wharf further integrates Shanghai's art, culture, commerce, and fashion, presenting a unique Shanghainese charm.

By Big Bad Wolf |

The Old Wharf Creative Park, which was transformed from the Shiliupu Wharf, has the old Shanghai Shikumen architectural style and houses many high-end restaurants.

By Carat Orange |

Reconstructed from Shiliupu

The tone of old Shanghai Shikumen

By Mars User |

It is a commercial center. All the warehouses beside the Pujiang River have been converted into restaurants and shops. It feels very high-end.

By Johan |

It's under renovation just now, so it's depressing. But just across the street is the Huangpu River, and the night view is still very beautiful.

By J who loves coffee |

Don't come here recently, it's undergoing major renovations, at least until National Day.

By Jenny |

The Old Wharf is located in South Bund and was formerly known as the "Shiliupu". After renovation, the riverside alleys and old Shikumen houses have been added with modern elements, making it a place that brings together artist studios, business offices, restaurants, bars, clubs and other leisure, entertainment and photography venues. It is very suitable for tourists who like leisure travel, architecture and food.

By Yueer Cici |

The "Old Wharf," formerly Shiliupu, holds the most legendary Shanghainese charm. Its riverside alleyways and traditional Shikumen (Shikumen) houses tell the stories of Shanghai's tycoons. Sit back on the European-style rooftop terrace and gaze at the roaring Huangpu River. Downstairs were once warehouses for Huang Jinrong and Du Yuesheng. Today, the Old Wharf blends Shanghai's art, culture, commerce, and style, presenting a unique Shanghainese charm.

By Talking Tom |

The scenery is nice, it's next to the Huangpu River, and there are various concerts from time to time (PS: It's not bad... various world famous music), which are free to enjoy, but the prices of the surrounding shops are not cheap... It depends on your spending power.

In addition to concerts, there are also various weddings being planned here. . . In short, it is an old dock in old Shanghai that has been renovated and packaged. The Shikumen architecture is very distinctive.

By Qingqing |

I don't really like it, it's just a variety of restaurants. Calling it a tourist attraction is a bit... There's nothing special about it. It's probably still under renovation.

By Yi |

I went there in a hurry and didn't find any places that I was particularly interested in.

By Little Lion AKa |

The "Old Wharf" is the former Shiliupu area, where many legends of old Shanghai are preserved. Today, this historic relic has been transformed into a creative industry park. Early in the morning, the "Old Wharf" was deserted, the bars shuttered, and I spotted a group of people filming something, presumably crew members. Many houses were under paved roads for renovation, and I searched everywhere but couldn't find the Shikumen dwellings I'd imagined. Even when I asked a woman who seemed to work there, she simply replied, "I don't know." After walking back and forth several times, I finally saw the iconic stone gate and understood: this place is no longer residential, but merely a preserved stone gate.

By A Rumo |

It's a very stylish place, and the surrounding area is being renovated, it should become more and more charming

By His Royal Highness Wang Jiuye |

Located on the South Bund, the Old Wharf was once the site of the "Shiliupu" (Sixteen Shops) line. Buses 65, 305, 324, 576, 715, 735, 801, and 868 all arrive at Zhongshan South Road and Fuxing East Road. It's a five-minute walk. The Old Wharf blends Shanghai's art, culture, commerce, and fashion, presenting a unique Shanghainese charm. It's also a great photo spot.

By July · Ebuluo |

It is a small new commercial area transformed from the original old houses, with scenery, restaurants and shops.

By ~Leaf 🍃Bodhi |

There are many restaurants and cafes converted from Shikumen buildings, which are quite romantic.

By Heart Valley |

It's not bad. If you haven't been there, you can go and have a look. There are many restaurants and bars inside.

By Colorful-fish |

Lane 505, Zhongshan South Road, Huangpu District! A creative park, let your imagination run wild! Grab your tripod and camera and start conceiving your own European and American creative blockbusters!

By ooBIG·VヾYun |

It’s a small piece of land, but it blooms beautifully without making any noise.

By Nemo the Fathead Fish |

I took a quick look at the old pier. I originally came for the beach pier, but I saw that such a small artificial beach cost 50 yuan. I turned around and walked around the restaurant area. It felt familiar as soon as I came in. I remembered that an episode of Go Fighting was filmed here. The whole area is not very big and it is full of restaurants. It should be very lively at night, with music, fountains, and a breeze. It should be quite nice to have some food and drinks.

By The neighing horse Gai Dang Fire Horse Doctor |

It is located on the outer road of South Bund. There are mainly various restaurants and bars, and the prices are a bit expensive. There are many cafes and drink shops, which are suitable for friends to drink and chat in the evening.

By Mount Kailash |

Walking south along the Bund, you will find the old pier, which has a strong sense of history. Now it has been transformed into a group of small-scale restaurants and cafes.

By VIKA |

Yesterday morning, the drizzle had stopped, so I agreed with Rong to meet at the old pier at 1:30 PM. I'm not very experienced with new photography lately, even framing is a struggle. I took a few photos yesterday, and they're still a lot blurry on my computer after I got home. I've chosen a few that I think are good and are posting them here. Any feedback is welcome.

The "Old Wharf" is a scenic spot on the Huangpu River between Shiliupu and Dongjiadu in Shanghai. It is a creative industry park transformed from the old factory buildings of the former Shanghai Oil and Fat Factory and nearby old warehouses. Its address is Lane 505, Zhongshan South Road.

The Old Wharf is home to a variety of restaurants from China, Greece, Japan, India, Germany, Italy, and other countries, as well as trendy shopping spots like leisure clubs and personalized retail. It basically caters to your every need for dining, drinking, and entertainment. Come here for afternoon tea with friends, dinner, and enjoying the night view.

By Share |

It has a retro and western feel. There are many foreign friends holding cameras and taking pictures everywhere. The beer festival is here, you can go and experience it yourself.

By Headphones and camera Ami Khaki |

The popularity is getting worse day by day, and it seems like the development has failed.

By Big hands holding small hands |

Take Subway Line 9 to Xiaonanmen Station and walk about a kilometer to the Old Wharf, the former site of Shiliupu. The warehouses of Huang Jinrong and Du Yuesheng have now been transformed into a dining, tourism, and commercial district. Outside, the newly renovated Old Wharf, while preserving its original appearance, exudes a touch of hipster charm.

By Jessica |

It's not very big, mostly cafes, bars, etc. The environment is pretty good.

By Xiaoyu Xiaoyu^^ |

Transportation is not very convenient. It's a bit far from the subway station. It's more convenient to take the bus. After getting off the bus, it's about a 5-6 minute walk. It seems that many people drive here. The narrow road is full of parked cars on both sides. There are construction sites all around. It's gray and the environment is average. The old wharf is not a big place. It mainly has restaurants, cafes, etc. It takes less than half an hour to walk around. It may be more lively at night. At present, it is not large in scale, there is not much to do, and the surrounding environment is not good. It may be better to go back in a few years when the surrounding environment is settled.

By Grape |

A creative park combining leisure, entertainment and commerce on the banks of the Huangpu River.

By Charlotte |

Located on the banks of the Huangpu River in North Bund, it was once a storage area for the docks. Now the warehouses have been converted into a creative park, mainly integrating catering and entertainment.

By Y Star |

Take Line 9 to Xiaonanmen and then walk a short distance to the park. However, due to extensive construction, the walk from Xiaonanmen to the old dock is a bit uncomfortable. Upon arrival, the overall environment felt like a miniature Thamestown. The Creative Park itself is more of a leisurely spot for visitors. It's adjacent to the city beach, where you can play volleyball and play in the sand. Before leaving, stroll here, enjoy a good meal, and enjoy the pools, fountains, and music. It's a very relaxing experience. The entire Creative Park retains the charm of old Shanghai with European touches, a blend of Chinese and Western elements that gives it a very comfortable feel. Once the road is repaired, it should attract even more visitors.

By Xiao Meng classmate |

In general, many shops are closed and there are only western restaurants inside.

By An An An An Bu |

The Old Wharf, once a cluster of Shikumen buildings and rumored to have served as Du Yuesheng's warehouse, has now incorporated commercial and trendy elements, becoming a vibrant nightlife destination alongside Xintiandi.

The difference between it and Xintiandi is that it places more emphasis on the "creativity" element, but both in terms of scale and popularity, it is slightly inferior to Xintiandi, and some businesses are even closed at night.

By Murphy Hou |

I came here once with my college roommate to research and write a paper. I thought the graffiti wall was quite interesting. I ate a pizza there and was full, but everything else was just average.

By Fat Tiger dozing offzz |

Shanghai has many creative blocks renovated from old buildings and factories. They're all great places to wander, have a meal, have afternoon tea, or take photos.

By Bird |

The Old Wharf is near the Bund, just south of Zhongshan South Road. It's about 1.5 kilometers away! It's an expensive area, and I've heard it's often overpriced for foreigners, so you can imagine how expensive it is. It's a bit more affordable for Chinese residents, though. To the east of the Old Wharf is another road called Old Wharf Road, which has a large open area. The views of Pudong at night are quite nice there! It's a great place for couples to date, as it's less crowded!

By Peko sauce peach |

The location is not good and the surrounding area is still quite deserted. There are more and more places to eat.

By The paper is full of nonsense |

The renovation of the old factory buildings couldn't be more special. The idea is very thoughtful, just in time to see the hard work of the city's migrant workers. If it weren't for them, this city wouldn't be so beautiful.

By shiosi |

The original Shanghai Oil Factory and Shiliupu Wharf are located on the bank of the Huangpu River. The Shiliupu buildings, a classic example of Shanghai style architecture, are preserved. The park is usually quiet with few people.

By Stupid |

The creative park is not very large. There is a courtyard in the middle with a pond, and various restaurants and cafes are located around it. It is very lively and there are occasional activities.

By Monica |

The original Shilipu Wharf area has been transformed into a place synonymous with high-end and fashionable style, and the consumption is also very expensive. For someone like me who doesn't have some money in my pocket, I still can't easily step into a store unless the company treats me.

By Xiao Lei |

At night, I suddenly had the urge to take a look when I passed by. It looked like a high-end dining place, mostly with foreigners, and the lights were flashing at night. I thought I might take a look.

By Cape of Good Hope |

The Old Wharf Creative Park is mainly based on the old wharf in the past. It used to be an old wharf on the Huangpu River and mainly consisted of warehouses. Now it is also a place for tourists to relax and travel. You can also see newlyweds taking wedding photos here!

By ❤ Rin |

The environment is very good, come here to eat Western food, there are many people in love~~

By Aries dream. |

I told the taxi driver I wanted to go to a bar on the Bund, and was brought here. It was quite lively inside, with a band performing and various restaurants. Not much else.

By Steakholic |

It's a good place for afternoon tea, but many people stay there.

By Taro |

It's a relatively new creative park with relatively few people.

It is adjacent to the Huangpu River and has many beautiful restaurants and cafes, as well as many foreigners.

It's a bit like Xintiandi and Tianzifang, but with a newer feel.

By Corrine |

Because I went at the wrong time, the door was not open.

By wynda |

The Old Wharf Creative Park was named one of the top ten creative industrial parks in 2008 and is a new fashion landmark in South Bund. Renovated from the original Shiliupu, the Old Wharf Creative Park retains the most Shanghainese "Shikumen" architectural style while cleverly incorporating modern elements of glass and steel structures.

By China-TravelNote users |

It was a good place to take photos. It was stall day when I went there. It was like a flea market with lots of good stuff.

By Why not |

The Old Pier can be regarded as a new attraction in Shanghai and is really worth a visit!

By shopgirl |

[Scenery] Shanghai's unique Shikumen architecture blends cuisine from around the world, creating a unique Shanghainese experience. Although small in size and area, it's small yet exquisite, perfect for a quick drink, a gathering with friends, or just a casual stroll.

[Transportation] If you take Subway Line 9 and get off at Xiaonanmen Station, walk about a kilometer. If you drive, there's a spacious parking lot by the Huangpu River that costs 10 yuan per hour. I personally think driving is better. The parking lot is rather basic, with small stone fields and average conditions, but the scenery by the Huangpu River is worth the parking fee. Also, walking down the side roads after getting off Line 9 is not very comfortable.

[Food] There are many choices of food at the Old Wharf, including Indian, Thai, Cantonese and local cuisine. Starbucks and Haagen-Dazs are both in the center, next to the waterfront. If you don't want to eat, you can choose these two places.

By Paranoia |

I like this place very much, but it's not very popular, the place is not very big, and the transportation is not very convenient

By Jingxing's behavior |

The old pier of Shanghai ~ the former night Shanghai!

Many buildings in various styles of modern concessions at the Bund Old Wharf also bear witness to the city's early prosperity.

By Jackie Chen |

There are many people coming here at night, there are many bars, and the night view is also good.

By Ni Xiaozhi. |

I feel it's okay. When I went there with my girlfriend, it was not fun at all. We just wandered around aimlessly.

By Wind dances in the distance |

A clever fusion of history and modernity, practicality and art, it is a popular destination for fashion gurus and young people.

By Rendering |

The Old Wharf Creative Park is very charming. It is considered one of Shanghai's fashionable landmarks. Young people with a petty income will like it very much.

By Misery is a young man |

This project, renovated from an old factory, is similar to Xintiandi, with bars, restaurants, and office buildings. Located on the Bund, it's not very convenient to take the subway, requiring a 15-minute or more walk. For similar options, Xintiandi is recommended.

By Fei Bo & Mi Xiu |

There are many restaurants, coffee shops and more and more small shops at the old pier.

By Chen Mike |

The former Shiliupu Wharf has now been transformed into a creative park, with the old wharf being one of them. It's home to a variety of Western restaurants and bars, and many foreigners love it. The fountain in the center is amazing. It's a ten-minute walk to the Bund, and there's a ferry nearby to Pudong. Personally, I think the night view of Lujiazui from here is better than from the crowded Bund.

By Duoduo |

It used to be Shiliupu, but now it has become a creative park with restaurants, bars, and creative shops. It is also great to watch the night view of Pudong here at night. The recently aired "Go Fighting" was recorded here.

By Juntian |

Old place, new ideas, very new decoration, I went there to eat!

By wkl |

It's very unique and not crowded. I only saw some studios taking pictures. The restaurant is also good and it's a good spot for taking children out.

By Dylan |

Very creative place, there are some good creative shops here

By Erhuzi Dudu |

I still recommend Tianzifang, which is much inferior to Tianzifang.

By Father Liu in Peach Blossom Temple |

There are many Western restaurants and art galleries. There is a section with graffiti, which is worth seeing.

By Xiao Zheng |

It's a bit like Beijing's 798. The scenery is nice and there are many places to eat.

By di56ye |

The old wharf is the original location of Shiliupu. The warehouses of Huang Jinrong and Du Yuesheng have now been transformed into a catering, tourism and commercial area.

Outside, there is a new old dock that has been renovated and decorated while maintaining the original appearance of the building, exuding a bourgeoisie atmosphere.

By Ava ZJ |

The old pier is charming at night. Sometimes there are open-air activities, German dark beer, music parties, in short, this is a happy place.

By stwflzxh |

A new attraction that integrates sightseeing, leisure and dining! !

By shallots |

The place is not big, but it is on the Bund, so you can enjoy the night view and the surrounding consumption is not too high. There are some more creative restaurants and a lot of beautiful, rich and handsome people. If you are looking for a romantic encounter, come here for a stroll.

By bobzhouwei |

The old factory building in the North Bund was renovated and now has become a dining and leisure place. It is a bit far from the subway station, but the environment is good, with the flavor of old Shanghai and the characteristics of the new era.

By Exclusive for Nao Nao |

It's a pretty boring place, and there was road construction going on around it when I went there. It's boring during the day, maybe it will be better at night.

By Lan Qinyu |

I particularly enjoy places with a retro feel, so I've been searching for unique creative parks in Shanghai. There are so many unique restaurants there, they're definitely worth a visit.