The abattoir

I was told that if I wanted to take some nice photos I should go to a
converted abattoir. It is called 1933 and is built in the art deco
style.

It’s incredible to think someone put so much effort into something which was built to kill animals. Surely they would not appreciate the building.

I had two hours before I had to get back to the British Council in the French Concession so I had to move quickly. I left the British Council in a rush and got to the metro in record time. On line 1 up to the railway station then changing to line 4 two stops to Hailun Rd, it took 45 minutes. After emerging from the metro there are big blue signs pointing the way to “1933” so it was easy to find.

It’s an unremarkable building with a steam train parked outside for some reason. Inside they have turned it into a trendy place, with bars, restaurants, the Ferrari Owners’ Club etc. It was all quite smart but not yet full of shops.

The first thing you notice is that it’s all open to the air. There are lots of “air bridges” and different width corridors for the different animals. At the top there is a glass ceiling which you can walk on and look right down to the ground.

After spending about half an hour racing around taking pictures I had to
hot foot it back to the metro and arrived back in the French Concession
just in time for the start of the meeting. I will be going back when I
have more time and take my tripod!