How to Plan Your Industrial Tour in Shanghai

Shanghai, China’s economic hub and a cutting-edge city where industry meets innovation, offers unique industrial tourism experiences. If you’re interested in industrial development, technological innovation, or creative culture, here’s a curated guide to Shanghai’s industrial tourism:

🛠️ Trip Planning Suggestions

1. Themes to Explore
  • Manufacturing Exploration: Visit Shanghai Volkswagen Automotive Co., Ltd. or Baosteel Group Corporation, ideal for those fascinated by industrial processes and technology.
  • Creative & Cultural Industries: Explore M50 Creative Garden or 1933 Old Millfun, perfect for art and design enthusiasts.
  • Technological Innovation: Discover the Shanghai Supercomputer Center for insights into high-tech and future technologies.
2. Itinerary Ideas
  • Half-day Tour (4–6 hours): Visit Shanghai Volkswagen to witness automobile manufacturing.
  • Full-day Tour (8–10 hours): Morning at Baosteel, afternoon at M50 Creative Garden to experience the blend of industry and art.
  • Multi-day Tour: Combine with nearby cities like Suzhou for an in-depth look at regional manufacturing.

🏭 Must-visit Sites

  1. Shanghai Volkswagen Automotive Co., Ltd. (上海大众汽车有限公司) Located in Jiading, this joint venture offers a glimpse into world-class automotive production with visits to pressing, body, and assembly shops via electric carts.
  2. Baosteel Group Corporation (宝钢集团有限公司) Based in Baoshan, this globally competitive steel producer showcases large-scale steel manufacturing technology.
  3. M50 Creative Garden (M50创意园) Housed in a former textile factory in Putuo, this creative park features over 130 art studios and galleries.
  4. 1933 Old Millfun (1933老场坊) Originally a slaughterhouse in Hongkou, this preserved industrial heritage site now serves as a creative hub.
  5. Shanghai Supercomputer Center (上海超级计算中心) Located in Pudong, it displays China’s supercomputing advancements with exhibits like the “Magic Cube” and interactive zones.

📅 Booking & Travel Tips

  • Advance Booking: Required for most factories and museums, especially large enterprises like Baosteel. Recommend booking 1–2 weeks in advance.
  • Transport: Shanghai’s metro network is extensive and convenient for reaching most sites.
  • Accommodation: Stay in central areas like People’s Square or Nanjing Road for easy access to transport.

🗺️ Practical Tips

  • Dress Code: Wear comfortable shoes (avoid heels or flip-flops) when visiting factories.
  • Safety Rules: Follow factory safety protocols (e.g., wear helmets or goggles).
  • Photography: Check photography policies as some factories prohibit it.
  • Language: For non-Chinese speakers, opt for sites with English tours or use translation tools.
Experience Shanghai’s industrial heritage and innovation firsthand through these curated tours!