Shanghai’s oddest buildings
Shanghai’s home to some great modern architecture, but at the same time there are some buildings that can leave you scratching your head. The following are all in the latter category.
1. Chariots of fire
The designers of this building out past Hongqiao Airport obviously felt there’s no such thing as too many gold horses. (Hongqiao Lu, near the A20 expressway)
2. Magic mushrooms
If you've ever wondered what's it like to actually live like a smurf, this doctor’s office the Oriental Green Boat in <a href="/shanghai/play/oriental-land-much-more-your-ordinary-theme-park-225502" target="_blank">Oriental Land</a> is for you.
3. Metro history lesson
This building by Longcao Metro station is pretty nondescript but the sculptures out front more than make up for it. Highlights (sadly not shown) include Deng Xiaoping and Jesus. (Longwu Lu, near Longshui Bei Lu)
4. Obama Club meets its match
This gem also past Hongqiao Airport appears to be a scale replica of the White House. Enough said. (Hongqiao Lu, near the A20 expressway)
5. Buildings on fire
Two matchboxes stacked on top of each other (and almost ready to be lit by the pillars below) are currently being built next to Changfeng Park. No word on exactly what it’s going to be. (Dadahue Lu, near Guangfu Xi Lu)
6. A slice of Europe
This is what remains of the Holland Village development in Pudong (similar to the U.K.-themed <a href="/shanghai/play/shanghai-thames-town-327844" target="_blank">Thames Town</a>). Apparently it was supposed to be like living in the Netherlands, but we think the half-built cement castles and stagnant moats may have given the game away. (Hangjin Lu, near Pudong Bei Lu)
7. IP protection
We're not sure why they decided to put a giant non-working faucet on the side of an intellectual property office, but maybe it was because no one would ever try to copy it. (Yangshupu Lu, near Longchang Lu)
8. American Dreams
American Dream theme park, which opened in the late 1990s but quickly went bankrupt. A Main Street and rusted rides can be seen on the inside, but the not particularly welcoming guards mean you’d have to jump a few fences to get the whole experience. (Cao’an Hwy, near A5 expressway)
