A Century of Suzhou Creek: Central Mint Heritage Walking Tour

This immersive cultural journey takes you from a century of coin minting to a riverside walk, and from industrial heritage to Shanghai’s distinctive Haipai style. The tour begins at the Shanghai Mint Museum. Completed in 1922, this Neoclassical building was the birthplace of the medals for the 48th WorldSkills Competition. Step inside and it is like opening a living record of China’s modern financial history. Designed jointly by the British firm Tong Wo & Co. and the American architect Hewitt, the building’s Ionic columns and triangular pediment reflect the architectural style of a century ago. The museum displays coins, dies and minting equipment from the history of the Central Mint Factory since production began in 1933. From silver and copper coins to the ‘Gold Inlaid with Jade’ medals from the Beijing Olympic Games, every exhibit bears witness to key events including the abolition of the tael system, currency reform and the introduction of the fabi currency. You can also try making a commemorative medal by hand. Place a blank metal disc in a mould, raise a metal hammer and strike it firmly. As the crisp impact rings out, your own commemorative medal takes shape, giving you a vivid sense of the skill and craftsmanship behind a century of coin minting. In the afternoon, take a city walk along Suzhou Creek, passing from 8 Bridge Art Space to Guang’er Warehouse, then from JK1933 to Suhe Haosi. The route continues through the Shikumen buildings of Shenyu Li and Sihang Warehouse, where the bullet-scarred wall still remains, before ending at the former site of the Shanghai General Chamber of Commerce. Former factories, old warehouses, art spaces and historic memorials unfold along the route. This is a journey from the ‘industrial rust belt’ to the ‘cultural showcase belt’ — feel the pulse of finance in the brickwork of the mint, and understand Shanghai’s century of change and renewal as you walk beside the river.