East of the Huangpu River, a century-old factory is taking on a new appearance and refreshing its facade.
In 1869, it was born as the Pudong factory of the old customs. Accompanying Shanghai’s 180-year history of opening up, it has also walked through 155 years in the river of time.
In 1928, the Shanghai Marine Instrument Factory took root here, and it remains the headquarters of the factory to this day.
As a witness to a century of industrialization, the old factory has long since shed its former colors, stained with rust in the wind and frost.
Riding the sails of the times, this old factory engaged in the marine industry has finally sent itself into the waves.
In 2023, it will once again keep pace with the times and refresh its appearance as “EKA Tianwu.” The new park inherits the spiritual background of “exploration and fearlessness” of the marine spirit and sets sail again on the magnificent sea.
EKA · Tianwu
New Trendy Block, Rejuvenated
The name “Tianwu” comes from “Tiangong Kaiwu,” with the spirit of “creating new life from nothing.” “EKA,” on the other hand, is derived from Sanskrit, symbolizing “one” and “unknown element.”
This place has created an architectural style that is like something out of this world, materializing concepts and realizing inspirations.
Covering an area of about 100 mu (6.67 hectares), the park integrates artistic elements into the construction of the landscape while carefully preserving industrial traces.
30+ Buildings with Diverse Styles
Stepping into the EKA Tianwu Park, one cannot help but marvel at the diversity of its architecture.
Moving from one scene to another, from the classical Chinese style of the imperial garden, the Nordic minimalist style villa, to the Greek Mediterranean castle, and the old Shanghai cave-like ancient building… This place can be called an “open-air architectural museum.”
The multi-style buildings coexist harmoniously with the ancient trees by the water, sparking inspirational ideas.
There are no restrictions on building materials, colors, or shapes. Strolling through the park, every shot is a masterpiece ready to go viral.
Copper Fortress
The Copper Fortress is the landmark building in the park. It stands like a spiritual fortress, shining brightly in the central square. It was transformed from the arched carport of the old factory.
The designer created a metal appearance that echoes the water ripples in the shallow pool.
The presence of the pool also makes the building look more like a submarine floating out of the water. Visually, softness and hardness collide, creating a strange yet harmonious effect.
The reflection in the water also adds to the artistic conception of the space. When the sun shines down, perhaps it is also casting the shadow of time.
Red Brick Art Building
Opposite the Copper Fortress is a row of red brick art buildings. Against the calm undertone, bright yellow awnings and bright green paving stones add a lively touch.
This area mainly houses the storefronts of dining brands such as Lanbacher and TAPA TAPA and is also the relatively busiest area in the park.
Half Warehouse
The “Half Warehouse” was originally the 445 warehouse of the former Shanghai CSSC Marine Instrument Factory.
It still retains its general appearance. The mottled gray walls and black carbonized wood create a primitive sense of age, as well as a mission and ideal belonging to the new era.
Arched Red Brick Building
This small building was once the greening group of the old factory and was awarded the title of “Shanghai Garden Unit.”
Now, the first store of Yichi Garden Jinqiao has settled here. The small building is composed of red bricks and red steel. The smooth curves and sharp edges run through the entire building, displaying the beauty of geometric interlacing.
Green plants add a sense of breathing to the building. Having a cup of coffee here, you can easily spend half a day in leisure.
Irregular Pink Brick Building
Nordic-Style White Castle
Yellow Container Building
Chinese-Style Courtyard House
Metal Gate
The pioneering design and groundbreaking creativity have also attracted a large number of brands to settle here, making it a gathering place for the first stores of various brands.
- Paulmann, a well-known German home lighting brand, has opened its first store in Shanghai.
- Chihong Livehouse’s first store in Shanghai.
- Lanbacher, a well-known German catering brand, has opened its first store in Pudong.
- Spanish restaurant TAPA TAPA’s first store in Pudong.
- Black Pearl-nominated restaurant Crab Zunyan’s first store in Pudong.
- Beef & Liberty by Shangniu Society.
- Something Dining Bar, a stylish Western dining brand, has opened its first store in Pudong.
- Peet’s Coffee, BAKER&SPICE, Yichi Garden, and a number of other high-quality brands have already settled in.
In addition, the renowned bamboo furniture designer and artist Shi Dayu has also set up his personal studio in EKA Tianwu.
In the park, you can explore and appreciate the beauty of the fusion of history and architecture, as well as shop and dine at various unique brands and delicacies.
Here, you can pursue a consistent experience of aesthetics and entertainment, leisurely perceiving the joys of life in your spare time.
EKA·Tianwu
Address: 535 Jinqiao Road
Transportation: Exit 3 of Jinqiao Road Station on Metro Line 6
Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday 09:00 – 22:00
