We've reported a couple times that 1933, the former slaughterhouse turned art district/shopping complex, was beautiful but empty, a space that had potential but nothing to fill it. But on a recent walk through, something had changed - more spaces had gone from renovation to actually being open, and what few early tenants had already set up suddenly seemed more alluring. We walked into one, Rosso Italiano, and it made us realize: there are things to do at 1933. more ›

It looks like instead of opening a second location, as previously rumored, American Apparel will be moving its only Shanghai store from the 1933 complex to Infinity Mall on Huaihai Zhong Lu. Considering that was quick becoming the only thing of interest at the otherwise empty old slaughterhouse-turned-art space/retail outlet, is there really any reason to visit that place anymore? Besides because of a love of old Shanghai architecture of course. more ›

Lots to do this week! In case you missed it, we've already outlined several opportunities to get involved with Earth Hour celebrations as well as enjoy the last couple days of the JUE Festival. Now, for the other stuff: more ›

For many, Shanghai can be an overwhelming stew of cars, crowds, and construction noise, which is why the serenity and industrial cool of the 1933 complex is so refreshing. We've covered 1933 and its artsy shenanigans before, but it's worth revisiting the place that might provide us sanctuary for the next 20 years - or be shut down tomorrow. more ›

More photos on the Shanghaiist Contribute page. To see your photos on our Contribute page, use Flickr and tag your photos “shanghaiist”. Or you can email your photos to photos@shanghaiist.com and they will automatically appear on our site (and here). more ›

If you’re busy working on your New Year’s resolutions (a.k.a. a list of overambitious goals that you’re just going to discard by March) put it away! New Year’s Eve is a time to celebrate the year that’s passing instead of worrying about the one to come, so head out and join your fellow Shanghailanders for a snazzy end to 2009. more ›

Well shoot. The Factory, the art/food destination that only just opened in late April and played host to a multitude of interesting art/food events is now "termporarily suspending its activities." According to its recent blog post, they'll be closed until November while they undertake "a strategic review to refocus and further develop its creative core." We'd heard rumors of them having trouble paying chefs, causing some of the founding members to leave - does that have anything to do with this? more ›

If, as Chuck D said, "Rap music is CNN for black people," then Yo! MTV Raps was the unofficial News at Ten. more ›

Music lovers can get their weekend started early tonight with three great events going on around the city. more ›

SH Mag reports: "The clothes are still made in LA, and so are the wages – staff here receive above the US minimum. ... Small, but packed full of sweatshop-free goodness." And the prices? "Fine jersey T-shirt (¥188); plain tank vest (¥154); knee-high tube socks (¥102); solid rib mod dress (¥307); lamé late night mini skirt (¥328); unisex striped zip hoody (¥461); nylon taffeta jacket (¥553)." We're curious to see how this location performs. Nice looking building, but does anyone actually go there? (Honest question — we've never been.) more ›

Brunch at the Creek: We recently checked out Creek Kitchen's weekend brunch. Located at the Creek Art Center on the north shore of Suzhou creek, the restaurant on the sixth floor of this renovated art center serves an all you can eat brunch buffet that we enjoyed less for the food than for the relaxing vibe and cool atmosphere. The buffet includes a limited and very standard continental offering: scrambled eggs, thin pancakes, crispy potato wedges, bacon, pizza, spaghetti, muffins, salad, and slices of tender duck (our favorite). Free flow soft drinks, coffee, and juice are included in the 115 RMB price tag, with unlimited sparkling white wine included for an extra 30 RMB. Not a bad deal if you're willing to eschew trendy presentation and adventurous food for a calming weekend meal with good friends and conversation. more ›

The handsome former slaughterhouse building "1933" is an Art Deco landmark in Hong Kou. which we've written about twice before. Apart from the occasional exhibition, its doors remain closed to the public, so we spent Saturday taking a peek around to see how this new "creative space" is taking shape. more ›