Location & How to Get There

Shanghai Race Club sits at 325 Nanjing West Road in Huangpu District, right in the heart of Shanghai’s buzzing downtown. It’s super easy to reach—just hop off at Nanjing West Road Station on Metro Line 2 or 12, or take a short walk from People’s Square station. If you’re driving, there’s paid parking nearby, but老实说 (to be honest), walking or taking the metro is way simpler!

A Blast From the Past: History Lessons

The story of Shanghai Race Club begins in 1850 when a group of British traders bought land for pennies (seriously, less than 10 taels per acre!) near today’s Nanjing East Road and Henan Middle Road. They built the first “Old Park” racecourse, but it was tiny—just 731 meters around. Jockeys often rode onto nearby dirt paths, which locals started calling “ma lu” (horse roads). Fun fact: that’s why we still call city streets “roads” in Chinese!

By 1854, the area got too fancy (and expensive!), so they sold the land and moved to a bigger spot near Zhejiang Middle Road. This “New Park” lasted until 1861, when they upgraded again to the current spot. Talk about luxury real estate moves!

Architecture: Old World Charm

The building you see today is a mix of classic European style and Shanghai vibes. Think grand arches, old bricks, and a clock tower—perfect for Instagram photos! Inside, the Shanghai History Museum showcases racing memorbs like vintage horse carriages, old tickets, and paintings of past races. Even if you’re not a history buff, the building itself feels like a step back in time.

What’s Around?

This place is all about culture over nature, but the surrounding area is pretty nice. Walk a few blocks to People’s Park for green space, or head to Nanjing West Road for high-end shopping and cafes. At night, the lights make Shanghai Race Club even more dramatic—a must-see if you’re into old-school glamour.

Practical Tips

  • Tickets: Cheap! Just 20 RMB (~$3) for adults.
  • Guided Tours: Available in English if you ask—just look for staff in red jackets.
  • Souvenirs: The gift shop sells cute horse-themed keychains and postcards.
  • Food: No fancy restaurants, but there’s a small café for coffee breaks.

Should You Visit?

If you love history, architecture, or quirky stories, absolutely! It’s not a huge attraction, but the blend of Shanghai’s colonial past and modern hustle makes it unique. Spend 1–2 hours here, then walk to nearby spots like Jiawu Bridge or Xintiandi for more vibes.

Pro tip: Ask the guides about the “horse road” legend—it’s a funny piece of trivia! 🐎