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Shanghai Suzhou Creek Ebike Tour: Art, History & Urban Renewal

Suzhou Creek by ebike, another excellent weather day in Shanghai

Destination:ChinaCity:SuzhouPopulation: 12.7 million
Suzhou Creek by ebike, another excellent weather day in Shanghai
Tim Chambers16 min

Suzhou Creek by ebike, another excellent. This was filmed by Tim Chambers. Watch the full journey and explore the filming details and destinations on this page.

Join me as I travel on a revitalized Suzhou Creek by ebike from the 1000 trees development near the M50 art space all the way to the Bund. The weather was very good again.

Suzhou Creek (or Soochow Creek), also called the Wusong (Woosung) River, is a river that passes through the Shanghai city center. It is named after the neighboring city of Suzhou (Soochow), Jiangsu, the predominant settlement in this area prior to the rise of Shanghai as a metropolis.

One of the principal outlets of Lake Tai in Wujiang District of Suzhou, Suzhou Creek is 125 km (78 mi) long, of which 54 km are within the administrative region of Shanghai and 24 km within the city's highly urbanized parts. It flows into the Huangpu River at the northern end of the Bund in Huangpu District.

Since 1992, the Shanghai Municipal Government has been pursuing a redevelopment of the area. In 1998, authorities launched the Suzhou Creek Rehabilitation Project, a 12-year-program to improve the water quality, mitigate flood impact, introduce wastewater and water resource management and push for urban revitalization and a higher living standard in the desolated areas along Suzhou River. In the meantime, Suzhou River is considered clean enough to host annual rowing competitions.

Due to its location in the former International Settlement, a number of landmarks from that period can be found along or close to Suzhou Creek. Following the river westward from its confluence, important or famous places include: Huangpu Park and the northern end of the Bund, Astor House Hotel, Consulate-General of Russia, Shanghai Mansions (previously Broadway Mansions), Shanghai General Post Office, Suzhou Creek Art District ("M50"), Sihang Warehouse, Fotografiska Gallery, Beer Lady, 1908 Art Space.

--- Tim Chambers
April 26, 2024, Spring in China

Travel Guides & Tips in this video

Tim Chambers explores Shanghai's Suzhou Creek by e-bike, starting near 1000 Trees and the M50 Art District. He rides along both banks, stops at Beer Lady Shanghai and visits Fotografiska and Sihang Warehouse. The route continues past the former General Post Office, Astor House and Broadway Mansions, including a large Fahrenheit thermometer. Tim ends at Rock Bund, where art installations and cafes sit beside upscale restaurants such as Otto e Mezzo. He describes the ride as a way to connect the city's history, waterfront and newer cultural spaces.

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Suzhou Creek by ebike, another excellent weather day in Shanghai

Along Suzhou Creek by e-bike

Tim Chambers rides an e-bike beside Shanghai's Suzhou Creek, starting near the 1000 Trees development and M50 Art District. The route crosses between the north and south banks several times, and Tim points out wind noise when cycling along exposed stretches. The M50 area has galleries and bars, and he also stops at Beer Lady Shanghai, a venue with many beer fridges. These stops show how the creekside route mixes converted spaces with newer developments.

Tim visits Fotografiska, which charges an entrance fee of 120 RMB and hosts contemporary photography exhibitions. He also tours Sihang Warehouse, associated with 450 Chinese soldiers who defended it during the Japanese invasion of Shanghai and later made famous by the film The Eight Hundred. The ride continues to the former Shanghai General Post Office, where a small post office still operates in part of the building.

Historic landmarks and Rock Bund

The route passes Astor House Hotel and Broadway Mansions. Outside Broadway Mansions, Tim notices a large enamel thermometer in Fahrenheit. Garden Bridge gives him a view toward the city skyline, and he stops for photographs. The trip then reaches Rock Bund, a newly developed area with art installations and cafes that Tim explores on foot. He visits a Rock Bund art museum and notes the district's restaurants, including Otto e Mezzo, a two-Michelin-star restaurant with a view.

Tim also comments on the ferry terminal near 1000 Trees, which is difficult to reach while construction for the project's second phase is underway. He mentions Joda Park and the nine games that gave the park its name. The final part of the ride connects Suzhou Creek to the Bund and its city views. Tim has used his e-bike for five or six years, and says it gives him access to places he might miss on a conventional tour.

Tim’s e-bike connects M50, old warehouses and the waterfront without turning the trip into separate car rides. He crosses the creek several times and points out contrasts between its banks. At Sihang Warehouse, he discusses the 450 soldiers who defended it; the story is also known through The Eight Hundred. Near the former General Post Office, part of the building still functions as a post office. The route passes Astor House and Broadway Mansions, where he points out an enamel thermometer displaying Fahrenheit.

At Rock Bund, Tim walks through alleys, shops, cafes and art installations and visits an art museum. He mentions a ferry terminal near 1000 Trees that is difficult to reach while the project's second phase is under construction. The ride ends with a view toward the Bund and skyline. Tim has used his e-bike for five or six years, and says it lets him move between landmarks and public spaces at his own pace.

FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)

Q: What kind of bike did Tim use?
A: Tim rides his e-bike and says he has owned it for about five or six years. He uses it to travel along the creek and between the route’s historical and cultural stops.
Q: Why is Sihang Warehouse significant?
A: The video says about 450 Chinese soldiers defended the warehouse during the Japanese invasion of Shanghai. It is also known to viewers through the film The Eight Hundred.
Q: What is Tim’s favorite spot along Suzhou Creek?
A: Tim names Otto e Mezzo, a two-Michelin-star restaurant in Rock Bund with a view. It is one of the places he likes along the route.
Q: Is it easy to reach the ferry terminal near 1000 Trees?
A: Tim says it is difficult at the moment because construction for the project’s second phase is underway. Conditions may change as construction progresses. The second phase of construction around 1000 Trees is why the route to the ferry terminal is difficult during Tim’s visit.
Q: What is Rock Bund?
A: Tim describes Rock Bund as a newer development with alleys, shops, art installations, cafes and restaurants, including Otto e Mezzo.

Previous travel video:

Shanghai Suzhou Creek Ebike Tour: Art, History & Urban Renewal

Shanghai ebike adventure along Suzhou Creek, past art galleries and historical sites. A beautiful ride!

Shanghai Suzhou Creek Ebike Tour: Art, History & Bund Views

Embark on a scenic ebike journey along Shanghai's revitalized Suzhou Creek, starting near the M50 art space and ending at the Bund. Enjoy the pleasant weather as you cycle past historical landmarks and modern art galleries. This waterway, once polluted, has undergone a remarkable transformation, showcasing Shanghai's urban renewal efforts. The ride takes you through a blend of historical architecture and contemporary art, offering a unique perspective on this vibrant city.

Attractions in this video: M50 Art District, Sihang Warehouse, Fotografiska Gallery, Shanghai Post Office, Rock Bund Art Museum