Historic SuZhou River · Tracing the Mint — Suzhou Creek Full-Day Walking Tour & Central Mint Experience

This in-depth cultural journey takes you from a century-old mint to a scenic riverside walk, blending industrial heritage with Haipai elegance.

The tour begins at the Shanghai Mint Museum. Completed in 1922, this Neoclassical landmark is the birthplace of the medals for the 48th WorldSkills Competition. Stepping inside feels like opening a living record of China's modern financial history. Designed jointly by the British firm Atkinson & Dallas and American architect Hewitt, the building features iconic Ionic columns and a grand triangular pediment. The museum displays historical coins, molds, and minting equipment used since the Central Mint opened in 1933—ranging from ancient silver and copper coins to the iconic "gold-inlaid jade" medals of the Beijing Olympics. Each exhibit highlights key chapters in history, including China's major currency reforms and the transition to the yuan.

During the tour, you can also try striking your own commemorative medal: place a blank coin into the mold, raise the mallet, and strike firmly. With a crisp click, your handcrafted medal takes shape—giving you a firsthand feel for a century of minting craftsmanship.

In the afternoon, enjoy a walking tour along Suzhou Creek. You'll pass Bridge 8 Art Space, Guang'er Warehouse, JK1933, Suhe House, the traditional Shenyuli shikumen neighborhood, and the historic Sihang Warehouse—where the bullet-pocked wall still stands—before ending at the former site of the Shanghai General Chamber of Commerce. Historic factories, converted warehouses, and contemporary art spaces unfold along the way. This is a journey from an industrial rust belt to a vibrant cultural corridor—touching the pulse of finance through the mint's historic architecture and experiencing Shanghai's century of renewal as you walk by the river.