Shanghai's oddest buildings

It's full of architectural master pieces and one looming can opener, but Shanghai also has a few other construction marvels that make you say, "Huh?"

By Sean Hanratty 2 June, 2010

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What every city's skyline needs: an over-sized bottle opener. (That would be the SWFC.) The odd architecture doesn't stop here though.

This building out past Hongqiao Airport seems like the designers felt that there’s no such thing as too many gold horses.

If you've ever wondered what's it like to actually live like a smurf, this doctor’s office the Oriental Green Boat in Oriental Land is for you.

This building by Longcao Metro station is pretty nondescript but the sculptures out front more than make up for it. Highlights (sadly not shown) include Deng Xiaoping and Jesus.

This gem also past Hongqiao Airport appears to be a scale replica of the White House. Enough said.

Two matchboxes stacked on top of each other (and almost ready to be lit by the pillars below) are currently being built next to Changfeng Park. No word on exactly what it’s going to be.

What remains of the Holland Village development in Pudong (Similar to the UK-themed Thames Town). Apparently it was supposed to be like living in the Netherlands, but that probably doesn’t involve half built cement castles and stagnant moats.

We're not sure why they decided to put a giant non-working faucet on the side of an intellectual property office, but maybe it was because no one would ever try to copy it.

American Dream theme park, which opened in the late 90’s but quickly went bankrupt. A Main Street and rusted rides can be seen on the inside, but the not particularly welcoming guards mean you’d have to jump a few fences to get the whole experience.

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Shanghai’s home to some great modern architecture, but at the same time there are some buildings that can leave you scratching your head. The following are all in the latter category.

1. Chariots of fire

The designers of this building out past Hongqiao Airport obviously felt there’s no such thing as too many gold horses. (Hongqiao Lu, near the A20 expressway)

2. Magic mushrooms

If you've ever wondered what's it like to actually live like a smurf, this doctor’s office the Oriental Green Boat in Oriental Land is for you.

3. Metro history lesson

This building by Longcao Metro station is pretty nondescript but the sculptures out front more than make up for it. Highlights (sadly not shown) include Deng Xiaoping and Jesus. (Longwu Lu, near Longshui Bei Lu)

4. Obama Club meets its match

This gem also past Hongqiao Airport appears to be a scale replica of the White House. Enough said. (Hongqiao Lu, near the A20 expressway)

5. Buildings on fire

Two matchboxes stacked on top of each other (and almost ready to be lit by the pillars below) are currently being built next to Changfeng Park. No word on exactly what it’s going to be. (Dadahue Lu, near Guangfu Xi Lu)

6. A slice of Europe

This is what remains of the Holland Village development in Pudong (similar to the U.K.-themed Thames Town). Apparently it was supposed to be like living in the Netherlands, but we think the half-built cement castles and stagnant moats may have given the game away. (Hangjin Lu, near Pudong Bei Lu)

7. IP protection

We're not sure why they decided to put a giant non-working faucet on the side of an intellectual property office, but maybe it was because no one would ever try to copy it. (Yangshupu Lu, near Longchang Lu)

8. American Dreams

American Dream theme park, which opened in the late 1990s but quickly went bankrupt. A Main Street and rusted rides can be seen on the inside, but the not particularly welcoming guards mean you’d have to jump a few fences to get the whole experience. (Cao’an Hwy, near A5 expressway)

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