Hello, I’m Michael Zhang, a Chinese traveler with extensive international travel experience who enjoys exploring history, culture, and city stories. Sihang Warehouse is an important modern-history site in Shanghai, best known for the 1937 defense associated with the “Eight Hundred Heroes,” its bullet-scarred west wall, and the memorial museum. It is especially worthwhile for travelers interested in modern Chinese history, and most first-time visitors should allow around 1–2 hours.

Summary

Sihang Warehouse Overview

Sihang Warehouse was built in 1931 as a reinforced-concrete warehouse complex on the north bank of Suzhou Creek, with a total building area of about 20,000 square meters. It consisted of the Continental Bank warehouse and the joint warehouse of the “Northern Four Banks”—Jincheng, Zhongnan, Continental, and Salt Industry—and the two sections became commonly known together as Sihang Warehouse. In the final stage of the Battle of Shanghai in 1937, more than 420 officers and soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 524th Regiment, 88th Division were ordered to defend the warehouse and became known as the “Eight Hundred Heroes.” In 1985, Sihang Warehouse was formally designated as a memorial site of the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression.

  • Address: 1 Guangfu Road, Jing’an District, Shanghai (Apple Maps/Amap)
  • Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM (last admission at 4:00 PM), closed on Mondays (except public holidays)
  • Recommended Visit Duration: 1-2 hours
  • Best Seasons to Visit: All year round
  • Admission: Free, no reservation required
Exterior view of Sihang Warehouse showing its historical concrete facade with numerous bullet holes

Is Sihang Warehouse worth visiting?

Generally, yes. Sihang Warehouse is especially worth visiting if you are interested in modern Chinese history, the Battle of Shanghai, or the way wartime history is preserved in today’s city. Its strongest draw is the combination of the bullet-scarred west wall and the memorial museum. It is a compact historic site rather than a half-day attraction, so travelers with very limited time and little interest in modern history may prefer to prioritize Shanghai’s major first-time sights.

  • Best for: Modern Chinese history, military history, and Shanghai city-history travelers
  • Why it’s worth visiting: The preserved west wall and museum connect the 1937 battle directly with the physical site
  • Best combined with: A Suzhou Creek walk and the Shanghai Postal Museum; with more time, continue toward the Bund
  • You may skip it if: You only have a few hours for a first visit to Shanghai and are prioritizing classic skyline and old-city sights over modern history

How Long Do You Need at Sihang Warehouse?

Most visitors should allow around 1–2 hours for Sihang Warehouse. The exact amount of time depends on whether you only want to see the west wall and main exhibition highlights or plan to read the displays more closely and continue along Suzhou Creek afterward.

  • Quick visit (45–60 minutes): See the bullet-scarred west wall and focus on the main permanent exhibition highlights.
  • Recommended visit (1–2 hours): See the west wall and explore the permanent exhibitions at a comfortable pace.
  • Extended visit (3–4 hours): Visit Sihang Warehouse, then continue along Suzhou Creek toward the Shanghai Postal Museum and nearby waterfront sights.

For most first-time visitors, I recommend allowing around 1–2 hours.

The Battle of Sihang Warehouse (1937)

During the final stage of the Battle of Shanghai in 1937, Xie Jinyuan led more than 420 officers and soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 524th Regiment, 88th Division into Sihang Warehouse. They held the site for four days and nights while the main Chinese forces withdrew.

Who Were the 800 Heroes?

The defending force actually numbered more than 420. To mislead the enemy and create the impression of a larger force, the defenders announced publicly that 800 soldiers were inside the warehouse. That is how they became known as the “Eight Hundred Heroes.”

Reenactment of the Eight Hundred Heroes defending Sihang Warehouse during the 1937 Battle of Shanghai

Key Moments of the Battle

  • October 26, 1937: More than 420 officers and soldiers entered Sihang Warehouse as Chinese forces were withdrawing from northern Shanghai.
  • Four days and nights of defense: Using the reinforced-concrete warehouse as their stronghold, the defenders resisted repeated Japanese attacks.
  • The “Eight Hundred Heroes” became the lasting name: Although the actual force numbered more than 420, the publicly announced figure of 800 became the name by which the defenders are remembered.

Top Things to Do in Sihang Warehouse

Western Wall – Bullet Holes

The Western Wall at Sihang Warehouse is densely packed with bullet holes, a silent testament to the countless heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice during the battle here. These bullet holes are not only historical marks but also stark reminders of the brutality of war. Flowers are laid at the base of the wall as tributes to the brave soldiers. If you plan to bring flowers, note that there are no florists nearby; you will need to bring your own.

Close-up of the western wall of Sihang Warehouse riddled with bullet holes from historical battles

Sihang Warehouse Memorial Museum

The Sihang Warehouse Battle Memorial spans three floors. The first and second floors contain the permanent exhibition, while the third floor is used for temporary exhibitions. The permanent exhibition follows four themes: “Bloodstained Shanghai,” “Defending Sihang,” “The Lone Army’s Resistance,” and “Immortal Monument.” Historical documents and objects are combined with battle scenes, models, sculptures, photographs, projections, and other multimedia displays to explain the Defense of Sihang Warehouse.

Display inside Sihang Warehouse Memorial Museum featuring sculptures and dioramas of soldiers during the war

Guided Tours of Sihang Warehouse

While it’s possible to explore Sihang Warehouse without a guide, considering the facility’s focus on wartime infrastructure and internal architecture, hiring a guide is recommended. A guide can greatly enhance your understanding of the warehouse’s historical significance, making your visit far more enriching. Book a tour guide here.

A basic tour of Sihang Warehouse takes about an hour. Afterward, you can enjoy a scenic walk along the Suzhou River. Recommended walking route: Sihang Warehouse -> Tibet Road Bridge -> Zhejiang Road Bridge -> Fujian Road Bridge -> Shanxi Road Bridge -> Former Site of Shanghai General Chamber of Commerce -> Henan Road Bridge -> Shanghai Postal Museum -> Sichuan Road Bridge -> Zhapu Road Bridge -> Waibaidu Bridge -> People’s Heroes Monument -> The Bund -> Nanjing Road.

Beishi Chinese Restaurant (Guoqing Road Branch)

Beishi Chinese Restaurant (Guoqing Road Branch)
  • Why I recommend it: It is right next to Sihang Warehouse and beside Suzhou Creek, making it very convenient for lunch or dinner before or after your visit. Good choices include stir-fried baby squid with preserved mustard greens and water bamboo, scallion-oil taro casserole, and crayfish. The ingredients are fresh, the portions are generous, and if you are dining with just one or two people, you can order fewer dishes than you normally would.
  • Address: 1F, Beishi Hotel, No. 35 Guoqing Road, Jing’an District, Shanghai (Apple Maps / Amap)
  • Opening Hours: Monday–Sunday, 11:00–14:00, 17:00–21:00
  • Average Cost: 164 CNY per person

Hotels Near Sihang Warehouse

It’s recommended to stay around Nanjing West Road. From this area, getting to different parts of the city is very convenient, including the Bund, Yu Garden, Jing’an Temple, People’s Square, Tianzifang, and the former site of the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea. Nanjing West Road Metro Station is served by Line 2, which provides direct access to most popular attractions and all major transportation hubs. The surrounding area also offers a wide range of restaurants and dining options. More detailed hotel recommendations can be found at <Shanghai Hotel Recommendations>.

CitiGO Hotel Jing’an Shanghai

CitiGO Hotel Jing'an Shanghai

The hotel is located near the West Nanjing Road shopping district in Jing’an, within walking distance of shopping and dining areas such as HKRI Taikoo Hui, making it convenient for combining shopping, dining, and central Shanghai sightseeing. It is also close to locations related to U.S. Consulate visa services, while West Nanjing Road and the Shanghai Natural History Museum area are easy to reach. Overall, it is best suited to travelers who prioritize a central location, short stays, or business trips.

Rooms are generally compact and better suited to solo travelers or short stays, but cleanliness is consistent, the bedding is soft, and the shower water pressure is good. Breakfast is served until noon, and late-night snacks are also available, which is convenient for late arrivals or travelers with later schedules. The hotel also has a shared workspace, self-service laundry room, gym, and robot delivery, making it especially practical for business travelers and solo trips.

Ji Hotel (Shanghai People’s Square Nanjing Road)

Ji Hotel (Shanghai People's Square Nanjing Road)
  • Location: 9-minute walk from Huangpi South Road Metro Station, 10-minute walk from Nanjing West Road Metro Station
  • Price Range: 487 CNY
  • Check Rates: Trip.com Specials, Agoda Deals
  • Rating: Trip 9.3 / Agoda 9.2
  • Special Amenities: Laundry, robot room service, triple rooms

The hotel is located around People’s Square and Nanjing Road, with Shanghai Grand Theatre, Shanghai Museum, and People’s Park all within walking distance, while Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street is also easy to reach. There are plenty of restaurants, convenience stores, and other everyday amenities nearby, making it a practical base for museums, theater performances, and sightseeing around central Shanghai. Both South Huangpi Road and West Nanjing Road metro stations are within walking distance, providing convenient connections to other parts of the city.

Rooms are generally compact and practical, with limited space but all the basic amenities needed for a comfortable stay. Cleanliness and bedding are consistently reliable. Free washing and drying facilities are useful for longer stays or extended trips, and the hotel also offers robot delivery. With plenty of dining options nearby, it suits travelers who value location, transportation, and everyday convenience, while triple rooms are available for groups traveling together.

Taikoo Hui Atour X Hotel, Nanjing West Road, Shanghai

Taikoo Hui Atour X Hotel, Nanjing West Road, Shanghai
  • Location: 7-minute walk from Nanjing West Road Metro Station, 9-minute walk from the Shanghai Natural History Museum Metro Station
  • Price Range: 649 CNY
  • Check Rates: Trip.com Specials, Agoda Deals
  • Rating: Trip 9.5 / Agoda 9.4
  • Special Amenities: Laundry, robot room service, triple rooms, family rooms

The hotel is located in the heart of the West Nanjing Road shopping district, with shopping and dining destinations such as HKRI Taikoo Hui, Wujiang Road Food Street, and the Shanghai Starbucks Reserve Roastery nearby, making it especially convenient for travelers interested in shopping and food. West Nanjing Road Metro Station is a 7-minute walk away, and several metro lines provide easy connections to other parts of central Shanghai, including attractions such as the Shanghai Natural History Museum. The surrounding area is packed with shops and restaurants, making the hotel suitable for both family trips and itineraries focused on central Shanghai sightseeing.

Rooms are generally clean, with comfortable bedding and pillows, while the bathrooms and in-room facilities feel relatively well maintained and up to date. Breakfast offers a good range of choices, and evening snacks include congee, xiaolongbao, and side dishes. The hotel has a laundry room and robot delivery, as well as triple rooms and family rooms, making it a convenient choice for families or groups traveling together.

Okura Garden Hotel Shanghai

Okura Garden Hotel Shanghai
  • Location: 5-minute walk from Shaanxi South Road Metro Station, 12-minute walk from Nanjing West Road Metro Station
  • Price Range: 885 CNY
  • Check Rates: Trip.com Specials, Agoda Deals
  • Rating: Trip 9.4 / Agoda 9.1
  • Special Amenities: Triple rooms, family rooms, connecting rooms

The hotel is located near Huaihai Road, a 5-minute walk from South Shaanxi Road Metro Station, with Changle Road and numerous restaurants and small shops within easy walking distance. It features a large garden and historic architectural spaces, providing a relatively peaceful environment despite its central location. It is well suited to travelers who enjoy the atmosphere of old Shanghai, walking around the Huaihai Road area, and combining convenient transportation with a quieter setting.

The hotel’s public areas and garden are major highlights, with distinctive historic architecture, a spiral staircase, and landscaped grounds that also give families space to walk around within the property. Mattresses, pillows, and bedding are comfortable, and room cleanliness is consistently maintained, although the in-room facilities show their age more noticeably. Breakfast has a distinct Japanese influence, while the overall service style is attentive and traditional.

The St. Regis Shanghai Jingan

The St. Regis Shanghai Jingan
  • Location: 7-minute walk from Nanjing West Road Metro Station
  • Price Range: 1,639 CNY
  • Check Rates: Trip.com Specials, Agoda Deals
  • Rating: Trip 9.4 / Agoda 9.3
  • Special Amenities: Gym, swimming pool

The hotel is located in a prime area of Jing’an near West Nanjing Road, surrounded by a wide selection of shopping and dining options. Jing’an Temple, the West Nanjing Road shopping district, Shanghai Natural History Museum, and other central Shanghai destinations are convenient to reach. West Nanjing Road Metro Station is a 7-minute walk away, making the hotel a good choice for travelers who want to stay in central Shanghai while combining shopping, family travel, and city sightseeing.

Rooms are spacious and commonly feature walk-in closets, double vanities, and bathtubs. Higher floors offer better views, while the bedding is comfortable and soundproofing is generally reliable. The hotel has a more traditional luxury style, and although some facilities have been in use for some time, they are well maintained. Butler service is one of its key features, and the hotel also has a swimming pool and gym, along with a wide breakfast selection.

How to Get to Sihang Warehouse

From Downtown Shanghai

By Metro

To reach Sihang Warehouse, you can take the Metro Line 8 or Line 12 to Qufu Road Station. Exit from Gate 3 and walk about 400 meters to get to the warehouse.

By Bus

Multiple bus routes make it easy to get to Sihang Warehouse from downtown. Take bus numbers 14, 36, or 952 to the “Sichuan North Road Guangfu Road” stop, from which it’s only a short walk to the warehouse.

By Taxi/Ride-Sharing

Taking a taxi or a ride-sharing service from downtown to Sihang Warehouse is another convenient option. Simply tell the driver to head to “Sihang Warehouse,” or set your GPS to 1 Guangfu Road, Jing’an District. The drive typically takes 20 to 30 minutes depending on traffic.

From Shanghai Pudong International Airport

By Metro

The most efficient way to get from Pudong Airport to Sihang Warehouse is by metro. Start on the Metro Line 2 (green line) to People’s Square, then switch to Line 8 (blue line) and continue to Qufu Road Station. From there, exit from Gate 3 and walk roughly 400 meters to reach the warehouse.

By Taxi/Ride-Sharing

Taking a taxi or ride-sharing from Pudong Airport directly to Sihang Warehouse is a good option, especially if you’re traveling with a lot of luggage. The journey typically lasts 40 to 60 minutes and costs about 150 CNY.

From Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport

By Metro

From Hongqiao Airport Terminal 2, take Metro Line 2 directly to People’s Square, then transfer to Line 8 for Qufu Road Station. Use Exit 3 and walk about 400 meters to Sihang Warehouse. If you arrive at Terminal 1, take Line 10 to Laoximen Station, transfer to Line 8, and continue to Qufu Road Station.

By Taxi/Ride-Sharing

Taking a taxi or ride-sharing service from Hongqiao Airport directly to Sihang Warehouse is the quickest and most direct method. The journey usually takes between 30 to 45 minutes, with an approximate cost of 80 CNY.

How to plan your Shanghai trip

Most first-timers spend 2–3 days in Shanghai for the highlights. Add a 3rd day for Shanghai Disneyland or a nearby water town. If you want the classic Jiangnan loop, plan 4–5 days to include Suzhou and Hangzhou. Here are our most popular private tour options:

FAQ

Is Sihang Warehouse Accessible for Strollers and Wheelchairs?

Sihang Warehouse is accessible for visitors with strollers and wheelchairs. Most areas have flat passageways and are equipped with facilities for disabled access, ensuring that wheelchair users and visitors with strollers can navigate easily. Elevators inside the memorial allow easy access to all exhibition floors.

Where Can I Store Luggage?

Sihang Warehouse does not offer official luggage storage services, and there are no nearby facilities for storing luggage. It is advisable not to bring large bags or luggage when visiting.

Essential Shanghai Travel Resources