M50: the city’s creative hub

We all know that Shanghai is a city that will never have a shortage of interesting and vibrant places like Jingan district and Lujiazui, but one area that is often overlooked is the creative hub of Shanghai — the M50 art district. Situated on Moganshan Road, the M50 district houses numerous independent, lesser known art galleries and exhibitions in restored factory buildings that are clumped together to create a secluded neighborhood.  The area was established by artist Xue Song in 2000, and has now become the hotspot for the creative of Shanghai — you will find artists, curators, exhibition watchers, and even tourists hanging out in the popular art district. According to Tony Sim (10C), “there were a lot of fashionable people taking pictures there, and it was a pretty fun and new experience for me”.

So what’s so special about M50? Well, the exhibitions, of course. With art galleries big and small, traditional and contemporary, there is bound to be something for everyone’s taste. There are a few galleries that stand out and have constantly received positive reviews and endless visitors. One example is the Island6 digital collective, who have been in M50 for over 10 years. They are famous for their quirky, borderline sarcastic, creations that often utilize neon and LED lights.

If this is not up your alley, there are more than just galleries at M50. There is an endless supply of artsy cafes, restaurants, and shops. UNDEF/NE is a large-scale cafe where you’ll see pictures across Instagram and Wechat. The long strips of fairy lights, industrial interior (including a vintage barber chair that supposedly can be reserved for haircuts from time to time), and rusty-looking brick walls attract the young creatives of Shanghai every day. Restaurants like Bandu Cabin also provide light eats and live music performances that will lighten up your mood after doing much deep and philosophical thinking at the exhibitions. Also, the “souvenir” shop XMJ Photography sells professional prints of Shanghai, as well as Shanghai-themed phone cases and accessories (if you ever want to have a piece of the city with you at all times).

Last but not least, perhaps the single most defining characteristic of the M50 art district is its long graffiti-covered wall that begins a few hundred meters from the area. It is constantly being repainted and embellished by local artists, so there is bound to be something new on each visit. If you’ve seen this wall in photographs on social media, you’d know that it is a must-see before leaving M50.

Now arguably the city’s best creative spot, M50 at Moganshan Road serves as an escape from the hectic city life, providing a quiet, artistic sanctuary to anyone who needs a break and some inspiration.

Photos by Rene Van Steenbergen