M50 Art District Shanghai: Galleries, Studios and Visitor Guide (2025)

Tucked away along Moganshan Road in Shanghai's Putuo District, M50 (莫干山路50号艺术区) stands as China's most influential contemporary art hub. This former textile mill complex has transformed into a labyrinth of galleries, artist studios, and creative spaces that showcase the cutting edge of Chinese contemporary art.

Whether you're an art collector, casual enthusiast, or simply curious about Shanghai's creative underbelly, M50 offers an authentic glimpse into China's thriving art scene—far removed from the commercial gloss of the Bund.

What is M50?

M50 takes its name from its address: 50 Moganshan Road (莫干山路50号). The complex spans approximately 41,000 square meters across a cluster of industrial buildings that once hummed with textile production. Today, these weathered brick facades and soaring warehouse ceilings house over 140 galleries, artist studios, design firms, and creative businesses.

Unlike purpose-built art districts, M50 retains the gritty authenticity of its industrial past. Exposed pipes snake along ceilings, freight elevators creak between floors, and the occasional chimney stack punctuates the skyline. This rawness provides the perfect backdrop for contemporary art that often challenges conventions.

A Brief History

The story of M50 begins in the 1930s when the site operated as the Chunming Slubbing Mill, producing cotton textiles during Shanghai's industrial heyday. The factories continued operating through various political eras until the 1990s, when China's economic reforms began shifting manufacturing elsewhere.

In 1999, artist Xue Song became one of the first creatives to recognize the potential of these abandoned spaces. He established a studio in one of the derelict buildings, and word spread quickly through Shanghai's artistic community. By 2002, the pioneering ShanghART Gallery had relocated here, legitimizing M50 as a serious art destination.

The local government designated M50 as an official "Creative Industry Cluster" in 2005, providing protection from demolition and attracting international galleries. Today, it remains China's longest-running contemporary art district, having influenced the development of similar spaces across the country.

Location and Getting There

Address

50 Moganshan Road, Putuo District, Shanghai (上海市普陀区莫干山路50号)

By Metro

The most convenient option:

• Line 13: Jiangning Road Station (江宁路站), Exit 5
• Walk north along Jiangning Road for about 10 minutes
• Turn left onto Moganshan Road
• M50 entrance is on your left

Alternatively:

• Line 1: Shanghai Railway Station (上海火车站), Exit 1
• 15-minute walk or short taxi ride

By Taxi

Show the driver: 莫干山路50号 (Mògānshān Lù wǔshí hào)

From the Bund: approximately 30 minutes, ¥30-50 From Jing'an Temple: approximately 15 minutes, ¥20-30

By DiDi

Search for "M50创意园" (M50 Creative Park) in the app for precise navigation.

Opening Hours

M50 Complex: Generally open daily, 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

However, individual galleries maintain their own schedules:

• Most galleries: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM (some until 7:00 PM)
• Some close Mondays
• Smaller studios may only open by appointment
• Holiday hours vary—check ahead during Chinese New Year

Pro tip: Arrive by 11:00 AM to maximize your time, as some galleries close for lunch and others shut early without notice.

Top Galleries to Visit

ShanghART Gallery (香格纳画廊)

The anchor institution of M50, ShanghART has championed Chinese contemporary art since 1996. Their roster includes major names like Zeng Fanzhi, Zhang Enli, and Yang Fudong. The gallery occupies multiple buildings and consistently presents museum-quality exhibitions.

Building 16 & 18

Island6 Arts Center

This pioneering new media gallery creates interactive LED installations that blur the line between art and technology. Their signature works combine traditional Chinese visual elements with cutting-edge digital displays. Highly engaging for visitors of all backgrounds.

Building 6

Aike Gallery

Focuses on emerging and mid-career artists working across painting, sculpture, and installation. Known for thoughtful curation and discovering future stars.

Building 4

M97 Gallery

Specializes in photography, from vintage Chinese images to contemporary work. A must for photography enthusiasts seeking a different perspective on the medium in China.

Building 97

OFoto Gallery

Another excellent photography space with a focus on documentary and fine art photography.

Building 13

Other Notable Spaces

• Art+ Shanghai: Contemporary Chinese art with strong curatorial vision
• Chronus Art Center: New media and digital art
• BANK: Edgy contemporary work
• Various artist studios: Scattered throughout—peek through open doors

What to Expect

Free Entry

Nearly all galleries offer free admission. This makes M50 ideal for spontaneous exploration—wander in, wander out, no commitment required.

Gallery Protocol

• Photography is usually permitted but ask first
• Some exhibitions prohibit flash
• Avoid touching artwork
• Staff speak varying levels of English
• Price lists available upon request for serious buyers

By Appointment Only

Some studios and galleries operate by appointment, particularly:

• Private artist workshops
• High-end galleries showing to collectors
• Spaces between exhibitions

Don't be discouraged by closed doors—simply note the contact information and reach out if interested.

What You'll Find

• Oil paintings and ink works
• Sculpture and installation art
• Photography exhibitions
• New media and digital art
• Design studios and architecture firms
• Art supplies stores
• Independent bookshops

Best Time to Visit

Weekday Afternoons

The optimal window is Tuesday to Friday, 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM. Galleries are fully staffed, crowds are minimal, and you can engage meaningfully with the work without feeling rushed.

Weekends

Busier, especially Saturday afternoons when local art students and tourists converge. Still manageable, but expect some popular galleries to feel crowded.

Avoid

• Monday (many galleries closed)
• Rainy days (outdoor areas become muddy)
• Chinese National holidays (either very crowded or many closures)
• Very early morning (most galleries not yet open)

Seasonal Considerations

• Spring and Autumn: Ideal weather for wandering between buildings
• Summer: Hot and humid—take breaks in air-conditioned galleries
• Winter: Cold but uncrowded; dress warmly as some spaces lack heating

Cafes and Shops

M50 isn't just galleries. Take breaks at these spots:

Cafes

• Something Cafe: Popular with artists and visitors; decent coffee, good for people-watching
• Various small coffee stands: Scattered throughout the complex
• Gallery cafes: Some larger galleries have seating areas

Food

Limited dining options inside M50 itself. For proper meals:

• Exit onto Moganshan Road for local restaurants
• Jiangning Road area (near metro) has more variety
• Bring snacks if planning an extended visit

Art Supplies and Books

• Art supply shops selling materials for painters and calligraphers
• Independent bookstores with art publications
• Gallery shops selling exhibition catalogs and prints

Photography Tips

M50 is remarkably photogenic. Maximize your shots:

Exterior Architecture

• Industrial textures: brick walls, rusted doors, exposed pipework
• Contrast between old factories and contemporary art installations
• Climbing vines and weathered surfaces
• Street art and murals in alleyways

Best Light

• Morning: Soft light on east-facing buildings
• Late afternoon: Golden hour warmth on red brick
• Overcast days: Even lighting, saturated colors

Interior Shots

• Ask permission before photographing artwork
• Natural light from warehouse windows
• Document the interplay between raw spaces and polished art
• Capture visitors engaging with installations

What to Bring

• Wide-angle lens for tight alleyways and gallery interiors
• Portrait lens for detail shots
• Extra battery (lots of walking between shots)
• Phone backup for spontaneous moments

Combining with Other Shanghai Attractions

M50 sits slightly off the typical tourist trail, making it easy to combine with nearby attractions:

Same Day Suggestions

Morning at M50 + Afternoon on the Bund

• Complete your M50 visit by early afternoon
• Taxi or metro to the Bund (30-40 minutes)
• Contrast the artistic underground with colonial grandeur

M50 + Jing'an Temple Area

• Quick metro ride to Jing'an Temple
• Mix contemporary art with ancient Buddhism
• Excellent shopping and dining nearby

M50 + Jade Buddha Temple

• Just 15 minutes away by taxi
• Both showcase different facets of Shanghai culture

Multi-Day Art Itinerary

For serious art enthusiasts, combine M50 with:

• Power Station of Art: Contemporary art museum in former power plant
• Long Museum (West Bund): Private collection powerhouse
• Yuz Museum: International contemporary art
• Rockbund Art Museum: Smaller but excellent exhibitions

Practical Tips

Navigation

M50 can feel maze-like. Helpful strategies:

• Grab a map from the main entrance (when available)
• Note building numbers as you explore
• Use your phone's GPS to orient yourself
• Ask gallery staff for directions

Communication

• Staff English ability varies widely
• Translate app useful for detailed questions
• International galleries typically have English speakers
• Pointing and gestures work for basics

Budget

• Gallery entry: Free
• Coffee: ¥30-50
• Art purchase: ¥500 to ¥500,000+ (wide range)
• Transportation: ¥30-50 by taxi from central areas

Time Needed

• Quick visit: 2 hours (main galleries only)
• Standard visit: 3-4 hours (thorough exploration)
• Deep dive: Full day (including all buildings, studios, cafes)

Final Thoughts

M50 represents Shanghai at its most creatively authentic. Unlike the city's glittering malls and manicured gardens, this former factory complex pulses with genuine artistic energy. The unpolished spaces, the serious galleries, the artists actually working in their studios—it all adds up to an experience far removed from typical tourist attractions.

Come with curiosity rather than expectations. Wander without agenda. Peer into open doorways. Strike up conversations when opportunity arises. The best discoveries at M50 often happen by accident.

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