about shanghai
Shanghai is a booming, metropolitan city located on the east coast of China. With a population of over 24 million, Shanghai is the world's second largest city after Karachi, Pakistan. Since the 19th century, Shanghai has been a flourishing city with many diverse cultures and nationalities.
Over the years, Shanghai has evolved into a world city with a very creative culture. Today, Shanghai is a hot spot for all things art, entertainment, and more.
Discovering Shanghai has filtered out some of the coolest spots to visit in Shanghai to unleash and explore your artistic side.
art
From large museums to small gallery districts, Shanghai's variety of art exhibitions and galleries has made it a top spot for creativity to thrive. Check out some of spots worth visiting below.
50 Moganshan Road
No. 50 Moganshan Road, nicknamed M50, is often referred to as Shanghai's art district. M50 is home to tons of art galleries - small to large, photography to painting, and so on. Most of the exhibitions at M50 are free, and events are often held in the area so don't miss out on visiting the heart of Shanghai's art scene!
M50 is also at the end of a long and iconic wall of graffiti, a popular spot for photos and a must-see when visiting.
Power Station of Art
The Power Station of Art is one of Shanghai's biggest contemporary gallery, and is the first one to be government-funded. Since 2012, the Power Station of Art has hosted the renowned Shanghai Biennale, as well as exhibitions of works from world-famous artists such as Andy Warhol and Chinese local Cai Guo Qiang.
If you're interested in an elegantly designed museum representative of Chinese contemporary art, the Power Station Art is the perfect place to visit. Don't forget to check out the cafe on the top floor overlooking the area.
music
Music is a big part of Shanghai's culture - from the underground rock scene in the 90s to the big names selling out at the sizable Mercedes Benz Arena every month. Sure, you can see Taylor Swift or the Backstreet Boys in concert when they hit Shanghai on their world tours, or you can check out some of these cool venues listed below to get more of a real, Shanghai vibe.
Yuyintang
One of Shanghai's oldest live music venues, Yuyintang has featured acts from around the world and often showcases Shanghai talent as well. Though smaller than your regular concert arena, it's the place to be on the lookout for talented, original musical artists - and to get a cheap beer while doing so.
Live Bar
Another small, grungy but sweet live music venue is Live Bar. Mostly featuring rock acts, Live Bar is popular amongst high schoolers and university students. Once a year, they host Rock for Charity, a live music event where high school students perform as a fundraiser for charity - don't miss out!
JZ Club
If you're a jazz person, JZ Bar is the place to be. They closed down their main 12-year old venue last year, but recently reopened and are better than ever. From world-famous performers to local jazz performers, this is the perfect place for those into scatting and soul.
Heyday
Another popular jazz music venue, Heyday is a bar that oozes chill, retro vibes. Shanghai had its own "jazz age" in the 1920s, and Heyday reflects just that. Drinks are on the pricier side, but the quality music and the experience makes it worth it.
upcoming events
No matter when, what, or where, there's always something to do in Shanghai. Check out some of the newest and hottest events happening in this creative, international city.
INTRO Festival
Any electronic music fan in Shanghai knows that its native Storm Festival is the biggest electronic music event of the year - but Beijing's INTRO Festival is going to be making waves on May 29 from 6PM to 7AM at the Bandai Namco Shanghai Base on Yichang Road. The festival is headlined by Virginia, a DJ from Munich; Dax J, an award-winning Berlin-based DJ; and MikeQ, a popular East Coast DJ in the ballroom/vogue-house scene.
Medusa
If you're queer, love to rave, and love glitter - this is the event for you. If you just want to party, this is also the event for you. From 10:30PM to 6:30AM on May 28, 50 RMB can get you a fun and fabulous time at Elevator on East Shaanxi Road.
KAWS: Where the End Starts
Known in the art world as KAWS, NYC-based pop artist Brian Donnelly will be showing a collection of his works at the Yuz Museum from March 28 to August 13. Fun fact: in 2010, his pink Ten Feet Accomplice sculpture was auctioned off for $352,000. Stop by the museum to check out the artist's iconic, cartoon-inspired works.
Song Dong: I Don't Know the Mandate of Heaven
Beijing-born contemporary artist Song Dong is exhibiting a private show at the Rockbund Art Museum from May 17 to June 4. The accomplished artist has worked in installation, performance, photography and more over the years. Stop by the RAM to check out some of the Song Dong's most popular installation works.