M50 - MOGANSHAN ROAD

50 Moganshan Road 莫干山路50号 or M50 is a contemporary art district in Shanghai that houses a thriving community of more than 100 artists whose studios are open to the public. Whilst in Shanghai several people had mentioned it to Karen, so last weekend she gave it a go! It is often compared with New York's SoHo and Beijing's 798 Art Zone and has become a popular cultural attraction for local and international visitors. As it was named among the top ten things to do in Shanghai by Time Magazine it would have been a shame to have missed it. Even better, it is located conveniently close to downtown Jing'an District, which is where Karen stayed during her visit! 

Moganshan Road did not disappoint! Full of art and culture it is like a maze of galleries. The best place to see modern art in the city and one of the only places where you can see graffiti and street art on a large scale along a large stretch of wall leading up to the entrance to M50. Graffiti is illegal anywhere else in Shanghai so they really go town here! It sure is great graffiti! We read online that the wall is rumored to be demolished by the end of 2012 so if you get the chance to visit Shanghai before then you really should head to M50.