4 Must-See Avant-Garde Art Galleries in Shanghai
4 Must-See Avant-Garde Art Galleries in Shanghai
Shanghai’s art scene pulses with innovation, blending tradition with daring modernity. Whether you’re planning to Visit Shanghai for its iconic landmarks or hidden gems, these avant-garde galleries are a Shanghai attraction no art lover should miss. Dive into spaces where creativity defies boundaries—and pair your exploration with Shanghai food tours or tours from Shanghai for a full cultural immersion.
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1. Power Station of Art: Asia’s First Public Contemporary Art Museum
Housed in a converted power plant, this industrial giant-turned-gallery is a symbol of Shanghai’s artistic reinvention. As the city’s answer to London’s Tate Modern, it hosts rotating exhibitions by global artists, from provocative installations to multimedia experiments. Don’t miss its rooftop terrace for skyline views.
Visitor tip: Combine your visit with a Shanghai group tour—many include guided insights into the museum’s history. Nearby, the Huangpu River promenade offers easy access to Shanghai food tours featuring local street eats.
2. M50 Creative Park: Raw Art in a Post-Industrial Playground
Nestled in a maze of graffiti-covered factories, M50 is Shanghai’s edgiest art hub. Over 100 studios and galleries here showcase emerging Chinese artists, with works ranging from abstract sculptures to politically charged paintings. The vibe is unpolished, electric, and perfect for Instagram-worthy snaps.
Why go: Ideal for travelers seeking offbeat attractions. Afterward, join tours from Shanghai to nearby water towns like Zhujiajiao for a serene contrast.
3. RockBund Art Museum: Where History Meets the Avant-Garde
This sleek, six-story gallery in the historic Bund district juxtaposes cutting-edge exhibitions with 1930s architecture. Its curated shows often tackle global themes like urbanization and identity, making it a magnet for thoughtful travelers.
Pro tip: Pair your visit with a Shanghai food tour in The Bund area—think soup dumplings and artisanal coffee. The museum also hosts workshops, a hit with Shanghai group tours.
4. Tank Shanghai: Art in Repurposed Oil Tanks
A marvel of adaptive reuse, Tank Shanghai transforms disused aviation fuel tanks into sprawling exhibition spaces. Surrounded by lush gardens, it merges nature with installations by artists like teamLab. The annual “West Bund Art & Design Fair” here draws global collectors.
Don’t miss: The on-site café, perfect for refueling after a Shanghai group tour. Nearby, the West Bund galleries make this area a full-day attraction.
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Based on 10,000+ traveler reviews
Daniel Dorothea
Canada
Reviewed on April 29,2025
Shopping on Nanjing Road in Shanghai was just amazing! It's truly the "First Commercial Street of China", where tradition and modernity blend perfectly. You can find awesome souvenirs and experience the trendy vibes in cool stores. The neon lights at night are just spectacular, shining bright like Times Square in New York. The food here is incredible too. I had a feast for my taste buds. Shanghai, I'll definitely be back!
Destination(s):
Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2024
Elvis Eva
Canada
Reviewed on June 20,2025
As a solo traveler from Canada, I was nervous about navigating China alone—but this 11-day tour was PERFECT! From hiking the Great Wall at sunrise (Day 3) to gasping at the Terracotta Army (Day 5), every day delivered ‘pinch-me’ moments. The real showstopper? Zhangjiajie’s Avatar Mountains (Day 7)! Our guide made the stone pillars come alive with stories.
Massive thanks for handling all logistics—bullet train tickets, entry passes, car! And the 4-star hotels surprised me.
Destination(s):
Beijing Xian Zhangjiajie Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
June 02,2025
Simon
America
Reviewed on May 29,2025
Our 2-day Zhangjiajie tour was beyond spectacular! As someone who’s visited Beijing and Shanghai for work, this trip revealed China’s wild, magical heart. Day 1 in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park felt like stepping onto Pandora—I’m a huge Avatar fan, and Yuanjiajie’s floating peaks left me breathless. The misty pillars and lush valleys like pure movie magic!
Then came Fenghuang Ancient Town, we eat dinner beside the thundering waterfall. It seems Unreal! The night views of stilt houses glowing over the river were straight from a fairy tale.
For fellow Avatar lovers and adventure seekers: Don’t miss this bucket-list experience! 10/10 would return.
A Well-Traveled Film Buff, May 2025
Destination(s):
Zhangjiajie
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2025
