A genuine working art complex in old textile mills on Suzhou Creek - 140-plus galleries and studios, free to wander. Come for contemporary Chinese art, graffiti walls, and coffee, not polish. Galleries mostly open around 11am to 6pm and many close Mondays.
Key facts
| Hours | Mon: Grounds open, many galleries closed Tue-Sun: ~11:00-18:00 (galleries vary) |
|---|---|
| Price | free |
| Phone | — |
| Website | — |
| Nearest transit | Shanghai Railway Station (Metro Line 1/3/4), ~15 min walk |
| Time needed | 2-3 hours |
| Best time to go | Weekday afternoon |
| Last verified | July 15, 2026 |
Friend Score
7.6/10- Value8.5
- iconic7.0
- Freshness9.3
- excellence7.5
- Crowd level7.5
- Authenticity8.0
- Accessibility6.0
Frequently asked questions
- Are there good cafes at M50?
- Yes, several small independent cafes and a few design shops are scattered among the studios - handy for a break between galleries. They are casual and mostly cash or mobile-pay.
- Is M50 free to enter?
- Yes, the compound and nearly all galleries are free. A few ticketed special exhibitions charge, but you can spend a whole afternoon browsing without paying a cent. Bring cash or mobile pay only if you plan to buy art or coffee.
- Can I buy art directly from artists here?
- Often, yes - many studios sell work and prints on the spot, and some artists are happy to chat. Prices range widely, so browse a few spaces before committing.
- Is M50 worth visiting?
- If you like contemporary art and grittier, non-touristy corners, yes. It is authentic and evolving rather than curated for visitors, so quality varies gallery to gallery. Art-indifferent travelers may find it thin.
- Is M50 good for photography?
- Very - the graffiti wall, industrial brick facades, and creekside setting are a photographer's playground. It is far less crowded than the Bund, so you get clean shots.
- How do I get to M50?
- It sits at 50 Moganshan Road along Suzhou Creek. The nearest metro is Shanghai Railway Station (Lines 1, 3, 4), about a 15-minute walk, or take a taxi/ride-hail straight to the gate - drivers know it.
- How much time should I budget?
- Two to three hours covers the main galleries, the graffiti-covered outer wall on Moganshan Road, and a coffee stop. Serious art lovers can easily stretch it to half a day.
- What are M50's opening hours?
- The grounds are accessible daily and stay open late, but individual galleries set their own hours - typically about 11am to 6pm. Many galleries close on Mondays, so go Tuesday through Sunday for the fullest experience.
Nearby in Ask Shanghai
- Jade Buddha TempleAttraction0.53 km · 7 min walk
- Shanghai Natural History MuseumMuseum2.32 km · 29 min walk
- Sumerian CoffeeCafé2.47 km · 31 min walk
- Jing'an Sculpture ParkPark2.61 km · 33 min walk
- Manner CoffeeCafé2.84 km · 36 min walk
Where to stay near M50 Art District
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