Is M50 free to enter, and do the galleries charge?

The complex itself is free to wander, and most of the 100-plus galleries inside charge no admission. A few special exhibitions ask a small fee, but you can spend an afternoon browsing without paying anything. Note that many galleries close on Mondays, so plan for Wednesday through Sunday when the most spaces are open and staffed.

How do I get to M50 Creative Park?

M50 sits at 50 Moganshan Road in Putuo, on the south bank of Suzhou Creek. The nearest metro stops leave you a walk away through an industrial stretch, so a taxi or ride-hail dropping you at the gate is the easiest option. Have the Chinese address ready to show your driver, and combine the visit with a creekside walk back toward the Bund.

How long should I spend at M50, and what's the best time?

Budget about 1.5 to 2 hours to cover the graffiti walls and a sampling of galleries; serious art lovers can easily stay longer. Weekday afternoons are ideal: galleries are open and the lanes stay quiet. Avoid Mondays, when many spaces close. The outdoor street art alone is worth the trip even if you only dip into a few galleries.

M50 Creative Park, Shanghai: Map & Visitor's Guide (2026)

Former textile factory complex on Suzhou Creek now home to 100+ contemporary art galleries.

At a glance

What it is: Arts & Culture
Also known as: 莫干山路 M50 (Mò Gān Shān Lù M50)
Opening hours: 10 AM – 6 PM
Time needed: 1.5-2 hours
Best time to visit: Wednesday-Sunday 11 AM - 6 PM (closed Mondays)
Getting there: Taxi / DiDi from metro
English: Some English signage
Cards accepted: Cash only
Entry: Walk-in — no booking
Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi
Address: 50 Moganshan Road, Putuo District, Shanghai · 普陀区莫干山路50号

See M50 Creative Parktickets & tours

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M50 takes its name from 50 Moganshan Road, a defunct cotton mill on the south bank of Suzhou Creek that was repurposed as artist studios starting around 2002. Today, more than a hundred galleries operate inside — ranging from blue-chip dealers showing Chinese contemporary masters to scrappy newer spaces with emerging artists. Most galleries are free; a few charge a small fee. The graffiti on the surrounding walls is a draw by itself. Best on weekday afternoons when galleries are open and the alleys are quiet. Combine with a walk down the Suzhou Creek bank toward the Bund.

Highlights

100+ Galleries in Former Factory (M50 艺术区)Explore blue-chip and emerging galleries; most free entry
Graffiti Walls (涂鸦墙)Surrounding walls are a major draw; great for photos
Weekday Afternoon Visit (平日午后)Quieter alleys and all galleries open; best time to go
Suzhou Creek Walk (苏州河漫步)Combine with a walk along the creek toward the Bund

What Chinese travelers actually do here

Distilled from Chinese-language travel notes — the practical tips most English guides miss.

▸Avoid Mondays; many galleries shut and you are left with mostly the exterior graffiti walls.
▸The street art on the surrounding walls is free and changes often; shoot it in soft afternoon light for the richest colors.
▸Weekday afternoons are the sweet spot: every gallery is open and the narrow lanes stay empty for photos.
▸Pin the Chinese address for your driver; the approach runs through a plain industrial zone that is easy to overshoot.
▸Don't try to see all 100 galleries; pick a few blue-chip spaces plus one or two scrappy newcomers and move on.
▸Walk out along the Suzhou Creek bank toward the Bund afterward for a quietly scenic stretch most visitors skip.
▸Carry some cash; a handful of galleries and small vendors here don't reliably take foreign cards.

Photos

Stunning view of modern high-rises and a reflection pond in Xangai, China, showcasing urban landscape.

Vibrant urban scene in Shanghai featuring high-rises, historic buildings, and the Chinese flag.

Contemporary office buildings framed by lush greenery in sunny Zhangjiang, Shanghai.

Stunning view of Shanghai's skyline with the iconic Bund Bull in the foreground.

A cyclist rides past vibrant graffiti on a sunny street in Shanghai, China.

A peaceful moment as a man plays piano amidst lush greenery in Shanghai, China.

A man plays a grass-covered piano in a serene outdoor garden setting in Shanghai.

A historic building in Shanghai with an arched brick facade, typical of traditional Chinese architecture.

Black and white perspective of a futuristic architectural structure in Shanghai.

A tranquil city park featuring a traditional wooden pavilion surrounded by lush greenery.

Colorful illuminated staircase in a lively Shanghai outdoor setting at night.

Aerial view capturing Pudong, Shanghai's highway and park landscape, featuring roads, greenery, and urban design.

Pedestrians crossing a bustling street in Shanghai with urban buildings and greenery in the background.

Curved modern bridge in Nanhuixincheng Town, Shanghai against cityscape.

What travelers say (3 reviews)

ArtFan Jane·TripAdvisor·4/5

100+ galleries in one converted factory. Closed on Mondays — plan accordingly.

2026-04-22

Alex P.·Google Maps·5/5

Hidden gem for contemporary Chinese art. Most galleries free; the graffiti walls outside are wild.

2026-03-28

艺术爱好者·Xiaohongshu·4/5

工业风格的艺术园区，里面有不少先锋画廊。涂鸦墙拍照超酷。

2026-02-10

Videos

SHANGHAI, CHINA - TRAVELING FOR 10 DOLLARS A DAY | M50 ART DISTRICT

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Shanghai A-Z: M50

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Frequently asked questions about M50 Creative Park

Is M50 free to enter, and do the galleries charge?: The complex itself is free to wander, and most of the 100-plus galleries inside charge no admission. A few special exhibitions ask a small fee, but you can spend an afternoon browsing without paying anything. Note that many galleries close on Mondays, so plan for Wednesday through Sunday when the most spaces are open and staffed.
How do I get to M50 Creative Park?: M50 sits at 50 Moganshan Road in Putuo, on the south bank of Suzhou Creek. The nearest metro stops leave you a walk away through an industrial stretch, so a taxi or ride-hail dropping you at the gate is the easiest option. Have the Chinese address ready to show your driver, and combine the visit with a creekside walk back toward the Bund.
How long should I spend at M50, and what's the best time?: Budget about 1.5 to 2 hours to cover the graffiti walls and a sampling of galleries; serious art lovers can easily stay longer. Weekday afternoons are ideal: galleries are open and the lanes stay quiet. Avoid Mondays, when many spaces close. The outdoor street art alone is worth the trip even if you only dip into a few galleries.