- шанхай
- путо
- m50
- тяньаньцяньшу
- дом100деревьев
- музейшёлка
- скрытыеуголкишанхая
- tripcom
- китай
- сакуравшанхае
Shanghai: Two Attractions in One Spot.
When you think of Shanghai, Pudong's skyscrapers, the Bund, and crowds of tourists with selfie sticks immediately come to mind. But there's a place in this city where everything is different. A place where you can combine futuristic architecture, an industrial art district, and a waterfront stroll amidst blooming cherry blossoms—all while hardly seeing any foreigners. Welcome to the Putuo District along the banks of Suzhou Creek.
· --
🏢 1000 Trees (Tian An Qian Shu)
Let's start with what catches the eye immediately. The Tian An Qian Shu (天安千树) shopping mall is a building that's hard to forget. It was designed by British architect Thomas Heatherwick (the same mastermind behind the "floating" Vessel in New York). The concept is both simple and genius: the building resembles a mountain, with hundreds of trees and plants "growing" out of terraces on every floor.
You truly feel like you're inside a "hanging forest" here. It looks especially stunning from a distance—from the opposite side of the river or Changhua Road Bridge. In the evening, the lights turn on, illuminating every single tree with thousands of glowing lights—it looks straight out of a sci-fi movie.
Sure, inside it's just a regular mall (albeit with a highly unconventional design), but the real magic is on the outside. The building is still actively under construction, but it's already a fascinating sight to behold.
· --
🎨 M50 Art District — The Heart of Shanghai's Underground
Now, pay attention—here's the main secret. Most tourists just visit "1000 Trees," snap a few photos, and leave. And they are totally missing out. Because just a 5-minute walk away lies one of the most authentic spots in all of Shanghai.
M50 Creative Park (50 Moganshan Road) is a former textile mill transformed into a massive art cluster. It’s home to dozens of galleries, artists' studios, design workshops, and cozy little coffee shops. Unlike glossy tourist traps, M50 has preserved the gritty spirit of old industrial Shanghai: gray concrete walls, rusty pipes, and worn-out staircases—all serving as a backdrop for vibrant contemporary art.
What to do there:
· Drop by open studios and watch artists work right in front of you.
· Hunt for street art on the walls—it changes constantly, making almost every corner a ready-made photo op.
· Sip coffee in tiny cafes overlooking the old factory buildings.
· Shop for unique items: from handmade ceramics to original art prints.
Admission to M50 is free. It’s recommended to set aside 2–3 hours, and that’s honestly the bare minimum because you'll want to linger in every single gallery.
· --
🌸 The Waterfront: Cherry Blossoms, Bridges, and Riverside Strolls
These two locations are connected by a lovely promenade along Suzhou Creek (Suzhouhe). You could easily walk here for hours.
In spring, cherry blossoms bloom along the water—it's not a massive spectacle like in the major parks, but it's very intimate and beautiful. The waterfront is dotted with small gardens, cozy benches, and well-paved walking paths.
Be sure to cross to the other side of the river via one of the bridges—that's where you'll find the absolute best view of "1000 Trees." It's especially magical at sunset when the building lights up, and its reflection dances on the water.
· --
🐛 Also Nearby — The Silk Museum (I haven't been yet, but saving it for later)
Just a stone's throw away (about a 10–15 minute walk from M50 or a quick bus ride) is the Shanghai Silk Museum. I didn't make it there myself—ran out of time—but I did my homework on it. The museum is housed in the historic building of a former silk factory. They explain silk production techniques, the history of the Silk Road, and showcase antique fabrics and costumes. Word is, admission is quite affordable, and there's a museum shop where you can buy genuine silk (not a tourist knock-off). If you have an extra hour to spare and a soft spot for the history of crafts, definitely keep it in mind.
· --
📌 Why It's Worth Your Time
Pros:
· Two major attractions within a 10-minute walk of each other.
· No crowds of tourists—the area is considered "off the beaten path."
· Free entry to the art district.
· Can be combined with a boat ride along Suzhou Creek (pier on Changhua Road).
· The Silk Museum is right along the way (just double-check their opening hours if you plan to visit).
How to get there:
Subway: Jiangning Road Station (Line 13). Step outside, and you're right in between M50 and Tian An Qian Shu.
How much time to allocate:
I’d suggest half a day. Arrive around lunchtime, kick things off at M50 (the galleries open at 10:00 AM), grab a bite at a cafe, take a stroll along the waterfront, and head over to "1000 Trees" by sunset. That way, you catch it glowing in the late afternoon sun and stay for the stunning night illumination. If you decide to add the Silk Museum, budget an extra hour to an hour and a half.
Pro tip: when exploring M50, don't hesitate to peek into inconspicuous courtyards and head up to the second floors. The most fascinating workshops are often tucked away out of plain sight.
· --
This neighborhood gave me a sense of a completely different Shanghai—not the postcard-perfect, chaotic one, but something genuinely authentic. A place where art breathes life into old factory floors, trees grow straight out of buildings, and cherry blossoms bloom for those willing to wander off the beaten tourist path.
Other visitors' reviews of M50 Creative Park
Show More ReviewsStrolling through M50 Creative Park, one is deeply attracted by the unique graffiti walls and old industrial buildings. The park is home to numerous art studios and galleries, photography studios, sculpture studios, and installation art studios, creating a rich artistic atmosphere. Every step reveals the collision of history and modernity, and the fusion of art and life.