50 Moganshan, Shanghai’s Art District

Less than 10 years old, 50 Moganshan Road, or M50 as it’s often referred to, is nothing if not modern. An old warehouse district from the 1930s, the buildings at 50 Moganshan Rd. once housed factories that made silk and calico. Up until 2000, when Shanghai art legend Xue Song moved his workroom into one of the restored spaces there, 50 Moganshan was essentially dead.

Shanghai’s Art District

Now, looking toward its 10-year anniversary, 50 Moganshan is the hottest art district in Shanghai, rivaled only by Beijing’s 798 as the center of Chinese modern art. More than 130 artists, filmmakers, architects and graphic design firms now inundate the area, and a visit to this Chinese art mecca means checking out some of the most avant-garde paintings and artistic works going on in the Middle Kingdom today.

There is enough art at 50 Moganshan to keep you busy for an entire day. The whole place is a maze of workshops, galleries and studios in a series of numbered buildings and art centers along the Suzhou Creek. Some of the galleries are run by foreign expats, such as the celebrated ShanghART (Buildings 16 & 18), which is run by Swiss native Lorenz Helbling. It is one of the oldest art spaces in the district.

The pioneer gallery at 50 Moganshan is Eastlink (Building 6), which continues to play a pivotal role in the development of Shanghai’s art scene. Eastlink is run by Australian-Chinese artist Li Liang and, over the years, has housed some of the most controversial exhibitions on the scene.

Building 7 houses both the gallery and studio of elegant photographer Jin Xuanmin, as well as the main offices for BizArt, a non-profit foundation that promotes the work of young artists and supports new media and experimental installations. Art Scene Warehouse in Building 4 has a massive, white gallery space with an ultra modern feel. They present all types of events and exhibitions from both established and emerging artists and, since 2005, they have put on the Dragon Air Emerging Chinese Artist Awards to showcase rising Chinese talents.

There are far too many galleries to name in 50 Moganshan. The best way to discover them all is by exploration. A useful map in the central courtyard of the district notes the names and locations of every gallery and provides a solid jumping off point for delving into the area.

After a day of art-hunting and culture-immersion, head on towards The Cool Docks, your very first stop for a luxuriant taste of Shanghai’s soft, romantic side.

Shopping at Moganshan

Shopping is downplayed at 50 Moganshan, unless you’re intent on buying original pieces from the artists themselves. There are, however, a few shops and clothing stores, mostly owned and run by fresh young Shanghai fashion designers. Most notable are the artful designs of Shirtflag and its sister shop, Hi Panda. Shirtflag takes its inspiration from Chinese culture and history in making “revolutionary” designs that feature some of the more memorable icons from China’s history, including images of weapons, revolutionary slogans and Mao himself. Hi Panda does the same thing with China’s beloved national animal, the panda bear. Both shops produce Shanghai street wear with a focus on youth fashion that embraces jeans, t-shirts and funky accessories.

Another hidden gem at 50 Moganshan is Cinemoda, a quaint little shop tucked away near Aomen Lu. Their brightly colored dresses and sweet, feminine designs make them a favorite with Shanghai’s young female set.

Shanghai’s “new heaven and earth”, hip modern Xintiandi, is a hotspot of entertainment, shopping and nightlife that really lives up to it’s name.

Restaurants and Cafes

A few cafes and teahouses are scattered around M50, although it is neither the quaint outdoor café district of Taikang Lu nor the culinary hotbed of Xintiandi. Really, people come here for the art. That said, if you are hankering for a sit down or just need a nice bite, there are a couple of good options (after all, the artists have to eat, don’t they?).

Bandu Music Café is a great place to grab a cup of coffee and explore the world of Chinese folk music. They have an extensive selection of CDs by local and national artists, and usually host live performances on weekend evenings. Located in M50’s Building 11, during the day Bandu is a quiet and cozy spot.

Another enjoyable option is the ambient Traveled Coffee & Tea, located in Building 1. This chic coffeeshop uses a modern Asian design element, with interesting basket light fixtures and photographs by local artists decorating the dark wooden walls. Pebbled floors, an interior gazebo and a floor-to-ceiling glass wall give the whole place a very airy feel.

Getting There

50 Moganshan is not an easy place to reach. There is no direct subway service to the area, so you have to rely on buses, taxis or your feet. Use Line 1 to Shanghai Railway Station and take Exit 5. Walk out of the station and down to Tianmu Xi Rd., go right (west), cross the bridge and go right again onto Xisuzhou Rd., which intersects with Moganshan Lu. The whole affair will probably take close to an hour, so a taxi from Shanghai Railway Station might be a better idea. Otherwise, buses 76/105 to Changhua Road or 19/68/112 to Jiangning Road will get you in the near vicinity.

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Lost Paradise

Singapore Shopping Hotspots

Though small in size, Singapore has so much more to offer than meets the eye. Its gregarious round-the-clock city life is a vibrant hub for endless eating, shopping and nightlife. For shopaholics in the region, Singapore is no foreign land. Orchard Road is a favorite amongst locals and foreigners alike with a plethora of shops catering to all markets. The CBD area also bustles with its mega malls, restaurants and cafes such as the Suntec City and Marina Square. Unearthing Asia uncovers the latest shopping hotspots as well as various hideouts providing a shopping experience that is uniquely Singapore.

Photo credit - Kojach

313@Somerset

Since opening its doors in November last year, this 8-storey mall has garnered immense popularity amongst the locals, especially with retail favorites such as Forever 21, Zara and Cotton On fronting its front door façade. Four levels of Forever 21 and three levels of Zara flagship stores have set the ladies, ballistic with their wild selection of fashion wear. Uni-Qlo from Japan and popular music store HMV has also sets up base here, alongside popular brands such as Esprit, Mango and Lacoste. Located just above the Somerset MRT station, 313@Somerset also hosts three basement levels of restaurants, snack bars and eateries, offering gourmet selections that satisfy varying palates. Right beside 313@Somerset, Orchard Central is another new addition to the line-up. The mall is Singapore’s tallest vertical mall, catering to the stylish shopper with their European branded labels, from bsc Lingerie to DZ bags. The store-front facade lights up at night, a scene unto itself that is sure to draw in the crowds.

Courtesy of STB Digital Library

Orchard Ion

Bursting into the scene with its vibrant architecture that added a fresh glitz and glam to Singapore’s shopping belt, Orchard ION has hit the headline with its upscale retail concept, featuring 15 flagship stores of prestigious brands such as Giorgio Armani, Prada, Louis Vuitton, Dior, Dolce & Gabbana, and Cartier. The mall has reinvented the shopping space along Orchard Road linking two other malls Wisma Atria and Wheelock Place, and thus, creating an underground shopping paradise amidst the glitz and glamour of Orchard Road. Beyond the surface, venture four levels down and the last basement is an abyss of gourmet treats, much to the delight of local foodies. The rest of the basement levels are filled with middle to high range brands with a concept stores such as Kikki K, which offers designers stationery and gifts from Sweden making their debut in Singapore.

Courtesy of STB Digital Library

Vivocity

Vivocity came to life as Singapore’s largest retail mall offering a holistic lifestyle experience. Armed with the largest cinema multiplex, a roof top amphitheatre, a water feature and the gateway into Sentosa Island, Vivocity is a melting pot of lifestyle entertainment, retail and international gourmet. The first Gap store in Southeast Asia opened doors at Vivocity, alongside other European brands such as Club Marc and River Island. Families with young children spend their weekends on the rooftop of the mall splashing away at the water feature, while the mono-railway station Sentosa Express is packed with beach-lovers heading to spend the day out in the sun.

Photo credit - stevensimbox

Haji Lane

Moving away from the limelight of Orchard Road, Haji Lane draws you away from the frenzy of cosmopolitan shopping into a secluded little haven where local hipsters and fashionistas gather. Homegrown designer brands and artworks are strewn along a one-way lane with linear shophouses facing each other, all of which, houses designs unique to start-up designers. Very often, this is the place of inspiration for non-conformists and the ideal shopping strip for those looking for individuality and style. With more than 20 shops for you to browse and explore, you’ll be sure to find some treasures at this favorite haunt of local art students and young creative types. Haji Lane brings you back in time to olden days Singapore, offering a quaint shopping experience with its nostalgic set up. Many wedding couples find this spot perfect for their wedding shoots too.

Photo credit - William Cho

Ann Siang Rd & Club St

If you’re keen on the latest trends in fashion, don’t miss out on Ann Siang Road and Club Street. This little haunt tucked away deep inside the Chinatown area is host to various local brands, such as Asylum and Style:Nordic. From the outside, you’ll note the exotic pre-war shop-houses preserved to retain the oriental charm of old. But take a step into the shops and you’ll find yourself in boutiques offering the best of local creations and designs. The shopping experience here is chic and adventurous, blending traditional Chinese heritage with contemporary offerings.

Photo credit - nlann

Bugis Village

Bugis is known for massive human flow and endless traffic jostling through the vicinity. Adding to the buzz and vivacity is Bugis Village, a bargaining haven for both local and tourists alike. With hundreds of stalls laced along the shophouses selling clothes, CDs, watches, bags and accessories, Bugis Village is Singapore’s number one shopping bazzar where you can find cheap and affordable products. The stalls are narrowly placed apart, bringing you a squishy, yet enlivening shopping experience. This is the essence of Bugis Village – a noisy, bustling environment for shoppers to haggle for the best prices. Not far away from Bugis Village is Iluma, a newly opened 10-storey shopping mall that focuses on not just retail shopping experience, but also the performing arts and entertainment.

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A Guide to Shopping in Phnom Penh

Believe it or not, the Cambodian Capital of Phnom Penh is a shopper’s paradise. From amazingly good quality housewares to cheap clothing, tourists can get good deals and mingle with the locals at the same time. The markets in the city are slightly less touristic than those in the temple town of Siem Reap, meaning big bargains and a more authentic experience for those travelers willing to brave the aisles.

A Word about Currency

Cambodia uses the US Dollar as its main currency (unofficially), with the local currency Riel used for amounts under one dollar. Most vendors will have change if you need it, although I would suggest not bringing huge bills, especially when some stalls might not have seen many sales that day.

Unique hand-crafted items for your perusal. Photo credit - Jayray24.

What to Buy

It will be quickly obvious what items are the hot sellers, but in case you want to do some pre-planning, add these items to your shopping list:

Statues and incense holders. Photo credit - Jayray24.

Phnom Penh. Photo credit - Andy Hayes.

Russian Market

The Russian Market, just outside the center of town, is a tourist hot-spot and even though definitely on the beaten path it is still a must-see. The market is named for the many Russian migrants who live here during the 80s. The market is massive and is the best place in the city for souvenir shopping. It also has the most housewares stalls if that is at the top of your shopping list.

Phnom Penh. Photo credit - Andy Hayes.

Central Market

Closer to Sisowath Quay and the heart of the city, the Central Market is a sprawling complex filled with row after row of merchandise. You’ll feel a bit of sensory overload as you work out where you’ve already been and which direction to go next. This market caters more to locals, as you’ll find kitchen utensils and appliances, lots of clothes, and bathroom products. Underneath the central, domed structure is a bustling jewelry area. Even if you’re not interested in the shopping, go just for the atmosphere.

A Word about Haggling

Just so you know, be prepared to haggle in Phnom Penh – the locals will expect it, and as in places like Hong Kong, they even enjoy it. You might feel a bit foolish – after all the prices here are earth-shatteringly low – but just go with the flow and play along.

Don’t engage in haggling unless you are really interested in the item. Have a final price in mind before you start, and work your way up. Although the Cambodians speak quite good English in most cases, some will haggle via calculator – if you don’t like their price, clear the number and type in a response.

For purchasing items like antiques with higher price tags, you can still expect a pretty big discount. Souvenirs and clothes are “dirt cheap”, as they say, but be sure to get something knocked off – that’s all part of the experience.

Bargains to Unearth at Seminyak Fashion Street

Los Angeles has the Rodeo Drive, New York has Madison Avenue and Milan has Via Montenopoleone. When it comes to shopping in Bali however, there is only one place for fashionable trendsetting locals who knows not to judge a book by its cover – Seminyak.

If you can get past the gaping holes in the sidewalk, and there really is no alternative, you can unearth some fashionable treasures along this street.

Many of the designers sell their wares for much higher prices in fashionable cities around the world. In between, along the disabled footpaths, you may also find some rough diamonds that may just be the perfect gift you’ve been looking for that special someone. All part of the fun and games here in Seminyak.

Here are but a taste of the few highlights you can find along Seminyak: