China’s most populous city, Shanghai, is a hive of bustling excitement and entertainment. The sheer choice of things to see and do could easily run your wallet dry, but you don’t always need to splash the cash to experience the best Shanghai has to offer, as our list proves.
Power Station of Art
In what was formerly the Nanshi Power Station, now lays the very first museum of contemporary art on mainland China. The celebrated PSA, as the locals refer to it as, takes centre stage along the Huangpu River, with the imposing ‘production centre for art’ housing 12 huge exhibition halls featuring an array of cross-disciplinary exhibitions from an array of international artists.
Kuaizi Chopsticks Museum
One of the smallest museums in Shanghai, the Kuaizi Museum is the passion of owner Lan Xiang. Over the years he has amassed a collection of thousands of chopsticks, including a pair from as far back as the Tang Dynasty (618-907AD). If you can master the local dialect, Lan Xiang will tell you the entirety of his amazing story.
Qibao Ancient Town
One of the only free water-towns near Shanghai, Qibao’s history dates back a thousand years. Built in the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1126), the town grew into an economic centre during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. The ancient architecture and watercourses are absolutely stunning, and accompanied by plenty of traditional shops and food stalls for visitors to sample a slice of authentic old school China. There are small fees to visit certain individual sites and temples.
OV Gallery
The rebellious OV Gallery has had pieces censored and exhibitions shut down for its controversial approach. Giving centre stage to emerging Chinese artists, the gallery hosts everything from the wonderful to the very weird. Accompanying artwork are workshops, cultural tours and talks, all for the bargain price of absolutely nothing.
Feature image © Liufuyu/iStock/Thinkstock
Words by Lance van Dijk
Written by insider city guide series Hg2 | A Hedonist’s guide to… whose guides cover all the best hotels, restaurants, bars, clubs, sights, shops and spas.
