Art walks: Tourist chic at The Bund

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With cocktail bars aplenty and some stunning scenes along the way, this tour makes the perfect tourist trail to show off Shanghai’s Art Deco architecture, or impress a date with your cultural know-how.

Art+ Shanghai Gallery

Art+Shanghai

An elegant art space, Art+ Shanghai showcases the works of emerging and established Chinese contemporary artists. Welcoming owners Agnes Cohade and Ana Gonzalez are always on hand to tell you a thing or two about the art before leaving you to peruse the works at your leisure.

Art+ Shanghai is at 191 Suzhou Nan Lu, near Sichuan Bei Lu, Huangpu district.

Rockbund Art Museum

RAM has gained a name for itself for all things weird and wonderful, regularly exhibiting innovative works from some of China’s biggest contemporary artists as well as international shows. The venue itself is also interesting. Situated in the historic Royal Asiatic Society building, the space retains the Art Deco style of its original 1930’s design – despite renovation by architect David Chipperfield in 2007. Visit the terrace café on the top floor; the coffee is basic and served in a paper cup, but the view of the Bund is not to be missed.

Rockbund Art Museum is at 20 Huqiu Lu, near Beijing Dong Lu, Huangpu district.

Art Deco Delights

On the way to your next stop, you’ll walk past some outstanding Art Deco hotels, bars and architectural structures lining the Huangpu. The Fairmont Peace Hotel (20 Nanjing Dong Lu) is a Bund-side treasure and classic Shanghai landmark; painstakingly restored between 2007 and 2010, it still oozes Art Deco glamour. If you want a break, stop here for the legendary Jazz Bar, where Shanghai’s oldest jazz band play every night from 6.30pm, to check out the incredible interiors, and enjoy some classic tunes (if you can nab a table).

Shanghai Gallery of Art

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Housed on the third floor of Three on the Bund, Shanghai Gallery of Art is a 1,000sqm exhibition space, with high ceilings and brushed concrete walls that offer a sophisticated industrial feel. The gallery is free, and regularly displays prominent works from international and local artists.

Shanghai Gallery of Art is at 3 Zhongshan Dong Yi Lu, near Guangdong Lu, Huangpu district.

Fancy food and incredible views

If you’re in need of a little pick me up, you’re in luck. Originally built in 1916, Three on the Bund was restored in the year 2000 by acclaimed architect Michael Groves, and it is a beaut. It also houses some truly great restaurants. Treat yourself to something to eat at Chef Paul Pairet’s (of Ultraviolet, Mr & Mrs Bund) new carvery concept with UNÏCO, The Chop Chop Club on the second floor.

SNAP

SNAP is a non-profit art space run by local artist Hu Renyi. Technically owned by the New York School of Visual Arts to showcase the works of alumni students, Renyi now largely does his own thing and we totally dig it. The artist often invites a load of his friends from the scene to showcase eccentric works, making it the perfect spot to delve into the world of Chinese contemporary art.

SNAP is at Room 901, 33 Sichuan Zhong Lu, near Guangdong Lu, Huangpu district.

Spicy eats and bargain beers

Still hungry? On the same floor, stumble across the stairs, and you’ll find yourself at the second branch of popular Hunanese restaurant Spicy Moment. The food is on point, the beers are cheap, and the setting is relaxed but refined.