Location & How to Get There

United Art Space sits in the heart of M50 Creative Park, a historic textile factory complex turned art hub in Shanghai’s Putuo District. The exact address is Building 3, Unit 107, No. 50 Mogan Shan Road—easy to find once you’re in the area. To reach it, take Metro Line 3 or 4 to Caoyang Road Station (曹杨路站), then walk about 10 minutes. You’ll spot the iconic red-brick factory buildings, which are a dead giveaway! If you’re coming by taxi, just tell the driver “M50 Luwei”—locals know it well.

What’s Inside: Art with Personality

This isn’t your average museum. United Art Space feels like stepping into an artist’s living room. The current exhibition, Hui Na’s Private Collection, packs a punch despite its compact size. Here’s the scoop: you’ll see works by big-name Chinese artists like Xu Bing (the guy who carved a giant phoenix in ice) and Cai Guo-Qiang (famous for those explosive fireworks drawings). But don’t miss the smaller names—artists like Liu Wei and Yang Xin Guang bring wild creativity, from quirky installations to mind-bending sculptures. Each piece tells a story, and none of them play it safe.

The Vibe: Old Shanghai Meets New Ideas

The space itself is part of the charm. Housed in a retro factory building, United Art Space keeps the raw industrial feel—think high ceilings, exposed beams, and sunlight streaming through old windows. It’s a cool contrast to the cutting-edge art inside. Wander through the galleries, and you’ll bump into both local art nerds and tourists snapping pics. Bonus: the courtyard outside has graffiti walls and mismatched furniture, perfect for a casual coffee break.

Practical Tips: Plan Your Visit

• Opening hours: Check online before you go (they sometimes close for private events).
• Tickets: Most exhibits are free, but special shows might cost a small fee.
• Photos: Go crazy! Just avoid flash for delicate artworks.
• Food: There’s a tiny café on-site for coffee and snacks, but the real fun is exploring the nearby M50 area for trendy restaurants and indie shops.

Why It’s Worth a Detour

Even if you’re short on time, United Art Space gives a deep dive into Shanghai’s art scene without the crowds. The curated collection feels personal, like the artists are having a chat with you through their work. And hey—how often do you get to say you saw a piece by Cai Guo-Qiang in a repurposed factory? Trust me, your Instagram followers will be jealous.

Pro tip: Visit on a weekday morning. The space is quieter, and the natural light makes the art pop even more.

(Keywords: United Art Space, M50 Creative Park, Xu Bing, Cai Guo-Qiang, Shanghai art, factory gallery, Hui Na collection, interactive art, graffiti courtyard, art café)