Two months, I was two months late. After registering my stay at a public service bureau, I took a Didi (think Uber) to 80,000-ton Silo in Minsheng Wharf, which had been turned into a cultural / art space (check this site out for the photos).
However, the transformation was only temporary for the Shanghai Urban Space Art Season 2017. It ended in January 2018, and it was already March. 😓
More recently in October 2020, there was a light projection show staged at what was once the largest silo in Asia. You can see the video here.
80,000-ton Silo, once the largest silo in Asia
By mere chance, I stumbled across a ferry station next to the silo. I hopped onto a ferry without knowing where it was heading to.
It turned out to be a short ride across the Huangpu River, and I ended up at Oriental Fisherman’s Wharf (上海东方渔人码头) – the site of China’s first fish market.
There were plenty of people along the riverside as it was a Sunday as well as a heritage building, a cotton mill (now 怡和1915 café) built in 1915 by the British.
The sky in the photos look brownish because of air pollution. It was quite bad on one night that I saw dust particles falling down from the sky like snowflakes.
Waiting to get into a ferry
There were people fishing right next to the ferry dock
Shanghai Ferry with 80,000-ton Silo in the background
A happy face on board
On board Shanghai Ferry
Photo looks washed out because of air pollution
Huangpu riverside boardwalk
Popular spot among the locals during weekends
The commercial building was not fully opened when I was there
Surprised to see this as Star Wars is not hugely popular in China
This building used to be a cotton mill. It was built by the British in 1915
Continuing with the building repurposed into art space theme, my next destination was none other than Power Station of Art (上海当代艺术博物馆; literal translation: Shanghai Contemporary Art Museum) the first state-run contemporary art museum in Mainland China.
No prize for guessing it used to be a power station.
There, you’ll be greeted by a giant thermometer. It was 16 degree Celsius when I was there.
Entry is free except for special exhibitions. If your schedule permits, do drop by on Tuesday where everything is free for all visitors.
The building itself is worth the visit and offers many photo spots.
Power Station of Art
The buildings at what used to be a power station has been beautifully transformed into art spaces
Mural arts within vicinity of the art museum
The exhaust has been turned into a giant digital thermometer. It was 16 degree Celsius
Up close
The main hall of the museum
This is also where the ticketing counter is located. Tickets are only required for special exhibitions.
Huge corridor
The art museum’s store
This is a great place to chill and enjoy the scenic view of the Huangpu river
I wished it was blooming. Cherry blossom (sakura) spot next to the art museum.
Art workshop
The open deck offers great view of the nearby residential buildings
There are plenty of photo spots at the art museum
Japanese graphic designer Masayoshi Nakajo’s first-ever solo exhibition in China
IN & OUT Masayoshi Nakajo
Posters of past exhibitions
Address:
Power Station of Art 678 Miaojiang Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai, 200011.
Opening hours:
11:00 to 19:00 (Last admission on 18:00)
Closed on Tuesday except on National Holidays.
Tickets:
Entry is free except for special exhibitions.
Free for all visitors on every Tuesday.
Shanghai entries:
Part One: Canton 8
Part Two: Longhua temple and registering AirBnB stay
Part Three: Oriental Fisherman’s Wharf and Power Station of Art
The Credible Blogger 