When you think of an art district, the first things that might come to mind are galleries, sculptures, and exhibitions. But these days, creative hubs are evolving, with artists and entrepreneurs venturing into new territories.
No longer confined to traditional art spaces, they’re embracing “slash careers” — a lifestyle involving multiple professions and identities — blending different fields and experimenting with bold new ideas.
Take M50 Creative Park in Putuo District, for example. As one of Shanghai’s first creative art zones, it’s seen a wave of cross-disciplinary innovation. Restaurants have launched bakeries, and businesses have expanded their offerings, transforming their spaces with artistic installations and fresh concepts.
One standout is a new shop that opened in June, inspired by the ancient Chinese tradition of "Qushui Liushang" (曲水流觞). This tradition, originating from ancient Han Chinese customs, evolved into a refined practice among scholars and poets. It involves placing wine cups in the upper reaches of a flowing stream. As the cups float downstream, whoever's cup stops in front of must drink from it, symbolizing the removal of misfortune and disaster.
This tea-tasting experience draws inspiration from the "floating cups along winding streams" tradition described in Wang Xizhi’s "Preface to the Orchid Pavilion Collection."
This space isn’t just a teahouse; it’s a full-blown experience that, within 2 months of opening, has skyrocketed to the top of Shanghai’s most popular teahouse rankings.
Step inside "Qushui," and you’re immediately immersed in the soothing sounds of traditional Chinese music, reminiscent of mountain streams.
The teahouse features a winding water channel where small boats carry cups of white, green, and black tea. Guests can pick up a cup, inhale the aroma, and savor the rich flavors. There’s even the option to don traditional Chinese attire and play the guqin, recreating the elegant and poetic atmosphere of ancient scholars who found inspiration in nature.
“I was amazed because this is so different from Spanish culture. Here, I experienced completely different food and tea, and the experience was incredible,” said Luis, a Spanish tourist who came to the teahouse after hearing about it, marveling at the fusion of Chinese culture with tea.
The teahouse is run by 90s-born entrepreneur Zhao Wenxi, a "slashie" who, in her spare time, studies acting and psychological therapy, participates in independent films, and creates improv comedy. She and her mother have been running a pearl jewelry shop in M50 Creative Park for 5 years.
“One day, while 3D printing jewelry models, I realized that the technology could be used for larger installations. My mother and I both love Chinese culture, so we decided to bring the concept of ‘floating cups along winding streams’ to life,” Zhao explained.
In the teahouse and jewelry shop, tradition and modernity seamlessly blend and transform. This unique idea has created a “chemical reaction” that has benefited both brands. “The two shops draw customers to each other, and in the past 2 months, our sales have increased by 10% to 15% month-over-month,” Zhao said.
In fact, M50 Creative Park has undergone multiple transformations over its more than 20 years of development. It’s not uncommon for artists in the park to open second shops, using innovative approaches to meet the diverse and changing needs of collectors and the public. For instance, some businesses operate as galleries by day and turn into social spaces at night, while a furniture design shop has been converted into a place for relaxation.
“I’ve noticed a big uptick in visitors lately. M50 used to be a niche spot for artists, but now it’s attracting tourists from all over, especially during holidays. This change has really enhanced the artistic vibe of the park,” said Ms. He from ShanghART, a prominent gallery in the area.
