Shanghai Art Fair Relocates to a Vibrant Neighborhood

Historic Jing'an Li is hosting the 2026 Shanghai Art Fair (AArt).

Founded in 2012 as a groundbreaking hotel-style art fair, AArt has promoted the connection between art and everyday life. After 14 editions, it is now diverging from an increasingly uniform landscape by relocating to a vibrant neighborhood.

This year, AArt brings together Chinese, Japanese, Malaysian, Singaporean, French, and US galleries, brands, and institutions. Their paintings, sculptures, photography, and installations will be in a century-old shikumen.

Tongle Li (同乐里), the main venue for the 2026 Shanghai Art Fair (AArt), was constructed in 1905. Its grey brick arches, three-story colonnades, and Corinthian columns exemplify the elegance of the Queen Anne Revival style.

This area is rich in historical significance, having once been owned by industrialist Yu Qiaqing (1867-1945). Additionally, the nearby residence of Tang Shaoyi (1862-1938), a prominent political figure from the Republican era, adds to the site's historical depth.

Caption: Tang Shaoyi's former residence (East Building), 2026

AArt moves beyond conventional white cube spaces by integrating art into real living environments. The "Galleries" section features artworks displayed in the living rooms, hallways, and courtyards of meticulously restored old houses.

The "Emerging Talents" section, curated under the theme "Dwelling: My Spiritual Vessel," examines how young individuals establish order and a sense of safety in small spaces through thoughtful arrangement, effective storage, and strategic lighting.

This exhibition emphasizes that art encompasses not only grand narratives but also the subtle yet significant ways we organize our daily surroundings.

Throughout the art season, weekend salons will address topics such as art collecting, Haipai culture, public art and community building, and cross-sector collaboration.