West Bund Art & Design 2025 emerges as a cornerstone of Asia's contemporary art scene, showcasing an impressive array of modern artworks and design pieces from around the world . Held in the culturally vibrant West Bund district along the Huangpu River, this 12th edition continues to elevate Shanghai's status as a global art destination. With over 120 galleries from more than 45 cities across 1 countries participating, the fair offers a diverse platform for established and emerging talents to connect with collectors and enthusiasts . Visitors can immerse themselves in sections like Galleries for blue-chip works, xo for young galleries, Video for moving images, Dream for large-scale installations, and Design for innovative furniture and objects. The event coincides with Shanghai Art Week, amplifying the city's artistic energy through concurrent exhibitions and events at nearby museums and galleries. Founded on the principles of cultural exchange, the fair fosters dialogues between Eastern and Western art practices, highlighting innovative curatorial approaches. Expect robust sales, thought-provoking talks, and site-specific projects that transform the venue into a living artwork. This year's focus on sustainability and digital art adds a contemporary edge, drawing over 50,000 attendees annually .
Quick Facts
- Dates: November 13?16, 2025, with VIP preview on November 13 .
- Location: West Bund Art Center, 2555 Longteng Avenue, Xuhui District, Shanghai, China .
- Organizer: Shanghai West Bund Development (Group) Co., Ltd., in collaboration with leading partners.
- Founded: 2014, marking its rise as a key Asian art fair.
- Visitor Numbers (from 2024): Over 50,000 attendees, reflecting global appeal.
- Presented By: Lead partners UBS, Dior, and BMW, enhancing prestige.
Highlights
- Gallery Sections: Explore blue-chip presentations in Galleries, emerging talents in xo, and innovative designs in the Design sector .
- Special Programs: Engage with xian chang for site-specific installations curated in collaboration with ArtReview Asia.
- Video and Dream Sectors: Discover experimental films and large-scale dreamlike artworks that push creative boundaries.
- Talks and Events: Attend panels with international curators discussing art market trends and cultural exchanges .
- Cultural Corridor: Benefit from proximity to institutions like the Long Museum and Yuz Museum for extended art experiences.
- Sales and Acquisitions: Witness multimillion-dollar deals, with strong interest from Asian collectors .
Organizer
- Shanghai West Bund Development (Group) Co., Ltd. orchestrates the fair, leveraging its role in transforming the district into a cultural hub .
- Founded to promote art and design, the organizer collaborates with global partners like UBS and ArtReview Asia for enhanced programming.
- The team includes experienced curators who select galleries through a rigorous application process.
- Committed to sustainability, the organizer integrates eco-friendly practices into the event's operations.
What to Attend
- Main Galleries: View masterpieces from international heavyweights and local innovators .
- xo Sector: Discover fresh perspectives from galleries under seven years old.
- Video Program: Watch cutting-edge moving image works in dedicated screening areas .
- Dream Installations: Interact with immersive, large-scale pieces that redefine space.
- Design Pavilion: Explore functional art and contemporary furniture designs.
- Talks Series: Join conversations on topics like digital art and global collecting .
Ticket Information
- General Admission: Approximately RMB 150 for single-day entry, available online or on-site .
- VIP Passes: RMB 500-1000 for preview access and exclusive perks, limited availability.
- Concessions: Discounts for students and seniors at RMB 100, with free entry for children under 12.
- Multi-Day Tickets: RMB 300 for unlimited access throughout the fair.
- Online Purchase: Book via the official website for fast-track entry and promotions.
- Group Rates: Special deals for groups of 10, inquire via email .
Getting There
- Location: Nestled in the West Bund Cultural Corridor at 2555 Longteng Avenue, offering scenic views of the Huangpu River .
- By Metro: Take Line 11 to Longyao Road Station, then a short 10-minute walk to the venue.
- Alternative Metro: From downtown, transfer at Jiangsu Road Station to Line 11 for a quick 20-minute ride.
- By Bus: Routes 55, 111, or 144 stop near Longteng Avenue, with frequent service from central Shanghai.
- By Taxi or Ride-Hailing: Use Didi app for a direct drop-off, costing RMB 50-100 from Pudong Airport.
- From Pudong International Airport: Take the Maglev to Longyang Road, then metro Line 7 to Line 11, totaling 45 minutes.
- By Car: Drive via Lupu Bridge, with on-site parking at RMB 20 per hour, limited spots available.
- Parking Tips: Arrive early or use nearby public lots; download the venue app for real-time updates.
- Accessibility: Fully equipped with ramps, elevators, and shuttle services for visitors with disabilities .
- Eco-Friendly Travel: Opt for bike-sharing from stations like Yunjin Road for a green approach.
History
- West Bund Art & Design launched in 2014 as part of Shanghai's initiative to revitalize the former industrial West Bund area .
- The inaugural edition featured 17 galleries, attracting 10,000 visitors and setting the stage for growth.
- By 2015, the fair expanded to include international participants, coinciding with the opening of key museums.
- In 2016, collaboration with ArtReview Asia introduced the xian chang section, boosting site-specific art.
- The 2017 edition saw over 50 galleries, with sales exceeding expectations amid China's art boom.
- Post-201 , the fair incorporated design elements, broadening its appeal to include furniture and objects.
- During 2020-2021, hybrid formats adapted to global challenges, maintaining momentum virtually.
- The 2022 ninth edition hosted 100 galleries, solidifying its role in Asia's art calendar.
- In 2023, emphasis on emerging artists through xo sector drew younger collectors.
- The 2024 eleventh edition reported strong sales despite economic headwinds, with 121 galleries.
- Over the years, it has fostered the West Bund Cultural Corridor, home to 20 institutions.
- The fair's evolution reflects Shanghai's ambition to become Asia's art capital .
- Partnerships with global brands like UBS have elevated its international profile.
- Annual 'Art 24 Hours' events extend engagement beyond the fair dates.
Mission
- West Bund Art & Design's mission is to create a premier platform for showcasing high-quality contemporary art and design in Asia .
- It seeks to bridge international and local galleries, fostering cultural exchanges and market growth.
- By promoting the concept of ?Enjoying Life with Art and Design,? it integrates art into everyday experiences.
- The fair aims to strengthen Shanghai's position as a global art hub through innovative programming.
- Committed to diversity, it highlights underrepresented voices from Asia and beyond.
- Through collaborations, it builds lasting networks among artists, collectors, and institutions .
Tips for Visitors
- Arrive during preview hours for first access to artworks and fewer crowds .
- Wear comfortable shoes to navigate the expansive halls and outdoor areas.
- Download the fair app for interactive maps and event schedules.
- Book tickets in advance to secure discounts and avoid lines.
- Stay hydrated with on-site cafes featuring local Shanghai treats.
- Engage with gallery representatives for in-depth artwork insights.
- Start in the xo sector for discovering new talents early.
- Take photos respectfully, following no-flash guidelines.
- Plan a full day to include nearby museum visits.
- Use public transport to ease traffic and parking hassles .
- If collecting, bring business cards for follow-up connections.
- Check weather for November's cool temps and pack layers.
- Join guided tours for curated highlights and expert commentary.
- Network at evening events for memorable art world encounters.
- Follow the fair on social media for real-time updates .
