China’s art sector is probably one of the most dynamic in the world today, since Chinese artists are constantly reimagining the boundaries of art as they question their country’s role in the world.

These artistic works can be viewed in several popular art districts, key galleries and museums around China.

751D Park – Beijing

I had thought that a visit to Beijing would only comprise an itinerary to historical sites.

Therefore, this bustling contemporary art centre proved to be quite a surprise.

Having been transformed from an industrial plant into an artistic hub, 751D Park boasts an area of 40,000 square metres and is now a renowned area for art lovers.

Its distinguished, Bauhaus-style architecture blends harmoniously with the place’s new character which now houses many art galleries, bookshops, cafes and restaurants.

Although I am not an avid art enthusiast, a stroll around the various shops and art exhibitions of this park served as a portal to see another facet of China and its culture.

Each outlet provided an opportunity to discover and buy works of unusual styles, original designs and ultimate creativity.

I was particularly captivated by Liu Fei’s artistic exhibition An Enchanting War.

The artist described his sharp creations as his contemplation of future wars.

Through them, he attempted to engage in social and political life in order to express his distaste and criticism on war.

His main theme examined whether future warfare would be a performance of pretences. In his strong and bizarre artworks, there was no boundary between beauty and ugliness, and violence and contention were combined cruelly.

The National Art Museum of China – Beijing

The National Art Museum of China is dedicated to collection, research and exhibitions of modern and contemporary artistic works in China.

Although this structure started to be constructed in 1958 and was open to the public in 1963, its architecture copies the traditional Chinese style as the main building is roofed with yellow glazed tiles and surrounded by corridors and pavilions.

50 Moganshan Road, a former textile mill in central Shanghai, is popularly known as M50 art district

This museum covers an area of more than 18,000 square metres and it includes 17 exhibition halls throughout its five storeys.

It prides itself with more than 100,000 pieces of various collections, most of which are representative works of different periods and great artworks of Chinese art masters from the end of the 19th century until today.

Since its establishment, this national museum has organised thousands of artistic exhibitions reflecting the development of Chinese art.

These activities have attracted millions of visitors each year.

During my visit, among its selection of expositions, this museum was holding an exhibition named Beautiful China: Call of Humanism, which entailed the First National Fine Art Exhibition to help the disabled.

The collection of 200 pieces of artworks included masterpieces of top artists of the contemporary art world, as well as works of disabled calligraphers and painters.

Funds from the sales of these artworks were collected to assist the needs of thousands of disabled Chinese people.

M50 – Shanghai

50 Moganshan Road or M50 art district as it is popularly known, was a former textile mill in central Shanghai that was converted into art galleries and exhibition spaces.

This quarter started to become popular with artists in the year 2000 when the first individuals were initially attracted by the cheap rent of the disused industrial space.

Soon, other artists followed suit and nowadays this complex has become known for its trendy and high art quality.

Art lovers who visit this place get a chance to enjoy and purchase some fantastic and unusual works directly from the artists.

The allure of this zone lies in the variety of displayed works using several mediums.

Prices range from affordable to really expensive but one is expected to negotiate.

Popular with both local and international visitors, this art quarter is unpretentious but interesting and often thought provoking.

Among the wide selection of creations, it is engaging to notice also some works of a rebellious nature ­– unexpected in a traditionally subdued country.