Rural art museum in Shanghai a draw for weekend getaways

A rural art museum is becoming a popular weekend getaway for city dwellers. 

Ke Art Museum sits in Liantang town, Qingpu district, about one hour's drive from downtown Shanghai. Its establishment is meant to expose visitors to the "art with rural charm", according to Li Xiaoshan, curator of the museum. 

The museum was built to modern standards. Its architecture style resembles courtyards typical of those found in the region south of the Yangtze River. It covers an area of just below 1 hectare, with more than 1,200 square meters of exhibition space. Each ticket costs 20 yuan ($2.9). 

In the exhibition area, visitors can appreciate art that mostly reflects local culture and rural life. 

The museum hosts eight to 10 exhibitions a year and invites young artists and local farmers to engage in art creation. 

In August 2019, the museum and its surroundings were upgraded. Exquisite sculptures have been installed to enhance the museum environment. Pedestrian lanes have been paved, and hundreds of peach trees were planted in an orchard next to the museum. 

The museum has played a positive role in boosting rural tourism, improving the local environment and popularizing art, according to the local government.