November is always the biggest month for art in Shanghai, and the stars of the Shanghai art scene align again this week, with the cities' two major art fairs - West Bund Art & Design and Art021 - returning on the same weekend, and the launch of the Shanghai Biennale, and too many gallery openings happening across the city.

So yeah, you will see lots of people posing in front of paintings showing up on your WeChat moments this weekend.

Here's what's happening:

The 14th Shanghai Biennale will open its doors this weekend for a five-month stint at the lofty riverside Power Station of Art. This year's theme, "Cosmos Cinema," investigates the complex relationship between the cosmos and human existence, and in which ways the universe inspires and restricts human endeavors. Cosmos Cinema will include works by more than 80 artists working in China and around the world, dating from the early twentieth century to the present. Head down there anytime before March 31 next year to see what it is about.

More information at their website, unfortunately that "Artists and Artworks" section doesn't seem to be ready yet 3 days before the opening.

• Time: From Nov 9,2023 until Mar 31, 2024
• Venue: Power Station of Art
• Price: 60rmb

West Bund Art & Design returns with the largest edition in their 10-year run, featuring 171 exhibitors across two major sections and nearly 10,000 works of art. They got some pretty prestigious galleries from abroad and, of course, the top galleries from China, with 54 galleries participating for the first time. Tickets aren't cheap for such a commercial event, 200rmb to get in. Click here for pictures of last year's edition.

• Time: From Nov 9 until Nov 12 ,12pm-6pm
• Venue: West Bund Art Center
• Price: 200rmb, for tickets, scan the QR code her in this listing.

Shanghai's other big contemporary art fair, ART021 (named after the Shanghai area code) returns for it's 10th edition at the Shanghai Exhibition Center. Slick, smart and polished, ART021 has won the hearts of galleries and plenty of mostly local collectors over the years. But if buying's not your bag, there are still lots to see here. This year brings together 150 top galleries from 16 regions and countries, representing 34 cities and exhibiting close to 10,000 pieces of modern and contemporary art. The artworks on display cover a range of mediums, such as paintings, sculptures, installations, videos, and collectibles.

• Time: From Nov 9 until Nov 12, 11am-6pm
• Venue: Shanghai Exhibition Centre
• Price: 50-100rmb. For tickets, scan the QR code in this listing.

Shanghai's favorite (only?) art district, M50, hosts the "M50 Shanghai Contemporary Art Week" since yesterday under the theme "MORE". It aims to "provide a vibrant platform for artists, designers, collectors, and art aficionados from both local and global communities". They say they gathered 38 galleries and art institutions to exhibit "the rich diversity of contemporary art and Shanghai's cultural landscape". Over thirty exhibitions are being presented, offering a novel visual art experience to both audiences and collectors.

• Time: From Nov 7 until Nov 15, 10am-6:30pm
• Venue: M50 Art District
• Price: Free entrance

Established in 2015, the Shanghai Youth Art Fair is committed to nurturing and supporting emerging Chinese artists. This initiative aims to enhance professionalism and market appeal, as well as to broaden its outreach, thereby offering a wider range of services to young Chinese artists.

• Time: From Nov 3until Nov 19 ,9:30am-4:30pm
• Venue: Shanghai Haipai Art Museum
• Price: Free entrance