The term jiangnan not only refers to the southern region in the lower reaches of the Yangtze River that, since ancient times, has been a booming center of economy and culture. It is also used by intellectuals and artists as a synonym of a serene hub, a spiritual haven.

Cheng Guan and Wo You, two exhibitions now ongoing at the Yunjian Arts Center, in Songjiang district of Shanghai, examine the history and cultural tradition of Jiangnan, as well as the complicated metropolitan life and social mentalities.

The exhibitions have gathered the works of artists and designers, of varying generations, to show the differences in how they paraphrase history in work and depict modernism.

The exhibitions run until March 27.