Shanghai has transformed into a vibrant hub for selfie tourists, thanks to Shanghai-born cartoonist Gao Youjun, aka Tango, who has adorned Fangbang Middle Road with colorful cat murals of local felines, turning the historic city street into an open-air gallery.
Tango’s artistic contributions, which include around 30 feline cartoons showcased during the 2023 Bund Art Festival—an event celebrating both Chinese and international artworks—have further elevated the city’s reputation as a dynamic center for street art and cultural expression.
The feline images were enlarged to fit three-metre-tall walls, making them appear much larger than the people posing next to them. Tango said by doing so he hoped to let visitors experience “a cat’s perspective”.
The Old City was located on the banks of the Bund in the southeast of today’s Huangpu District. The feline murals were inspired by the stray cats of Shanghai, whom the artist encountered during a stroll through the historic Old City streets.
Tango revealed he was forced to use domesticated cats for photos because strays in the area were too difficult to photograph.
The cat murals of Shanghai beautifully embody the spirit of these resilient, elusive creatures, highlighting their deep connection to the city’s dynamic and colorful urban landscape, transforming public spaces into lively expressions of cultural identity and artistic creativity.
